As a result of the recent flu outbreak the following is a strict mandate.
Do Not Do This!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
CDC Warning!
As a result of the recent flu outbreak the following is a strict mandate.
Do Not Do This!
Fresh From The Farm Produce Market Update
April 22, 2009
ICEBERG LETTUCE:
The lettuce market has softened a bit. Sizing continues to be an issue, as some suppliers continue to substitute 30 counts for 24s. Growers continue to be behind in scheduled harvesting in Salinas from anywhere between 7-10 days. This is due to cold temperatures and windy conditions in the Salinas Valley. Over this past weekend the Salinas Valley had extremely warm temperatures and is expected in the 90s to start the week. We will need to see what effect this has on this commodity in terms of quality. Yields continue to be low on this commodity.
ROMAINE & LEAF:
This market has caught some suppliers heavy on romaine. Deals can be made on volume orders. Extreme heat in the Salinas valley has some effect on the product, we just have to wait to see how much. Some other quality defects include insects, fringe burn, tip burn, and wind burn.
BROCCOLI:
This commodity continues to have heavy supplies. Broccoli crowns are at the bottom of pricing and availability should be good for the entire week. In the Santa Maria region, production is also strong. Pricing should remain competitive throughout the week. The quality on all broccoli items is very good.
CAULIFLOWER:
Demand is low on this commodity. Many suppliers are looking to move some volume orders to alleviate inventory. Needless to say, the market is very soft. This market will continue to be soft throughout most of the week. Santa Maria and Salinas both will have good volumes throughout the week.
CARROTS:
Harvesting has started in new fields in the Imperial Valley. Size is running small right now as cool weather has slowed growth. This has lightened supplies of jumbo sized carrots. Size is expected to improve as we move thru the month of April. Quality remains good. Georgia still has some availability and quality on the East Coast.
CELERY
This market continues to be steady. Although a few suppliers are up slightly, celery continues to be in good supplies on most sizes. Smaller sizing continues to be less in production compared to the larger sizing. The quality is still very clean with good weights. Demand is also steady. Shippers are still promoting deals for large orders containing the18-24 counts.
BERRIES
Strawberries Strawberry production in California is starting a bit rough this week due to record breaking temperatures. This is producing over ripe and softer berries and small due to the heat and the plants responding by producing more fruit faster. We will see better volume and availability at the front of this week than we will at the end, due to growers picking heavy to keep up with all of the rapidly ripening fruit. The size in Oxnard is down with 1 lb clamshell counts in the high 20’s.
Raspberries:
Raspberry production is very low and will continue to be snug with Mexico and California just not being up to speed. Overall production is close to nothing out of Mexico and just getting started in California. California is producing very small quantities but is increasing.
Blackberries:
Blackberry supplies are steady with greater consistency in transfers arriving from Mexico. We are now looking for local California production to come into play. Some shippers are offering aggressive pricing anticipating a big push over the next couple of months.
Blueberries:
Quantities on blueberry transfers from Chile are dwindling down, mostly air freight from this point forward. Shippers are seeking higher fobs. There are small quantities of local Californian blues with great size and quality. There are reports of Floridian Blueberries (new crop) now available, but commanding a premium price. We may see a gap as the eastern early varieties where affected by early frost damage.
POTATOES:
Burbanks are now the only variety available and are running small. The quality is still very good. Wisconsin and Colorado have good supplies and quality. Colored potatoes are loading out of North Dakota and Wisconsin with Washington still with some light supplies. California has good quality but light supplies on some varietals which are getting filled with product out of Washington or Florida.
ONIONS:
There are still supplies of all colors and sizes of onions in Idaho and Washington, available from cold storage. Some shippers are starting to close down for the season but a few shippers expect to go into May. Washington should run well into May as well. Mexican product is now beginning to wrap up a very short lived crop, and Texas is in good supply with domestically grown onions of all colors and sizes.
APPLES & PEARS:
There are deals available on smaller apples, and lower grades in most all varieties. Remember, lower grade is not necessarily lower quality, just less than full color. Washington remains the leading production area for apples and will be through the spring and summer months. Regional production areas including Michigan and New York continue shipping light supplies of storage apples; demand remains light for those. Washington and Oregon Pears continue production from storage including mainly the Anjou, Bosc and Golden Bosc varieties.
SPECIALTIES:
Pineapple demand has been very good—as supplies are below forecast due to adverse weather in Central America. Quality is good to very good.
AVOCADOS:
Mexican fruit – Mexican supplies are starting to increase this week. The supply pipe line looks to stay hand to mouth as demand is very good and is keeping shippers clean .Mexican shipments are expected to be short for the week as workers return to work from a long holiday. Demand remains strong, and the market is up.
California Fruit - Growers are looking to slowly increase their harvest during the month of April.
