Market Report

Laura Avery speaks about local spinach growers and tells us which counties are considered safe. The outbreaks were found in three counties in Northern California -- Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Clara.

Also, State officials announced on Friday, September 29, 2006 that an investigation of Organic Pastures Dairy --a raw milk dairy whose product had been recalled showed the company's facilities were clean, allowing them to market milk again.

Laura talks to Laurence Hauben, growing partner of Jeff Rieger, as she describes their Asian Pears. Laurence tells us that Asian Pears must be ripened on the tree and picked by hand when the fruit reaches 17% sugar. Asian Pears should be kept in the refrigerator and eaten crunchy like apples. They can last 2-3 months in the refrigerator. Ask the farmers which pears are best for roasting and which are best eaten raw in salads, they will be happy to tell you. Look for varieties: Hosui, Kosui, Kikusui, Shinseki, 20th Century, Chojuro. Yali, Tsuli, and Shinko.

Visit their website where you can purchase items direct from the farm and find recipes for Asian pears.