Our History
Erasmo Armata came from Sicily in the late 1890’s through Ellis Island as a poor immigrant. Erasmo settled in Manhattan and frequented the Fruit Auction in lower Manhattan (later the location of the World Trade Center) where he purchased lemons and sold them out of a burlap bag he carried on his back, as he walked the streets of Manhattan. As people continued to buy the lemons, Erasmo began to develop a solid customer base. To continue to fulfill the growing needs of his customers, he traded in his burlap bag for a pushcart with additional items.
At the time, the Washington
Street Market was the epicenter of the New York produce world. In the early days, the market had cobblestone streets and horse-drawn delivery carts that were unloaded by hand, as the day of the forklift had not yet arrived. When trucks were introduced, there were still no platforms, so the produce was merely moved from truck to street level and sold. Men worked long, hard days; a sixteen or eighteen hour day was typical. In the winter, Erasmo and other workers of the Market kept warm by big steel oil drums that were used as fire cans on most street corners.
As Erasmo’s customer base grew, he expanded to sell other fruits, which also meant trading in the pushcart for a horse & wagon. Later, as business continued to grow, Erasmo bought a small wholesale store in the middle of one of the blocks of the Washington Street Market – a bold business move at the time.
Erasmo’s family grew, too. He had five sons and one daughter. Four of the sons, Pete, Frank, Joe and Nick went into business with him, and the Armata family had now become wholesalers in the Washington Street Market. Soon Erasmo had the opportunity to buy a store on the corner of Washington and Chambers Street. The corner store proved to be a much better location that helped the business flourish, and Erasmo quickly became known for providing the highest quality fruit.
After 9th grade, Nick Armata first began to work in the family business with his father and three brothers. In the late 1950’s, Nick approached the family and suggested in order for the company to excel, they needed to expand into vegetables and get into the Western produce business for products such as lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. This was a significant and essential move and meant someone would have to go to California and represent the company.
Erasmo’s sons, Nick and Frank, went to meet people in California and started developing relationships on the West Coast. This wasn’t easy, as they had to break through many lines of stereotypes, being young, Italian and from New York. So it was decided that someone would stay in California to cultivate those critical relationships. The older brother, Frank, was then chosen to be the “West Coast guy.” Frank agreed, and relocated to Arizona to continue to represent E. Armata and prove that the Armata family was honest, hardworking, and did business with integrity. This move helped solidify E. Armata as a key wholesaler of Western vegetables.
With Frank’s move, he became a ground broker; the old way to buy. He often had to stay in dingy, second-rate hotels, away from his Arizona home, as he followed the crops from Arizona to southern California and traveled all the way up the coast, deep into northern California. In order to ensure that only the best produce was shipped, this was mandatory…he had to personally walk the fields, and select the specific lots of the vegetables that would be shipped to New York. He was known as the family’s “bird dog,” and the relationships he forged 40 years ago still exist today.
While Frank bought products on the West Coast, Joe was subsequently purchasing fruit through the New York Auction, which at the time was the way it was done. He would go to rail cars and bid on lots of already packaged fruit from the downtown auction. All products that were sold at the Washington Street Market came in and went out the same day since there was little to no storage, and no refrigeration. At the time, all products were shipped in big, heavy, wooden boxes, and moved throughout the market using steel hand trucks with steel wheels that clanked on the cobblestone roads of Washington Street.
Erasmo was very proud of his product and only accepted the best. Everyone knew he would only buy and sell products that met his high standards, guaranteeing his customers would get the very best when they bought fruit and produce from him. To keep the whole operation running smoothly, Uncle Pete focused on handling all the money and accounting in the office above the corner wholesale store, while Erasmo and the other brothers bought and sold the products.
When New York City decided to build the Trade Center, the city needed to find a new location for the Washington Street Market. The marshland in Hunts Point, New York was identified, and the new, state-of-the-art Hunts Point Market was built in 1967.
In 1968, at the age of 85, Erasmo Armata passed away before the company he built from the ground up moved to its new location. Erasmo’s four sons completed the move, and E. Armata, Inc. became one of the original 128 companies to occupy the new Hunts Point Market. At that time, E. Armata had one location in Row A, also known as “Broadway,” and over the years they have expanded to multiple locations throughout the market. Through the years, the number of companies in the market has been reduced to 45, as some companies moved, some went out of business, while others grew. The Hunts Point Market to this day is still the largest market in the country.