CITRUS:
EAST
Valencia’s are going strong, and more to the large size. We are seeing very few 100s and 125s. Quality is excellent, and should be available through May. Spring Navels will continue through April. Grapefruit will begin to wrap up. Honey Tangerines are finished.
WEST
Market is strengthening on the navels as we are getting close to the end on regular season navels and are starting the late varieties. The overall quality is good on most lots but we are seeing a fair amount of puff and crease and we will begin to more and more dry cell as we have been experiencing some warmer than usual weather. The late varieties will be higher in price and should last until the first of June. We have started packing Valencia’s and will continue to do so as we go forward, the Valencia’s are starting to eat a little better and overall quality is very good.
LEMONS:
Market has strengthened as we are finished in dist. 3 and winding down on the dist.1 fruit which will leave only dist two. The dist. 2 crop is of normal to slightly larger than normal in volume so we would expect prices to be at more of a normal level as opposed to the last few years. The overall quality of the fruit is very good and juice content is excellent.
LIMES:
The market is very strong in anticipation for the Cinco De Mayo holiday. Expect the market to continue to stay strong for about 3 more weeks and then we will see better volumes and prices come off to lower levels.
GRAPES:
The market has strengthened as the marketing order went into effect on April 10th and movement has been good on both Red and green grapes. The fruit that is in the states is all we have to ship until we start our California and Mexican fruit around the first week of May. The red seedless that we have are of very good quality and the fruit is eating good. There is a wide range in quality on the greens and also a very wide range in prices. We expect the market to continue to strengthen and we will not have any major volume of the California or Mexican fruit until May 15th so expect price to stay on the higher side.
MELONS:
CANTALOUPES: The market has softened as Mexico has started and the offshore fruit continues to arrive. The overall quality is good with mostly a green cast and eating quality is fair to good. We expect to start our California harvest around the May 8th and expect good volume by May 15th depending on Mother Nature. We will have ample supplies of California fruit and look forward to promoting for the Memorial Day holiday.
HONEYDEWS: Market is steady as we have had some Mexican fruit arrive as well as the offshore fruit. The fruit quality has been very good and eating quality is excellent and the fruit is cutting very good. We will start our California Harvest around May 10th and will be in full swing by the end of that week. Again we will have good supplies of fruit for the Memorial Day holiday and look forward to promoting.
WATERMELONS:
Market has started to soften as better supplies are coming out of Mexico and we will have excellent supplies out of the desert around May 8th and look for excellent supplies out of California from that date on.
CUCUMBERS:
Eastern
The cucumber market is dropping fast in Florida as domestic supplies become more readily available. Central Florida should be in decent supply in another few days and we expect to see a declining cucumber market in that time. Quality has improved from fair to good.
Western
Western Cucumber: Northern Mexico is getting good supplies from their new fields. Volume should continue to increase over the next couple of weeks. Baja is going with some light production.
GREEN BELL PEPPERS:
Eastern
Post holiday demand had dropped off causing the market to stumble. Deals are happening mostly on the smaller sizes and off grades. Central area of Florida will be starting in another week or so and should push the market down even further.
Western
Nogales volume is very light the few small spring deals that are producing in the northern growing areas in Mexico are very light. Size and quality continue to be a problem. The California desert is now in their 2nd week of harvest with some growers and we are seeing some steady production of very nice bells. It
still looks like the first week of May for pick volumes. Red and yellow bell supplies remain light out of Nogales. One grower out of Baja is going with new crop. The California desert looks to start mid May.
SQUASH:
Eastern
The squash market overall is declining as Plant City is beginning to see decent volume. There is plenty of dealing on the medium sized squash as the warm, sunny weather is causing the crops to size up quickly.
Quality overall has been good.
Western
Mainland Mexico is still coming with good volume from new fields in the North. Look for volume and quality to continue into next week on Italian and Yellow.
TOMATOES:
East – Early cooler weather had slowed production and growth. There is more of the bigger fruit than smaller due to the fact that smaller fruit has been affected by the recent cold temps more so than
the larger fruit. Roma tomatoes are very tight. Grape tomatoes are starting to get a bit tight.
West – Mexican production is steady with supplies of larger sized tomatoes but lacking 6x6 & smaller sizes. Pricing has been very inconsistent and has varied from day to day. Color has been a bit of a challenge, but preordering helps avoid issues. Shippers are looking to take fobs up. Roma tomatoes are
very tight and look to continue to be for the near future and Grape tomatoes are active and tight.
ICEBERG LETTUCE:
The lettuce market has softened a bit. Sizing continues to be an issue, as some suppliers continue to substitute 30 counts for 24s. Growers continue to be behind in scheduled harvesting in Salinas from anywhere between 7-10 days. This is due to cold temperatures and windy conditions in the Salinas Valley. Over this past weekend the Salinas Valley had extremely warm temperatures and is expected in the 90s to start the week. We will need to see what effect this has on this commodity in terms of quality. Yields continue to be low on this commodity.
