by Megan Minnick, Purchasing Director
Over the past 20 years, I’ve held almost every position in our Produce departments: Stocker, Buyer, Receiver, Manager, and now in addition to my Purchasing Director role I am the Produce Category Manager for our Co-op. I oversee pricing, promotions, and product selection in all three of our Produce departments. There are so many things that I’ve grown to love about organic produce over the years that I’d have to write a book to list them all, but the thing that’s really kept me here is that even for the most seasoned produce expert, learning and discovery never stop. Curiosity and adaptability are required, and things never ever get boring.
Seasonal Changes
Of course seasonal changes are a big part of this. Our product selection is constantly changing as spring turns to summer, fall and winter; but even more fascinating are the less predictable differences that occur year to year. Each year has its own unique challenges and opportunities brought on by weather and other natural phenomena. That same peach that was amazing last year may be just ho-hum this year. That local melon that you tried last year and didn’t quite care for might just be the best thing you taste this year… Even the most expert connoisseur must be completely open to surprise and approach the produce rack with a sense of curiosity. It doesn't matter how much you know about varieties, origins, or culinary arts, you absolutely have to taste and experience specific fruits and veggies to know what’s good and what’s not.
So many times over the years I've wished that we had a good way to give our customers more of a window into the specific produce that awaits them when they come to our stores on any given day: What's the amazingly delicious thing that you just have to try this week? What’s the thing that we’ve loved this season that will be gone next week? What’s the thing that’s coming tomorrow that we’re so excited about? What’s that thing that everyone who works in the Produce department simply adores but most customers are missing out on since they’re not quite familiar with it?
Starting in May, we’re introducing a new method of answering all of those questions. This will come in the form of a weekly email, written by yours truly. I plan to give insight into what’s in season, what’s delicious, what’s new, what’s surprising and delighting us, and what you might not have known about the produce that you’ll find in our stores.