Admin

Apricot’s Brief Window — Don’t Miss the July Sweet Spot

Of all the stone fruits that move through wholesale markets in summer, apricots have the shortest season, and arguably the highest stakes. The domestic crop runs only a few weeks; July sits at the heart of it, and once the window closes, fresh apricots are largely gone until next year.

For wholesale buyers, retailers, and restaurants across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, July is the month to make apricots count. At E. Armata Inc., based at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, our fruit department works closely with West Coast growers to bring quality apricots to customers throughout the short summer surge.

Why the Apricot Season Is So Short

Apricots are the earliest and briefest of the stone fruits. Most U.S. supply comes from California, with Washington contributing later-season volume. The full domestic season typically runs from mid-May through July, with peak quality concentrated in late June and early July.

A Highly Perishable Fruit

Apricots ripen quickly and bruise easily. Once picked at the right maturity, they have a narrow shelf life — which is why disciplined cold chain handling and fast turn are essential. Buyers who hesitate often miss the best fruit of the year.

A Smaller Crop, Sharper Competition

According to the USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. apricot production is a fraction of peach and nectarine volume. That smaller crop means buyers who want a consistent supply benefit from working with distributors that have established grower relationships well before the season begins.

How to Source Apricots Through the July Window

A short season rewards preparation. A few principles help wholesale buyers make the most of July apricots.

Commit to Volume Early

Apricot programs work best when buyers communicate volume, sizing, and pack styles ahead of arrival. Last-minute orders late in the season often mean settling for what’s left.

Lean on Trusted Shippers

E. Armata’s long-standing relationships, highlighted on our shippers page, give buyers access to consistent quality across multiple varieties.

Plan for Quick Movement

Because apricots don’t sit, plan promotions, displays, or menu features around your delivery schedule. Charcuterie boards, summer tarts, stone fruit salads, jams, and grilled apricot dishes all give chefs and retailers fast ways to move volume.

Don’t Overlook Quality Control

Our quality control program is built around exactly this kind of fruit, perishable, premium, and time-sensitive, keeping apricots firm and flavorful through delivery to customers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Partner With E. Armata for the July Apricot Season

July apricots are one of summer’s most rewarding short seasons, but the window doesn’t wait. E. Armata Inc. delivers wholesale apricots and a full lineup of fresh stone fruit and seasonal produce from the Hunts Point Produce Market to retailers, restaurants, and foodservice buyers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Ready to source before the window closes? Contact us today to place your order.

Watermelon at Center Stage: Sourcing for Summer’s Biggest Sales Stretch

Few items move through summer wholesale markets the way watermelon does. From late June through Labor Day, watermelon becomes one of the highest-volume single-SKU categories in produce, driven by Independence Day cookouts, backyard parties, restaurants, caterers, and the year’s strongest stretch of retail impulse buys.

For wholesale buyers, retailers, and foodservice operators across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, July through August is the watermelon season. At E. Armata Inc., based at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, our melon team plans for this stretch year-round, working with growers from Florida through the Mid-Atlantic to keep our customers supplied through the busiest weeks.

Why Watermelon Dominates Summer Produce Sales

Watermelon is unusual among produce items for its narrow sales window. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, the Fourth of July is the single biggest watermelon week of the year, with retail and foodservice demand surging in the days leading up to the holiday and staying elevated through August.

A Year-Round Crop With a Sharp Summer Peak

Watermelon is grown across multiple U.S. regions and imported year-round, but the heart of the domestic season runs from May through September. Florida and Georgia lead early-summer supply, with Texas, California, the Carolinas, Indiana, Delaware, and Maryland adding volume as the season progresses — keeping the Hunts Point Produce Market well-stocked through the peak weeks.

How to Source Watermelon Through the Summer Surge

Strong supply doesn’t make planning optional. A few principles help wholesale buyers stay ahead of summer demand.

Get the Variety Mix Right

Seedless watermelons account for the majority of retail volume, but mini and personal-sized melons have grown sharply in popularity for single-serve, foodservice, and apartment-dwelling customers. Traditional seeded and yellow-flesh varieties still have loyal buyers, too. The right mix depends on your customer base — and your distributor should help you build it.

Plan Around the Holiday Spikes

Buyers who lock in volume well ahead of the Fourth of July and other holiday weekends consistently come out ahead. Watermelon programs work best when delivery windows, sizes, and bin counts are mapped out in advance.

Move Quickly Through the Cold Chain

Watermelons are sensitive to extended cold storage and bruising. E. Armata’s quality control program is built to handle high-volume, fast-turn produce, keeping melons firm and ready for display through delivery.

Diversify Across Growing Regions

Heat events and shipping disruptions can hit any single region hard. The long-standing relationships highlighted on our shippers page provide E. Armata customers with a steadier supply during the peak weeks.

