But times are tough for tomatoes
JULIAN ARMSTRONG, The Gazette
Published: Wednesday, November 07

Citrus fruit is brightening up produce counters and offering more sweetness, too. Grapefruit from Texas and Florida is juicy and has some of the sugar content we expect from this fruit. California navel oranges are competing successfully with South African fruit. Even clementines are improving. If you like red grapes from California, buy them now, as the crop is winding down. Prices are extra-low at Maxi and Super C. U.S. watermelon is on special in many stores.

Supermarkets are offering a mixture of Quebec and U.S. vegetables; local broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and celery are still available in public markets and some stores. Quebec Brussels sprouts and leeks are best buys. Asparagus from Peru is on special all over town. California lettuce has risen in price, romaine in particular. Rain soaked the fields and some romaine turned out to have mildew, causing an increase in price for the best quality.

The sweetness of Quebec field tomatoes is just a memory. If you're back buying hothouse products, I'm finding the best sugar content in the Campari brand from Ontario. If you have other brands to recommend, let me know, as I have found some cherry tomatoes disappointing.