Signature Spring Produce for Merchandising
It’s time to throw open the office windows, roll up the bay doors, and enjoy the reviving breeze – spring is almost here! As the seasons change, so does the consumer’s appetite and, with the arrival of the new season, consumers everywhere are seeking ways to satisfy their tastebud’s desire for something fresh. To meet that demand, there are plenty of nutritious and vibrant options to fully captivate all that the spring season has to offer.
Fiddlehead Ferns
How much closer to nature can you get than with a fiddlehead fern? They are a true Spring delicacy that reach their peak this time of year. Fiddleheads are a foraged favorite growing in clusters amongst wooded areas in the Northeast and Northwest of North America. After the long chilling winter, this Spring delicacy are a great way to reconnect with nature.
The most intriguing aspect of the fiddlehead fern is its appearance. It is important when displaying this product to make sure that the fiddle-like appearance is visible to draw attention to customers. When displaying fiddlehead ferns, it is crucial that you store them properly to maximize product life. The ideal storage temperature is between 32-43°F, and relative humidity is 95-100%. Fiddlehead ferns need to be stored as close to freezing as possible and be kept in original packaging to preserve moisture.
Beets
Beets are the perfect vegetable to embrace the vibrancy of Spring. They come in many different sizes and color, ranging from mature to baby, and from gold, red, and candy stripe.
To optimize the shelf-life of beets, it is essential to make sure there is good air circulation. Make sure to store beets within 32-36°F with a relative humidity of 98%. Display beets that are colorful and unbruised to fully attract consumers effectively.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a Spring sensation that is botanically considered a vegetable but is used in dishes as a fruit. This vibrant red of the vegetable’s stalk is prized for its unique sweet-tart taste. This delicious flavor combination truly encompasses everything consumers crave as the weather warms.
To maximize freshness and flavor, it is crucial to display rhubarb between 32-39°F while also kept cold and moist. Center the rhubarb within displays, to draw attention to its colorful and bright reddish-pink stalks.
Gold Pineapple
During the winter months, consumers crave savory and hearty dishes but come Spring, tropical flavors begin to take center stage. Gold pineapples are a juicy and deliciously sweet fruit with a vibrant golden flesh.
Gold pineapples are easily incorporated into fruit trays to showcase not only the seasons flavor but also its delicate colors. As a retailer, it’s always important when displaying and arranging pineapples that the fruit is handled with extreme care – they bruise easily!
Tarragon
Tarragon is a perennial herb that grows once a year and reaches its peak demand during Spring. While its widely popular among foodservice professionals but has sensational at-home use as well since it’s an essential ingredient in Bearnaise sauce.
When merchandising tarragon, it’s extremely important to not overhandle the herb as it is extremely delicate and bruises easily. Make sure when incorporating tarragon into displays that the aroma is fresh, and the color is a vibrant green.
Spring Produce
It is important to consider all these tips and tricks when deciding what products to display and how to display them in order to boost sales and draw consumers to peak spring specialties. These Spring sensations truly embody the essence of Spring, and all the sunshine it has to offer!