E. Armata continues to be a successful, hands-on company, now with multiple divisions of high-quality products including fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, mushrooms, and specialty items. E. Armata presently employs a hand-picked team of hardworking, dedicated and honest people. This team has the desire and heart for this business that Chris and Paul grew up with; a team that will propel E. Armata into the future. The brothers know their father and grandfather would be very proud of what they have continued to accomplish with the company. Chris and Paul are also very proud of the people who work here. The family tradition of honor, quality, and hard work will continue with the 4th generation Armatas, Chris’s children, Nicky, Chelsea, and Michael. Each with their unique talents in business management, accounting, and sales, E. Armata’s 4th generation has been brought up, like generations before them, learning the business from the bottom, so they can continue to uphold the traditions their great-grandfather started. A company with an obsession for quality, and a desire to sell nothing but the best fruit and produce, with the best service possible, is what the Armata family strives for.
Get To Know E. Armata A Wholesale Produce NYC
E. Armata is a family-run fruit and produces wholesaler in the Hunts Point Market that has been in business for over 100 years. With a modest start in Manhattan at the Washington Street Market, E. Armata is now one of the largest wholesalers operating in Hunts Point and is proud to now be in the 4th generation stage. E. Armata takes great pride in managing the company with integrity and the highest quality product available for all our customers – be they a large retail customer, institutional supplier, or small grocers who visit the Hunts Point Market for quality produce. Visit our Wholesale Produce NYC today!
Over the last century, E. Armata has prospered as a leader among produce distributors in the tri-state area. Our brand prides itself on having a family tradition of loyalty to customers and partnerships with farmers and growers that span generations. We work with the most recognizable brands of fresh produce in the industry, as well as offering our own E. Armata label.
What Are The Best Fruits To Eat On An Empty Stomach?
It’s no secret that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables makes for a healthy lifestyle. Fruits host various vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber and can be a delicious choice for breakfast. Fueling your body with the right fruits on an empty stomach can prepare your body for a productive and healthy day. At E. Armata Inc., we provide fresh, healthy fruit to our customers all year round. Continue reading below to discover some of the best fruits to eat on an empty stomach.
Best Fruits To Eat On An Empty Stomach
When you picture breakfast, you probably imagine fresh orange juice, coffee, yogurt, or oatmeal. While these are perfectly healthy breakfast options, certain fruits are also good to eat on an empty stomach to start the day. Our produce distributors deliver high-quality, fresh fruits all year round for customers to enjoy. Here are some healthy fruits that you can incorporate first thing in the morning:- Watermelon – Watermelon contains high amounts of fluid. This fruit is light, refreshing, hydrating, and packed with electrolytes to help you get a great start in the morning.
- Papaya – Eating papaya on an empty stomach can be beneficial to your health. Papayas are high in fiber, low in calories, and have been shown to aid in weight loss and lower cholesterol. This fruit is also helpful in relieving digestive issues.
- Kiwi – Eating kiwi first thing in the morning allows your digestive system to fully absorb the vitamins and minerals in this fruit. Kiwis contain a lot of fiber and minerals that can boost your energy levels.
- Blueberries – Blueberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants that have been shown to regulate blood pressure in metabolism, making them an excellent option for part of a healthy breakfast.
What Is The Best Time To Eat Fruits?
Typically, fruit can be consumed at just about any time. So, there’s no real best time to eat fruits. Fruits are nutritious, and they can be consumed at essentially anytime of the day in order to get the benefits of the nutrition that they provide. Some fruits have been known to give people energy, so consuming them early in the morning could be a great idea to get yourself active and energized! You may also consider eating fruit before a workout, as some fruits can give you that boost while also giving you a natural sugar intake. You can burn off that natural sugar during your workout, allowing you to fully absorb all the positive nutrients that come from eating fruit. If you’re still unsure about the best time to eat fruits, we recommend that you consult with a nutritionist as everyone’s body is different and reacts uniquely to certain diets.Contact Our Produce Distributors
At E. Armata Inc., our produce distributors work with the most recognizable fresh produce brands in the industry and provide products from our own label. Our high-quality fruits and vegetables bring flavor and nutrition to every meal. To learn more about our operation or for general inquiries, be sure to contact us today!20 Best Ideas For Storing Fresh Produce
If you’ve had to toss out your produce because it went bad before you had the chance to eat it, it may be time to reevaluate how you store said produce. Implementing a few simple changes can help give your produce longer shelf life, so you don’t waste a dime. As one of the leading Wholesale Produce NYC, E. Armata Inc. has plenty of tips for storing fresh produce. Continue reading to learn more!