ROMAINE & LEAF:
This market has caught some suppliers heavy on romaine. Deals can be made on volume orders. Extreme heat in the Salinas valley has some effect on the product, we just have to wait to see how much. Some other quality defects include insects, fringe burn, tip burn, and wind burn.
BROCCOLI:
This commodity continues to have heavy supplies. Broccoli crowns are at the bottom of pricing and availability should be good for the entire week. In the Santa Maria region, production is also strong. Pricing should remain competitive throughout the week. The quality on all broccoli items is very good.
CAULIFLOWER:
Demand is low on this commodity. Many suppliers are looking to move some volume orders to alleviate inventory. Needless to say, the market is very soft. This market will continue to be soft throughout most of the week. Santa Maria and Salinas both will have good volumes throughout the week.
CARROTS:
Harvesting has started in new fields in the Imperial Valley. Size is running small right now as cool weather has slowed growth. This has lightened supplies of jumbo sized carrots. Size is expected to improve as we move thru the month of April. Quality remains good. Georgia still has some availability and quality on the East Coast.
CELERY
This market continues to be steady. Although a few suppliers are up slightly, celery continues to be in good supplies on most sizes. Smaller sizing continues to be less in production compared to the larger sizing. The quality is still very clean with good weights. Demand is also steady. Shippers are still promoting deals for large orders containing the18-24 counts.
BERRIES
Strawberries Strawberry production in California is starting a bit rough this week due to record breaking temperatures. This is producing over ripe and softer berries and small due to the heat and the plants responding by producing more fruit faster. We will see better volume and availability at the front of this week than we will at the end, due to growers picking heavy to keep up with all of the rapidly ripening fruit. The size in Oxnard is down with 1 lb clamshell counts in the high 20’s.
Raspberries:
Raspberry production is very low and will continue to be snug with Mexico and California just not being up to speed. Overall production is close to nothing out of Mexico and just getting started in California. California is producing very small quantities but is increasing.
Blackberries:
Blackberry supplies are steady with greater consistency in transfers arriving from Mexico. We are now looking for local California production to come into play. Some shippers are offering aggressive pricing anticipating a big push over the next couple of months.
Blueberries:
Quantities on blueberry transfers from Chile are dwindling down, mostly air freight from this point forward. Shippers are seeking higher fobs. There are small quantities of local Californian blues with great size and quality. There are reports of Floridian Blueberries (new crop) now available, but commanding a premium price. We may see a gap as the eastern early varieties where affected by early frost damage.
POTATOES:
Burbanks are now the only variety available and are running small. The quality is still very good. Wisconsin and Colorado have good supplies and quality. Colored potatoes are loading out of North Dakota and Wisconsin with Washington still with some light supplies. California has good quality but light supplies on some varietals which are getting filled with product out of Washington or Florida.
ONIONS:
There are still supplies of all colors and sizes of onions in Idaho and Washington, available from cold storage. Some shippers are starting to close down for the season but a few shippers expect to go into May. Washington should run well into May as well. Mexican product is now beginning to wrap up a very short lived crop, and Texas is in good supply with domestically grown onions of all colors and sizes.
APPLES & PEARS:
There are deals available on smaller apples, and lower grades in most all varieties. Remember, lower grade is not necessarily lower quality, just less than full color. Washington remains the leading production area for apples and will be through the spring and summer months. Regional production areas including Michigan and New York continue shipping light supplies of storage apples; demand remains light for those. Washington and Oregon Pears continue production from storage including mainly the Anjou, Bosc and Golden Bosc varieties.
SPECIALTIES:
Pineapple demand has been very good—as supplies are below forecast due to adverse weather in Central America. Quality is good to very good.
AVOCADOS:
Mexican fruit – Mexican supplies are starting to increase this week. The supply pipe line looks to stay hand to mouth as demand is very good and is keeping shippers clean .Mexican shipments are expected to be short for the week as workers return to work from a long holiday. Demand remains strong, and the market is up.
California Fruit - Growers are looking to slowly increase their harvest during the month of April.
CITRUS:
EAST
Valencia’s are going strong, and more to the large size. We are seeing very few 100s and 125s. Quality is excellent, and should be available through May. Spring Navels will continue through April. Grapefruit will begin to wrap up. Honey Tangerines are finished.
WEST
Market is strengthening on the navels as we are getting close to the end on regular season navels and are starting the late varieties. The overall quality is good on most lots but we are seeing a fair amount of puff and crease and we will begin to more and more dry cell as we have been experiencing some warmer than usual weather. The late varieties will be higher in price and should last until the first of June. We have started packing Valencia’s and will continue to do so as we go forward, the Valencia’s are starting to eat a little better and overall quality is very good.
