Notes from the Green Grocer -- Oct. 23, 2006

English/Spanish


LETTUCE MARKET: Boston, Romaine, Greenleaf, Redleaf: Supply is still coming out of Salinas; the market is lower because of the recent e-coli scare on greenleaf. Iceberg: The market is still low; prices may be higher due to transportation costs because growers are transitioning from Salinas to Huron. Spinach: Prices are returning to normal as demand begins to get back to normal…



BERRY NEWS: Strawberries and Long Stem Strawberries: Oxnard fruit is very nice; prices are stable. Blackberries: Supplies are very short; prices are high. Blueberries: Argentina has the best product but prices are slightly higher. Raspberries: Quality is excellent; prices are strong…

TOMATO UPDATE: Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: : Supply is much better with three districts shipping product; prices are lower. Cluster Tomatoes: Prices are lower. Cherry Tomatoes: Quality is very good; prices are low. Grape Tomatoes: Prices are down. Roma Tomatoes: Prices have finally broken; we are on a downward trend; quality is excellent. Heirloom Tomatoes: Due to the late start this year we are getting better supplies towards the end of the deal; quality is good and prices are low.

FRESH FRUITS: Apples: Prices are lower; good supplies of Fuji, Jonagold, Jonathan, Pink Lady, and Macintosh are available. California Haas Avocados: California fruit is in much shorter supply; prices are up. Cantaloupes and Honeydews: Desert fruit is here; prices are up. Green and Red Grapes: Not much change on red seedless but we have to buy only premium green seedless; prices are firm. Oranges: Quality of choice Valencia oranges is not very good; Navel oranges are still a few weeks away. Grapefruit: California desert fruit is all that is out there; Texas is available but not enough numbers to make the switch; better supplies of Texas fruit is still a couple of weeks away. Lemons: Supplies are improving; prices are off slightly. Limes: Prices are cheap. Mangoes: Brazilian Tommy Atkins have the best quality; prices are firm. Nectarines, Plums and Peaches: The season is almost over; no Chilean fruit is available yet; quality is mediocre at best. There are good supplies of Apples, Kiwi’s, and Pears...

FRESH VEGETABLES: Artichokes: Supplies are very light; prices are up again. Asparagus: Prices have leveled off; most of it is Peruvian airfreight grass; quality is good. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: No changes to report. Blue Lake Beans: Prices are lower this week. Broccoli: Supply is still long; prices are off. Cauliflower: Prices are still cheap. Cabbage: Supply is good; prices are unchanged. Carrots: Supplies are better but prices remain firm. Celery: Pricing is off as supply improves. Cucumbers: Supply is very good; prices are down; quality is excellent. Eggplant: Quality is good; prices are down. Green Onions: Supplies have loosened up and prices are beginning to recede. Red Onions: Quality is excellent; prices are unchanged. Yellow Onions: The market seems to have settled out; prices are unchanged and quality is very good. White Onions: No changes to report. Potatoes: New crop is here; prices are down and quality is excellent. Kale, Curly Parsley and Italian Parsley: Supplies are good; prices are unchanged. Green, Red, and Gold Bell Peppers: Green bells remain low priced with red and yellow much higher; quality on all colors is very good. Green Zucchini: Prices are much lower as supply far exceeds demand. Yellow Squash: Quality is good on straightneck or gold zucchini; prices are low; crookneck is also available but the price is much higher. Hard Squash: Winter varieties of hard squash are now available including gold acorn, delicata and gold nugget. Baby Squashes: Supply is good and prices are low on zucchini and green summer; gold summer is in lighter supply and prices are much higher. French and Yellow Wax Beans: Supplies are still long; prices are very low. There are good supplies of Chard, Leeks, China Peas and Snap Peas...

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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