Best Ideas For Storing Fresh Produce
Many of us fill our shopping carts up with fresh fruits and vegetables with every intention of using them for a healthy meal, but we often don’t get to eat them before they’ve gone bad. To help you cut down on food waste, our Wholesale Produce NYC would like to share some tips for the best ways to store produce:- Keep your produce intact until you’re ready to eat them.
- Remove your produce from plastic grocery bags and store them loose or in produce storage bags in the crisper drawers or on the counter in a fruit bowl.
- Put a damp paper towel in produce bags for added humidity. This works great for leafy greens.
- Wooden storage crates are a versatile piece of home decor that is functional and looks good. Store unrefrigerated vegetables in a crate to keep them fresh and in sight.
- Corn – For fresh corn, it’s best to eat it as soon as possible since the longer you wait, the less enjoyable it becomes. To store corn, you can refrigerate it unshucked.
- Herbs – Leafy herbs like cilantro, mint, basil, and parsley should be treated like flowers. To store them, trim their roots and put them in jars of cool water. Set the herbs aside at room temperature and use them as soon as possible.
- Lettuce – Heads of lettuce and loose assortments should be washed and dried thoroughly before storing. You can store them in a vented paper bag with a piece of paper towel.
- Peaches – Ripe peaches stay fresh when you refrigerate them in an uncovered container. If they need to be ripened, you can leave them in a closed paper bag at room temperature, then refrigerate them when ripened.
- Apples – Apples are a fall staple. They are best stored in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel over them.
- Asparagus – It’s easy to keep asparagus spears crisp and fresh. Trim the ends and stand the asparagus upright in a glass or jar half-filled with water. You can loosely fit a plastic bag over the tops of the spears and refrigerate them.
- Blackberries – These berries are delicate and tend to grow mold quickly. Pick out any damaged berries and wash the good ones gently. Spread them out in a single layer lined with paper towels and refrigerate.
- Cherries – Don’t wash cherries when you bring them home. Store them in the fridge in an uncovered bowl, and wash before eating.
- Mushrooms – Mushrooms store best invented paper bags in the crisper drawer.
- Spinach – Wrap unpackaged spinach in a damp paper towel and leave them in the crisper drawer.
- Strawberries – Store these berries in a vented bag in the refrigerator. Rinse thoroughly before eating.
- Turnips – Cut the greens off, and store the greens and turnips in separated bags in the refrigerator.
- Pineapple – Trim the top of the fruit off and turn it upside down in a bowl. Let the pineapple sit on the counter for a few days. Then, right side up, it will keep for a few days at room temperature.
- Tomatoes – Do not refrigerate tomatoes since they will lose flavor rapidly. Store them at room temperature.
- Pears – Like peaches, you can store them at room temperature until they ripen, then refrigerate in an uncovered container.
- Raspberries – Wash gently and discard any damaged ones. Spread them on a plate lined with a paper towel and refrigerate.
Contact Our Wholesale Produce NYC
E. Armata Inc. is one of the leading Wholesale Produce NYC, so you can be sure that you are receiving top-quality products when you work with us. To learn more about storing fresh produce, be sure to contact us today!Benefits of Grapes
Grapes are a delicious way to get your body’s needed fruit supply for the day. Loaded with many health benefits with few calories, grapes are a good staple in a person’s diet. USDA Guidelines recommend filling your plate with half vegetables and fruit in order to maintain a healthy diet and maintain your overall health.
- Helps Lower Blood Pressure – Grapes help lower sodium levels in the body and are rich in potassium. They are often recommended for people with high blood pressure to help stabilize their blood pressure.