LEMONS:
Market has strengthened as we are finished in dist. 3 and winding down on the dist.1 fruit which will leave only dist two. The dist. 2 crop is of normal to slightly larger than normal in volume so we would expect prices to be at more of a normal level as opposed to the last few years. The overall quality of the fruit is very good and juice content is excellent.
LIMES:
The market is very strong in anticipation for the Cinco De Mayo holiday. Expect the market to continue to stay strong for about 3 more weeks and then we will see better volumes and prices come off to lower levels.
GRAPES:
The market has strengthened as the marketing order went into effect on April 10th and movement has been good on both Red and green grapes. The fruit that is in the states is all we have to ship until we start our California and Mexican fruit around the first week of May. The red seedless that we have are of very good quality and the fruit is eating good. There is a wide range in quality on the greens and also a very wide range in prices. We expect the market to continue to strengthen and we will not have any major volume of the California or Mexican fruit until May 15th so expect price to stay on the higher side.
MELONS:
CANTALOUPES: The market has softened as Mexico has started and the offshore fruit continues to arrive. The overall quality is good with mostly a green cast and eating quality is fair to good. We expect to start our California harvest around the May 8th and expect good volume by May 15th depending on Mother Nature. We will have ample supplies of California fruit and look forward to promoting for the Memorial Day holiday.
HONEYDEWS: Market is steady as we have had some Mexican fruit arrive as well as the offshore fruit. The fruit quality has been very good and eating quality is excellent and the fruit is cutting very good. We will start our California Harvest around May 10th and will be in full swing by the end of that week. Again we will have good supplies of fruit for the Memorial Day holiday and look forward to promoting.
WATERMELONS:
Market has started to soften as better supplies are coming out of Mexico and we will have excellent supplies out of the desert around May 8th and look for excellent supplies out of California from that date on.
CUCUMBERS:
Eastern
The cucumber market is dropping fast in Florida as domestic supplies become more readily available. Central Florida should be in decent supply in another few days and we expect to see a declining cucumber market in that time. Quality has improved from fair to good.
Western
Western Cucumber: Northern Mexico is getting good supplies from their new fields. Volume should continue to increase over the next couple of weeks. Baja is going with some light production.
GREEN BELL PEPPERS:
Eastern
Post holiday demand had dropped off causing the market to stumble. Deals are happening mostly on the smaller sizes and off grades. Central area of Florida will be starting in another week or so and should push the market down even further.
Western
Nogales volume is very light the few small spring deals that are producing in the northern growing areas in Mexico are very light. Size and quality continue to be a problem. The California desert is now in their 2nd week of harvest with some growers and we are seeing some steady production of very nice bells. It
still looks like the first week of May for pick volumes. Red and yellow bell supplies remain light out of Nogales. One grower out of Baja is going with new crop. The California desert looks to start mid May.
SQUASH:
Eastern
The squash market overall is declining as Plant City is beginning to see decent volume. There is plenty of dealing on the medium sized squash as the warm, sunny weather is causing the crops to size up quickly.
Quality overall has been good.
Western
Mainland Mexico is still coming with good volume from new fields in the North. Look for volume and quality to continue into next week on Italian and Yellow.
TOMATOES:
East – Early cooler weather had slowed production and growth. There is more of the bigger fruit than smaller due to the fact that smaller fruit has been affected by the recent cold temps more so than
the larger fruit. Roma tomatoes are very tight. Grape tomatoes are starting to get a bit tight.
West – Mexican production is steady with supplies of larger sized tomatoes but lacking 6x6 & smaller sizes. Pricing has been very inconsistent and has varied from day to day. Color has been a bit of a challenge, but preordering helps avoid issues. Shippers are looking to take fobs up. Roma tomatoes are
very tight and look to continue to be for the near future and Grape tomatoes are active and tight.
Vincent Giordano Corp. announced it is offering a $4,000 prize for the creator of a signature sandwich using its branded Premium or Steakhouse roast beef, corned beef or pastrami.
Contestants can upload a three-minute video of their sandwich-making experience here between May 1 and June 15.
The winning video will be based on originality, presentation appeal, work station setting, participants' appearance, presentation skills and entertainment value.
Philadelphia-based Vincent Giordano Corporation has ranked among the top 200 meat-processing companies in the country. The company supplies a line of premium roast beef, corned beef and pastrami products to retailers, foodservice, fast food chains and private label nationwide.
Contestants can upload a three-minute video of their sandwich-making experience here between May 1 and June 15.
The winning video will be based on originality, presentation appeal, work station setting, participants' appearance, presentation skills and entertainment value.
