Fruit Man - el Vendedor de Frutas

There's a man who stands at the corner almost every day selling fruit. This is a common sight this time of year when fruits are coming into season. Especially strawberries and cherries which have a relatively short season. I know - there are no strawberries in this picture. The lighting was not too good where they were. The mangos you are seeing in this photo come from Mexico. . . but the strawberries are from Watsonville - practically our own backyard.

This man speaks little English - just what he picks up trying to communicate with people buying his fruit. He stands outside all day, almost every day, hot or cold weather. It is a very hard job. I am pretty sure it is the only job he can get. But he is kinda his own boss and his success largely depends on him.

And look at this lovely fruit! He has melons sometimes. . . usually oranges. . . and while in season, cherries and strawberries. Yum.

Sometimes there is a woman who is there selling fruit. The Vendadores do not change a whole lot - and in years past it was the same man year after year. He used to give me samples and he always gave me a hug and a chin skritch. He called me "perrita bonita" and "dulce" which I am pretty sure are good things.

We sometimes buy fruit from them because the prices are good and the fruit fresh. Can't say the same for the big box groceries or even Costco. And fresh enough is never as good as just-picked fresh! So when we don't have ripe fruit from our own backyard, it is nice to know the Vendedor de Fruta is right around the corner.