Partner With E. Armata for the Summer Watermelon Season

When watermelon is the headline produce item of the summer, supply discipline matters. E. Armata Inc. delivers wholesale watermelon and a full lineup of fresh melons and seasonal produce from the Hunts Point Produce Market to retailers, restaurants, caterers, and foodservice operators throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Ready for the season’s biggest sales stretch? Contact us today to place your order.

All-American Trifle

Recipe courtesy of https://allrecipes.com

Ingredients for All-American Trifle

3 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup white sugar or to taste
1 quart heavy cream
1 (6 ounce) container lemon yogurt
1 (3.3 ounce) package instant white chocolate pudding mix
2 tablespoons coconut-flavored rum, or to taste, divided (Optional)
2 (16 ounce) prepared pound cakes, cubed
2 pints fresh blueberries, or as needed

Instructions

Gather all ingredients.
Sprinkle strawberries with sugar in a bowl; stir to distribute sugar, and set aside.
Chill a large metal mixing bowl and beaters from an electric mixer.
Pour cream into the chilled mixing bowl, and add lemon yogurt, pudding mix, and about 1 tablespoon of coconut rum; beat until fluffy with an electric mixer set on medium speed.
Spread a layer of pound cake cubes into the bottom of a glass trifle dish, and sprinkle cubes with remaining tablespoon coconut rum. Cover pound cake with a layer of strawberries; sprinkle blueberries over strawberries. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the berries.
Repeat the layers several times, ending with a layer of strawberries sprinkled with blueberries and reserving about 1 cup of whipped cream; top the trifle with dollops of whipped cream to serve. Refrigerate leftovers.

How to Properly Store Tomatoes to Preserve Freshness and Flavor

Tomatoes are among the most widely consumed and consistently in-demand produce items across restaurants, grocery stores, and food service operations, but they are also among the most frequently mishandled in storage. Poor storage decisions can rapidly degrade flavor, texture, and shelf life, leading to waste and added cost. At E. Armata Inc., a leading wholesale produce distributor at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, NY, we work with foodservice buyers and retailers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to ensure tomatoes arrive fresh and remain so. Here is what you need to know about storing tomatoes properly.

The Golden Rule: Keep Tomatoes Out of the Refrigerator

The single most important tomato storage principle is also the most commonly ignored: do not refrigerate whole, uncut tomatoes. Cold temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit cause the cell membranes inside a tomato to break down, resulting in a mealy, flavorless texture that cannot be reversed. Refrigeration also halts the natural ripening process, preventing tomatoes from reaching their full flavor potential. For food service and retail operations, this means storing whole, fresh tomatoes at room temperature whenever possible, especially during the peak summer season, when freshness and flavor are at their highest.

Best Practices for Storing Fresh Tomatoes

Room Temperature Storage

Store whole tomatoes stem-side down at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. The stem-down position minimizes air exposure at the most vulnerable entry point and helps prevent premature softening. The ideal storage temperature is between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep tomatoes in a single layer to avoid bruising, and never store them in a sealed plastic bag, which traps ethylene gas and accelerates overripening.

Ripening Unripe Tomatoes

If you receive tomatoes that are still firm and underripe, place them at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and allow them to ripen naturally over 1 to 3 days. Adding a banana or apple nearby can speed up the process, as these fruits emit ethylene gas that encourages ripening. Never place underripe tomatoes in the refrigerator; this will permanently stunt ripening and compromise flavor.

Storing Cut or Overripe Tomatoes

Once a tomato has been cut or begins to overripen, refrigeration becomes appropriate. Place cut tomatoes in an airtight container with the cut side facing down to slow moisture loss. Use refrigerated cut tomatoes within two to three days for best quality. For food service operations managing high-volume tomato prep, this turnover window is a critical component of waste-reduction planning.

Storage Tips by Tomato Variety

Different tomato varieties have slightly different storage needs. Cherry and grape tomatoes have a longer shelf life than larger beefsteak or heirloom varieties and can tolerate slightly cooler conditions. Heirloom tomatoes are especially sensitive and should be used quickly after reaching peak ripeness. Vine-ripened tomatoes continue to develop flavor after harvest if stored correctly at room temperature, making proper handling essential to delivering the quality your customers expect.

Partner With E. Armata Inc. for Consistently Fresh Tomatoes

Quality storage starts with quality sourcing. E. Armata Inc. supplies a wide range of fresh tomatoes, from cherry and grape to beefsteak, heirloom, and vine-ripened varieties, to wholesale buyers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. Our commitment to quality control and timely delivery from the Hunts Point Produce Market means your tomatoes arrive at peak condition, giving you the best possible foundation for freshness on your end.