Philadelphia-based Vincent Giordano Corporation has ranked among the top 200 meat-processing companies in the country. The company supplies a line of premium roast beef, corned beef and pastrami products to retailers, foodservice, fast food chains and private label nationwide.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Expands Fan Access At Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix
From a press release issued by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca:
MONTEREY, Calif., (April 28, 2009) –The fifth annual Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix featuring the prestigious MotoGP World Championship is set for July 3-5. The biggest event on the 2009 schedule will offer unprecedented access and opportunities to race fans attending the race and can be in the pits, in the paddock, experience the celebratory spraying of the champagne at the podium ceremony and, a first for MotoGP anywhere, to watch practice and qualifying literally on the front straight in the “Rev Limiter Zone.”
The newly defined paddock features a high-end restaurant/bar, seating area and a terrace to watch all the MotoGP paddock activities and is open to all paddock pass ticket holders during the entire race weekend. A limited number of paddock passes are available for $50 and must be purchased with a three-day general admission ticket.
Fans with three-day general admission tickets and paddock passes will be able to experience on Friday, July 3 the MotoGP Pit Walk, which will take place between 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Lucky fans will be able to see what goes on inside the MotoGP pits and garages up close and personal, and it is expected that some of the star riders will be meeting fans and signing autographs.
Also new for 2009 and never before offered Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix fans is the “Rev Limiter Zone” where they will be able to watch MotoGP practice and qualifying on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 just a few feet away from the race track on the start/finish straight. “Rev Limiter Zone” passes are available for fans with a paddock pass as an upgrade for $50 per day.
Another addition for 2009 is the “Track Invasion” for the winner’s circle MotoGP podium ceremony. All paddock pass holders are invited to “invade” pit lane to watch winner’s circle ceremonies and enjoy the traditional champagne shower.
Read the full story here.
MONTEREY, Calif., (April 28, 2009) –The fifth annual Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix featuring the prestigious MotoGP World Championship is set for July 3-5. The biggest event on the 2009 schedule will offer unprecedented access and opportunities to race fans attending the race and can be in the pits, in the paddock, experience the celebratory spraying of the champagne at the podium ceremony and, a first for MotoGP anywhere, to watch practice and qualifying literally on the front straight in the “Rev Limiter Zone.”
The newly defined paddock features a high-end restaurant/bar, seating area and a terrace to watch all the MotoGP paddock activities and is open to all paddock pass ticket holders during the entire race weekend. A limited number of paddock passes are available for $50 and must be purchased with a three-day general admission ticket.
Fans with three-day general admission tickets and paddock passes will be able to experience on Friday, July 3 the MotoGP Pit Walk, which will take place between 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Lucky fans will be able to see what goes on inside the MotoGP pits and garages up close and personal, and it is expected that some of the star riders will be meeting fans and signing autographs.
Also new for 2009 and never before offered Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix fans is the “Rev Limiter Zone” where they will be able to watch MotoGP practice and qualifying on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 just a few feet away from the race track on the start/finish straight. “Rev Limiter Zone” passes are available for fans with a paddock pass as an upgrade for $50 per day.
Another addition for 2009 is the “Track Invasion” for the winner’s circle MotoGP podium ceremony. All paddock pass holders are invited to “invade” pit lane to watch winner’s circle ceremonies and enjoy the traditional champagne shower.
Read the full story here.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Specialty Produce Market Update
New and Continuing Items Available 04-27-09
Baby Pineapples- Steady supplies pretty much year-round. Grown in South Africa all year long and great for consumption as well as decoration.
Blood Oranges-Blood Oranges are winding down out of California, sizes are larger and market is up. Blood Oranges out of Italy have started but have very light crop this year. They are also called Pigmented Orange or Moro Orange.
Baby Brussels Sprouts- Grown in Mexico and packed in 12 half pint clamshells. Available with promotable volume from now through the first week of June.
Black Garlic--Black Garlic is Garlic that is aged through a natural and patented aging process using temperatures and humidity settings without roasting or cooking the Garlic. The taste of it is sweet and sour and it has a tender, jelly-like texture. It is used both in food and medicine, sold by the pound and require a one day notice. Just received a fair amount, get it while it lasts.
Cape Gooseberries- Grown out of Columbia, the fruit is about 1-2 inches in diameter and grows inside its husk. Product also available out of New Zealand with limited quantities. They have smooth waxy skin and the fruit is sweet and juicy with many yellow seeds inside. They are great eaten fresh or cooked in preserves.
Cara Cara Oranges- The bright orange exterior covers a deep, rich pink pulp, which is extremely sweet, and few to no seeds. They are packed in half cartons and are at their peak season December through February. They are also referred to as Pink Navel Oranges and best when eaten fresh.
Cherimoya- Should have steady supplies grown out of California through the end of May until crop out of Chile starts in July.
