The changing weather patterns in Hawaii have affected the harvest of local agricultural products — the rain, or lack of it, has had its effect on the quantity and quality of vegetables and fruit. For instance, the mango season was almost nonexistent this summer, the dragon fruit season was short and rambutan have yet to appear.
On the bright side, there are lots of tangerines in markets now, much of it coming from Wailea Ag on the Hamakua Coast of Hawaii island. Look for Dancy, half-green in color, and yellow Honey varieties, both sweet and juicy. Also look for local oranges and grapefruit.
Persimmons from Hashimoto Farm in Kula are in season, a little later than usual. Find them at the Kapiolani Community College farmers market for another week or two.
Delectable Okinawan sweet potatoes from Ador and Macario Galbones of SSH Hilo farm are plentiful this week at Whole Foods Kahala and Maui.
Find them in a number of sweet and savory preparations or buy some to make your own sweet dishes at $1.49 a pound.
Sharwill avocados from Wailea Ag are in markets now: This firm, nutty-tasting avocado is tops. Avocados are terrific in a salad — or how about as a salad dressing?
AVOCADO VINAIGRETTE
1 avocado, peeled and seeded
1/4 cup diced Maui onion
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup canola oil
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
In blender, place all ingredients except salt and pepper; purée until smooth. Add salt and pepper.
Refrigerate until ready to use — sooner rather than later is preferable, as it will not improve with age.
Hawaii food writer Joan Namkoong offers a weekly tidbit on fresh seasonal products, many of them locally grown.
