Color in the Winter

I know I'm all the time complaining about produce in the winter. That we've sacrificed quality and flavor just to have an item available at an unnatural time. Plus I like to revel in enjoying a seasonal item when it's actually available. Clementines used to only be out at christmas, and it was an old-fashioned treat to have a "Christmas Orange" again. But now they're available all the time, and their magic is diminished.

BUT, there is a Fresh Market store nearby that has "Jet Fresh" Produce that is flown in twice a week from South America. I couldn't resist picking up a few things, they are all so gorgeous and I'm sure will be tasty if Fresh Market is willing to sell them. And there is a certain magic to have such gloriously colored foods in the middle of the biggest blizzard in over a decade. The orange was labeled as an heirloom variety, as was the tomato. Haven't encountered heirloom oranges yet...I will report back once I eat it.
The photo takes away some perspective - it's actually a good sized tomato, small pepper, and stupidly large orange. I've started thinking about our garden this year. Now that I'm set up in the house I'll finally be able to do some canning this summer!