English Peas-Grown in Mexico and California, and packed in a bushel and 1/9th cartons. The English Pea is a green, pod-shaped fruit, widely grown as a cool-season vegetable crop. Great as a side dish or in a soup mixed with Celery and Green Garlic.
Fava Beans- Currently grown out of both Mexico and California packed in bushel and 1/9th cartons. Fava Beans have a distinct flavor and creamy texture that makes them a great addition to a wide variety of dishes. Fava beans should be shelled and peeled before eating they are great steamed and served with a little olive oil, salt, and lemon.
Feijoa- Have very good production for the next couple of months grown out of New Zealand.The Feijoa is an egg-shaped fruit with a thin lime-green skin. The flesh inside is cream-colored and encases a jelly-like center. The texture is gritty, close to that of a pear. The flesh tastes like a combination of several other fruits, usually described as pineapple, guava, and strawberry. Eaten fresh or can be used in preserves, desserts, and beverages. Grown out off New Zealand and tray packed.
Fiddle Head Ferns- We have decent supplies out of the North West and available for a couple of months.
Figs- Excellent supplies available, we have both Brown Turkey and Black Genoa varieties market seems to have fallen a bit in price. California crop begins end of May. They are medium sized, bell shaped fruits that are purplish-brown with light pink flesh. Currently from New Zealand and tray packed.
Fresh Green
Almonds-Growing demand for immature green almonds as a garnish and gourmet ingredient has created a "fresh" market for the almond as a hand-picked delicacy.
Green almonds are sold in the hull, to preserve their freshness. The delicate green kernel is wrapped naturally in a soft green, fuzzy hull that is similar to an immature green peach in spring. Currently grown in California and packed in 25-pound sacks.
Grape Leaves-Fresh Grape Leaves are great for preparing Greek Dolmades(stuffed grape leaves). Homemade are far superior to the canned. If you have never tried fresh dolmades, try them stuffed with meat and rice. Grape Leaves are grown in California and are available for about a month.
Green Garlic- Product has about a month left before the end of the season. Young Garlic, which is harvested before the cloves have begun to mature. The flavor of Green Garlic is still garlicky, but is much more mild with less of a bitter bite. When cooked, the green garlic sweetens, lending a new layer of depth to a dish.
Kaffir Lime Leaves-Come from the Kaffir Lime tree, a lime tree native to Indonesia. The leaves are highly aromatic and suitable for various Asian cuisines, including Thai, Indonesian, Cambodian and Laotian cuisines. They are easily recognizable by their emerald-green, doubled sections, which makes them appear as if two leaves are joined together. Available year-round and sold by the pound
Korean Melons- Grown in Mexico packed in 14 pound cartons and range from 9-12 ct. This bright, yellow and white ribbed gourd has white,crispy flesh arid is aromatic. Eat fresh in wedges or cube and add to fruit salads. Use as a garnish or serve with ice cream
Kumquats-Grown in San Diego County and are available with good volume from now through August, market seems to be off a little. The word Kumquat is Chinese for "Gold Orange". Kumquats have a very distinctive taste. It is the only citrus fruit that can be eaten "skin and all." The peel is the sweetest part and can be eaten separately. The pulp contains the seeds and juice, which is sour. They are packed in either 10-pound bulk or 12 / 12 ounce clamshells.
Meyer Lemons-.Full production grown out of the Northern California area. They have a wonderful tangy aroma and are sweeter and less acidic than a standard Lemon.
Mixed Fingerling Potatoes- A mix of Russian, French, Rose Finn, and Purple Peruvian. Supplies are currently new crop out of Idaho and Washington.
Nectarines and Peaches have just started out of California with very low volume and small sizes. Will see different sizes in the following weeks as well as volume
Passion Fruit-The fruit has passed the point of its peak season out of New Zealand. Supplies will be extremely short but we continue to have supplies.Supplies will be decent through May, gap June and July. Crop grown out of California begins in August.
Pomegranate Seeds- New crop out of Peru packed in 12/ 5.3 oz clamshells.
Purple Asparagus-Grown in California and packed in 11-pound units. Should have supplies through the second week of May. Similar to the Green and White Asparagus in appearance, Purple Asparagus is larger at the base. The delicious flavor and crisp tender texture of this unique variety offers a slightly sweeter taste.
Ramps- Ramps,also know as Wild Leeks appear as the snow begins to melt, their scallion like bulb is rooted just below the surface. They have an assertive, garlicky-onion flavor. Edible from the tips of the leaves to their fleshy bulbous bottoms. They can be served blanched and sautéed in risotto or pasta, or seared with some exotic mushrooms as a side dish. Currently out of Michigan and sold by the pound, available for the next few weeks.