- Have Low Insulin – Grapes taste sweet but lack a lot of sugar, making it the perfect snack for someone with diabetes that needs to watch their blood sugar levels. Because grapes have lower insulin, grapes can help prevent you from developing type 2 diabetes.
- Eye Health – Grapes are great for eye health because they have been proven to stop the retina from deteriorating.
- Great For Dieting – If you are trying to watch your weight, grapes are what you need. At E.Armata, a produce distributor at the Hunts Point Produce Market, you can see the different types of grapes they have to offer. Grapes are great because they are low-calorie but enough to satisfy your hunger.
- Can Prevent Heart Disease – The polyphenols found in grapes have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by relaxing the blood vessels in your body, allowing a healthy blood flow.
- Loaded with Fiber – Grapes are filled with fiber and water which can help aid constipation.
- They Are Great For On The Go – Grapes are perfect for people who are always on the go. They are light and small and do not need preparations which makes carrying them in your bag a breeze.
- They Are Available Year Round – Grapes are never out of season, so luckily for you, you can eat them year-round. Visit the Hunts Point Produce Market to see the vast selection of grapes available all throughout the year.
- Used With Everything- Grapes are easily incorporated into many different recipes. They go well with breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and cocktails! Read more on the many different ways to incorporate grapes into your diet.
10 Best Berries To Grow In Containers
If you’ve never thought about growing your own berries because you think it requires too much effort or you don’t have enough space, we have some excellent news for you! Growing delicious berries in containers is one of the easiest ways to grow your own fruit garden, especially if you have limited space! At E. Armata Inc., our Wholesale Produce NYC would like to share some of the best berries you can grow in containers at home! Continue reading to learn more.Best Berries To Grow In Containers
- Strawberries – Strawberries are well suited to grow in containers! You don’t need any particular container to grow delicious strawberries either. These perennial plants should be in a well-draining container at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Our Wholesale Produce NYC recommends regular watering and sunshine to grow plump and sweet strawberries.
- Blackberries – All you need to grow delicious blackberries at home is a 5-gallon pot, soil, and stakes for support. These berries are known to produce long canes that need support, especially during flowering.
- Blackcurrant – These sweet berries develop the best flavor in containers. Make sure that your blackcurrants have rich potting soil and ample drainage.
- Blueberries – Blueberries should be on your list of options to grow in a container. While they can take up a lot of space, blueberries tend to last longer than most garden berries. Place the container in a sunny spot and water regularly.
- Gooseberries – For the best tasting homegrown gooseberries, place them in an area where they’ll get plenty of morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon rays. Sprinkle some potash fertilizer around their base to promote fruiting and flowering throughout the season.
- Raspberries – Raspberries are one of the best berries to grow in containers. They tend to thrive in the warm summer sun, so place them in an area with lots of sunlight.
- Acai Berries – This rare berry is packed with significant health benefits. Choose a dwarf pre-germinated acai palm variety, and grow it in a large pot in a warm and sunny location. Make sure to keep your acai berries away from the cold during the winter.
- Mulberries – Many people think of large mulberry trees, but did you know that these plants grow well in containers too? Mulberries are rarely in stores due to their short shelf life, so grow your own at home!
- Cranberries – You might associate cranberries with large bogs, but they can also be grown in a container! It’s recommended to plant them in wide pots since this berry tends to spread.
- Boysenberries – Boysenberries can do well in containers but need plenty of room to grow. Choose a well-draining, wide container with rich soil, and keep them in a sunny spot.
Contact Our Wholesale Produce NYC
At E. Armata Inc., our Wholesale Produce NYC is passionate about cultivating the freshest fruit possible for our customers. To learn more about growing berries in containers or for general inquiries, be sure to contact us today!What Fruit Has The Lowest Amount of Carbs?
It’s challenging to get enough fruits and vegetables every day, but it’s vital for your health. Fruits contain nutrients that support our body’s daily functions and reduce our risk of health issues down the line. At E. Armata Inc., we offer Wholesale Produce NYC to distribute some of the freshest fruits and vegetables to our customers. We understand that dieters may be wary of certain fruits if they’re trying to cut carbs, so we would like to share some information about the lowest-carb options available.
