New Fruits for Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is one of the premiere sales opportunities for specialty produce and tropical fruit in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic corridor. During this celebration of rebirth and renewal, tradition calls for eating new or freshly in season fruits. This tradition symbolizes unknown blessings that will surface in the year ahead.
Here are the top 5 fruits for the holiday in 2026:
5. Jackfruit
Jackfruit has been gaining popularity for substituting meat in certain dishes, like tacos. It’s starting to become a variety that more households recognize but may not have had an opportunity to try before. Plus, it’s a perfect ‘minimal waste’ choice as it has three edible parts: the arils are typically eaten as fresh fruit, the seeds can be used as a starch, and the fibrous rags can be used as a vegetable.
4. Cherimoya
JVI Imports is currently sourcing cherimoya out of Chile. The season is limited in supply this year due to fruit flies affecting the growing region. Fruit is expected to be available for the holiday, but note that it’ll likely be at the tail end of the season. So, while cherimoya doesn’t necessarily check off the ‘newly in season’ box of the tradition, it still falls within the ‘new’ category as that comes down to what consumers have and have not tried before.
3. Starfruit
Starfruit is a tropical variety that doesn’t necessarily look like a star at first glance. The fruit is typically long, with distinct ridges that are usually tinged with green. Once it’s cut, it becomes obvious where starfruit gets its name. Domestic supplies of starfruit are currently in season out of Florida, but you can also find Mexican supplies commercially this time of year as well.
2. Barhi Dates
Barhi dates are a highly seasonal specialty variety. They are currently in season out of California and typically transition into Mediterranean supplies for a brief window in September. Once that season wraps, it’s a long waiting game until the California season begins again in August.
Suggested Reading: Your Variety Guide to Barhi Dates and How to Merchandise Them
1. Black Mission Figs
California fig season is in full swing now that the main crop has started. Supplies of black mission are currently at their peak volume, with supplies expected to stay steady through the holiday. There are two different types of pack sizes for black mission figs: baskets and clamshells. Clamshells are often the preferred pack among retailers, with working UPCs featured on the pack. Note, however, that clamshell figs and basket figs are often picked at different stages.
Suggested reading: How to Pick a Ripe Fig