Red Chinese Spinach- Red Amaranth is sold as 'Chinese Spinach' (though it is not spinach). The plant has dark green leaves splotched and deeply veined in red. It is delicious, cooks quickly and has even more nutritional value than spinach. Recognized by its pink roots and oval leaves which may have patches of red along the center vein
Rhubarb- A hot house variety, packed in a 15# carton and grown in Washington/ Oregon. Available through early October. Fantastic for Rhubarb and Strawberry pie recipes.
Sapote-Supplies are extremely short, not much fruit coming out of California until June. The White Sapote is successful wherever oranges can be grown. In California mature trees are found from Chico, southward. They are tray packed and in very good volume.
Sea Bean- Fresh bean that grows in the sea in the form of a long, pencil thin, cylindrical green stem that may have spherical-shaped, spike-like buds on the ends. Can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, sautéed, or stir-fried to add a unique presentation for fish and seafood dishes. Grown in Mexico, packed and sold in 5 pound units.
Seville Oranges- A popular bitter Orange grown in the Northern California region. It has a thick, rough skin and an extremely tart, bitter flesh full of seeds. Because of its high acid content, the Seville is not an eating orange but, because of that same acidity is extremely popular for making marmalades as well as liqueurs. Packed in 40-pound cartons and available in limited supplies.
Starfruit-Supplies should be steady for the next month or so out of Taiwan packed in 8-pound cartons.
Coming Soon...
Mexican Perlettes- Should see some Wednesday of this week.
Rambutan- We should see some middle of the week out of Guatemala.
White Peaches- Out of California Monday 04-27-09.
Gold Tamarillos- Hope too some in a couple of weeks out of New Zealand.
Lychees- Grown out of Mexico, hope to see some in a week or so.
Baby Pineapples- Steady supplies pretty much year-round. Grown in South Africa all year long and great for consumption as well as decoration.
Blood Oranges-Blood Oranges are winding down out of California, sizes are larger and market is up. Blood Oranges out of Italy have started but have very light crop this year. They are also called Pigmented Orange or Moro Orange.
Baby Brussels Sprouts- Grown in Mexico and packed in 12 half pint clamshells. Available with promotable volume from now through the first week of June.
Black Garlic--Black Garlic is Garlic that is aged through a natural and patented aging process using temperatures and humidity settings without roasting or cooking the Garlic. The taste of it is sweet and sour and it has a tender, jelly-like texture. It is used both in food and medicine, sold by the pound and require a one day notice. Just received a fair amount, get it while it lasts.
Cape Gooseberries- Grown out of Columbia, the fruit is about 1-2 inches in diameter and grows inside its husk. Product also available out of New Zealand with limited quantities. They have smooth waxy skin and the fruit is sweet and juicy with many yellow seeds inside. They are great eaten fresh or cooked in preserves.
Cara Cara Oranges- The bright orange exterior covers a deep, rich pink pulp, which is extremely sweet, and few to no seeds. They are packed in half cartons and are at their peak season December through February. They are also referred to as Pink Navel Oranges and best when eaten fresh.
Cherimoya- Should have steady supplies grown out of California through the end of May until crop out of Chile starts in July.
English Peas-Grown in Mexico and California, and packed in a bushel and 1/9th cartons. The English Pea is a green, pod-shaped fruit, widely grown as a cool-season vegetable crop. Great as a side dish or in a soup mixed with Celery and Green Garlic.
Fava Beans- Currently grown out of both Mexico and California packed in bushel and 1/9th cartons. Fava Beans have a distinct flavor and creamy texture that makes them a great addition to a wide variety of dishes. Fava beans should be shelled and peeled before eating they are great steamed and served with a little olive oil, salt, and lemon.
Feijoa- Have very good production for the next couple of months grown out of New Zealand.The Feijoa is an egg-shaped fruit with a thin lime-green skin. The flesh inside is cream-colored and encases a jelly-like center. The texture is gritty, close to that of a pear. The flesh tastes like a combination of several other fruits, usually described as pineapple, guava, and strawberry. Eaten fresh or can be used in preserves, desserts, and beverages. Grown out off New Zealand and tray packed.
Fiddle Head Ferns- We have decent supplies out of the North West and available for a couple of months.
Figs- Excellent supplies available, we have both Brown Turkey and Black Genoa varieties market seems to have fallen a bit in price. California crop begins end of May. They are medium sized, bell shaped fruits that are purplish-brown with light pink flesh. Currently from New Zealand and tray packed.
Fresh Green
Almonds-Growing demand for immature green almonds as a garnish and gourmet ingredient has created a "fresh" market for the almond as a hand-picked delicacy.
Green almonds are sold in the hull, to preserve their freshness. The delicate green kernel is wrapped naturally in a soft green, fuzzy hull that is similar to an immature green peach in spring. Currently grown in California and packed in 25-pound sacks.