Ready to source premium tomatoes for your operation? Contact E. Armata Inc. today to place your order or become a wholesale customer.

Why Sweet Onions Are at Their Best in Early Summer

Not all onions are created equal, and when it comes to sweet onions, timing is everything. Early summer marks the peak of sweet onion season, when flavor, texture, and availability all align to make this one of the most sought-after produce items in the market. At E. Armata Inc., a premier wholesale produce distributor at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, NY, we know when produce is at its best, and sweet onions in early summer are a prime example. Here is why they belong in your inventory right now.

What Makes Sweet Onions Different

Sweet onions, including well-known varieties like Vidalia, have a higher sugar and water content than standard storage onions. This gives them a noticeably milder, less pungent flavor, making them ideal for eating raw in salads and sandwiches, caramelizing, or grilling. Their thin skin and tender texture also mean they have a shorter shelf life than yellow or red onions, which is why sourcing them at peak freshness from a reliable wholesale distributor matters.

Why Early Summer Is Peak Season

Sweet onion season typically runs from late spring through midsummer, with early summer representing the height of availability and quality. Harvest conditions in key growing regions, including Georgia for Vidalias, reach their optimal point during this window. Onions harvested at peak maturity have the best sugar development, firmness, and flavor. Once the season winds down, supply tightens, and quality can vary, making early summer the ideal time to stock up.

Menu and Retail Applications

Food Service

Sweet onions shine in summer menus. Use them raw in fresh salsas, burgers, and grain bowls, or slow-cook them into caramelized onion spreads and soups. Their natural sweetness also makes them a natural partner for grilled proteins and summer vegetables, a perfect complement to the peak-season produce moving through your kitchen.

Retail and Grocery

For grocery retailers and specialty food stores, sweet onions are a high-visibility seasonal item that drives impulse purchases. Display them prominently during early summer and highlight their regional variety. Shoppers actively seek out Vidalia onions by name, making them a reliable traffic driver in the produce section.

Source Sweet Onions Through E. Armata Inc.

E. Armata Inc. maintains strong relationships with top growers across the country, ensuring that our wholesale customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic have access to the freshest sweet onions at peak season. Whether you are a restaurant group, grocery chain, or independent food service operator, our team at Hunts Point Market is ready to fulfill your early summer produce needs.

Contact E. Armata Inc. today to place your summer order or learn more about becoming a wholesale customer.

Eggplant in Summer: Grilling Tips and Flavor Pairings

When the temperatures rise and grills fire up across the Northeast, eggplant earns its place as one of summer’s most versatile vegetables. Rich in flavor, meaty in texture, and visually striking on any plate, eggplant is a staple of summer menus for restaurants, caterers, and home cooks alike. At E. Armata Inc., a leading wholesale produce distributor at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, NY, we supply fresh eggplant and a full range of eastern vegetables to food service buyers and retailers across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, and peak summer is when demand is highest.

Why Eggplant Thrives on the Grill

Eggplant has a naturally high water content and a dense, spongy flesh that responds beautifully to high heat. When grilled properly, the exterior chars and caramelizes while the interior becomes tender and smoky. This makes it one of the few vegetables that can truly anchor a dish on its own, no meat required. For food service buyers, grilled eggplant is cost-effective, visually appealing, and adaptable across a wide range of cuisines.

Grilling Tips for the Best Results

Slice Thick and Salt First

Cut eggplant into rounds or planks at least half an inch thick; thin slices fall apart on the grill. Before cooking, salt the slices and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This improves texture and prevents sogginess, resulting in a firmer, more flavorful final product.

Use High Heat and Oil Generously

Eggplant absorbs oil readily, which is essential for achieving a golden, char-kissed surface. Brush both sides with olive oil before placing on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the flesh is fork-tender.

Don’t Skip the Rest

Like a good steak, grilled eggplant benefits from a brief rest before serving. A few minutes off the heat allows the internal moisture to redistribute, keeping the texture consistent from edge to center.

Flavor Pairings That Work

Eggplant has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with bold, bright, and acidic ingredients. Some of the best summer pairings include fresh tomatoes and basil, roasted garlic and olive oil, tahini and lemon, fresh herbs like mint and parsley, crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella, and smoky peppers or harissa. Many of these complementary ingredients, including tomatoes, fresh herbs, and specialty peppers, are available through E. Armata’s full produce inventory at Hunts Point Market.

Stock Up on Summer Eggplant Through E. Armata Inc.

Whether you’re managing a restaurant kitchen, supplying a grocery chain, or running a food service operation in New York or across the mid-Atlantic, E. Armata Inc. offers reliable wholesale access to fresh eggplant and the full range of summer vegetables your operation demands. Our distribution network and deep grower relationships ensure consistent quality and availability throughout the season.