Notes from the Green Grocer -- Jan. 4, 2006

"Fragile and expensive raspberries have a matchless perfume-like fragrance and incomparable flavor. Despite their apparent delicacy, they are nutritional powerhouses and packed with fiber (thanks in part to their tiny edible seeds). Some of the fiber is soluble fiber in the form of pectin that lowers cholesterol. Their phytochemical content includes such cancer-fighters as beta-carotene, ellagic acid, catechins, and monoterpenes (which also inhibit cholesterol production). Raspberries are a good source of vitamin C, too. Most cultivated raspberries are red, but there are also varieties in yellow, apricot, amber, and purple (or 'black')--all similar in flavor and texture. In the northeastern U.S., local varieties are available at farm stands and markets from midsummer to late summer; however, most of the berries comes from California from June through October. Chilean imports may be available at other times of the year, although supplies are limited and prices are very high."

More about Raspberries from Whole Earth Foods. . .

LETTUCE MARKET:  Spinach, Iceberg Lettuce, Boston, Romaine, Greenleaf, and Redleaf: Growers are selling at near or below cost in order to keep turning inventory; sluggish demand is keeping a lid on prices...

TOMATO UPDATE:  Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: Florida tomatoes are finished for the season causing East Coast shippers to pull from our supplies; the result is that prices will remain firm for the next few weeks. Cherry Tomatoes: Color is improved; prices are unchanged. Roma Tomatoes: This market perked up some late last week and will continue with moderate raises; quality remains good. Yellow Tomatoes: Supplies are good; prices are the same. Grape Tomatoes and Teardrops: Supplies are good and prices are still high. Heirloom Tomatoes: Mixed heirlooms are available; price and is quality are unchanged.

FRESH FRUITS: Apricots: Both New Zealand and Chilean are very nice. California Haas Avocados: We are in for a bumper crop this season; prices remain low; Chilean is available too but no bargains in price. Cherries: Good supplies of Chilean Bings and Raniers are still available; prices are low. Figs: Cold weather has taken its toll; no fig until the desert warms up. Cantaloupes: Quality is very good; prices are down. Honeydews: Mexican has the best fruit; light supply is leading to higher prices. Watermelon: Prices are still high. Green and Red Grapes: Still using California crimsons; Chilean perlettes are sizing up; quality is very nice. Oranges: Texas Valencia’s are still the best for juicing; California navels are excellent for garnish. Grapefruit: Texas Rio stars are very good. Limes: Rain and cold in Mexico has had this market quite high; we are expecting relief later this week. Hawaiian Papayas: Supplies are good; prices are unchanged. Nectarines and Peaches: Chilean fruit is improving daily; prices are unchanged; white flesh peaches are now available and the quality is excellent. Plums: Red ones are now in the market; Black plums are still a week or two away. There are good supplies of Apples, Gold Kiwi’s, Mangoes, Pomegranates, and Pears...

FRESH VEGETABLES:  Artichokes: Castroville chokes still have frost damage; we are using some of the desert thornless chokes when the regular globe variety are not available. Asparagus: We have switched to mostly Mexican grass to improve freshness; prices are coming down as the holiday demand is over. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: Supplies are good; prices are low. Blue Lake Beans: Shipping demand has ceased; prices have dropped. Broccoli: Prices remain low. Cauliflower: Demand has fallen sharply; prices are at seasons low. Cabbage: No change in prices on both green and red. Celery: Prices are low. Cucumbers: Mexican fruit is light in supply; prices are edging up. Eggplant: Prices are down. Red Onions: No change in prices. Yellow Onions: No changes to report. White Onions: Prices are unchanged. Kale, Curly Parsley and Italian Parsley: Supplies are good; prices are unchanged. Green Bell Peppers: Prices are up again as supplies become short. Red and Gold Bell Peppers: Prices are high and will go higher; quality is good. Squash: Gold Zucchini: Supplies and quality are better; prices are down. Yellow Straightneck: Prices are down too; quality is excellent. Green Zucchini: Supplies are good; prices are the same. French Haricot Vert Beans: Field workers are returning; prices are coming down. Yellow Wax Beans: Supplies are better; prices are coming down. Baby Squashes: Holiday demand is over; prices are dropping. There are good supplies of Chard, Carrots, China Peas, Hard Squashes, Sweet Potatoes and Yams...

As with all fresh fruits and vegetables, the market could change daily . . .

Further description of all the fruits and vegetables mentioned above can be found at Whole Health Foods and Wegman's Online Produce Encylopedia.


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