Grape Leaves-Fresh Grape Leaves are great for preparing Greek Dolmades(stuffed grape leaves). Homemade are far superior to the canned. If you have never tried fresh dolmades, try them stuffed with meat and rice. Grape Leaves are grown in California and are available for about a month.
Green Garlic- Product has about a month left before the end of the season. Young Garlic, which is harvested before the cloves have begun to mature. The flavor of Green Garlic is still garlicky, but is much more mild with less of a bitter bite. When cooked, the green garlic sweetens, lending a new layer of depth to a dish.
Kaffir Lime Leaves-Come from the Kaffir Lime tree, a lime tree native to Indonesia. The leaves are highly aromatic and suitable for various Asian cuisines, including Thai, Indonesian, Cambodian and Laotian cuisines. They are easily recognizable by their emerald-green, doubled sections, which makes them appear as if two leaves are joined together. Available year-round and sold by the pound
Korean Melons- Grown in Mexico packed in 14 pound cartons and range from 9-12 ct. This bright, yellow and white ribbed gourd has white,crispy flesh arid is aromatic. Eat fresh in wedges or cube and add to fruit salads. Use as a garnish or serve with ice cream
Kumquats-Grown in San Diego County and are available with good volume from now through August, market seems to be off a little. The word Kumquat is Chinese for "Gold Orange". Kumquats have a very distinctive taste. It is the only citrus fruit that can be eaten "skin and all." The peel is the sweetest part and can be eaten separately. The pulp contains the seeds and juice, which is sour. They are packed in either 10-pound bulk or 12 / 12 ounce clamshells.
Meyer Lemons-.Full production grown out of the Northern California area. They have a wonderful tangy aroma and are sweeter and less acidic than a standard Lemon.
Mixed Fingerling Potatoes- A mix of Russian, French, Rose Finn, and Purple Peruvian. Supplies are currently new crop out of Idaho and Washington.
Nectarines and Peaches have just started out of California with very low volume and small sizes. Will see different sizes in the following weeks as well as volume
Passion Fruit-The fruit has passed the point of its peak season out of New Zealand. Supplies will be extremely short but we continue to have supplies.Supplies will be decent through May, gap June and July. Crop grown out of California begins in August.
Pomegranate Seeds- New crop out of Peru packed in 12/ 5.3 oz clamshells.
Purple Asparagus-Grown in California and packed in 11-pound units. Should have supplies through the second week of May. Similar to the Green and White Asparagus in appearance, Purple Asparagus is larger at the base. The delicious flavor and crisp tender texture of this unique variety offers a slightly sweeter taste.
Ramps- Ramps,also know as Wild Leeks appear as the snow begins to melt, their scallion like bulb is rooted just below the surface. They have an assertive, garlicky-onion flavor. Edible from the tips of the leaves to their fleshy bulbous bottoms. They can be served blanched and sautéed in risotto or pasta, or seared with some exotic mushrooms as a side dish. Currently out of Michigan and sold by the pound, available for the next few weeks.
Red Chinese Spinach- Red Amaranth is sold as 'Chinese Spinach' (though it is not spinach). The plant has dark green leaves splotched and deeply veined in red. It is delicious, cooks quickly and has even more nutritional value than spinach. Recognized by its pink roots and oval leaves which may have patches of red along the center vein
Rhubarb- A hot house variety, packed in a 15# carton and grown in Washington/ Oregon. Available through early October. Fantastic for Rhubarb and Strawberry pie recipes.
Sapote-Supplies are extremely short, not much fruit coming out of California until June. The White Sapote is successful wherever oranges can be grown. In California mature trees are found from Chico, southward. They are tray packed and in very good volume.
Sea Bean- Fresh bean that grows in the sea in the form of a long, pencil thin, cylindrical green stem that may have spherical-shaped, spike-like buds on the ends. Can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, sautéed, or stir-fried to add a unique presentation for fish and seafood dishes. Grown in Mexico, packed and sold in 5 pound units.
Seville Oranges- A popular bitter Orange grown in the Northern California region. It has a thick, rough skin and an extremely tart, bitter flesh full of seeds. Because of its high acid content, the Seville is not an eating orange but, because of that same acidity is extremely popular for making marmalades as well as liqueurs. Packed in 40-pound cartons and available in limited supplies.
Starfruit-Supplies should be steady for the next month or so out of Taiwan packed in 8-pound cartons.
Coming Soon...
Mexican Perlettes- Should see some Wednesday of this week.
Rambutan- We should see some middle of the week out of Guatemala.
White Peaches- Out of California Monday 04-27-09.
Gold Tamarillos- Hope too some in a couple of weeks out of New Zealand.
Lychees- Grown out of Mexico, hope to see some in a week or so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)