Notes from the Green Grocer -- Dec. 5, 2006

English/Spanish


LETTUCE MARKET: Boston, Romaine, Greenleaf, Redleaf: Although there are adequate supplies in the field the market is being driven upwards due to a lack of labor to harvest the product; leaf has topped out but we are expecting higher fob’s on iceberg. Spinach: Quality is excellent; prices are unchanged…




BERRY NEWS: Strawberries and Long Stem Strawberries: Quality is poor; supplies are extremely light; prices are up and will continue to rise. Blackberries: Mostly Guatemalan fruit, quality and availability are good. Blueberries: Argentine quality is very good; prices are low…

TOMATO UPDATE: Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: Demand is perking up; expect moderate increases; 4 x 4 tomatoes continue to be a problem to source; Florida loose tomatoes are very nice; prices remain unchanged. Cluster Tomatoes: Prices are steady. Cherry Tomatoes: Quality is very good; prices are unchanged. Grape Tomatoes: Prices are low. Roma Tomatoes: Prices are heading back up as the national market in Mexico has gone up; we will have to compete with the local Mexican market in order to secure supplies. Heirloom Tomatoes: Supply is still adequate; prices are up….

FRESH FRUITS: California Haas Avocados: California fruit is finishing up, so far no change in price. Cantaloupes: Mexican quality is average at best; sugar content is at minimums; prices have backed down moderately. Honeydews: Prices are unchanged. Green and Red Grapes: California quality is still good on premium fruit, no new crop Chilean until mid December. Oranges: Texas Valencia oranges for juice are in full swing; Navel oranges are excellent for slicing; prices are low. Grapefruit: Texas Rio stars are excellent. Lemons: Shippers have raised the scale on 140 and 165 choice. Limes: No change. Mangoes: Brazilian quality is hit and miss; prices are unchanged. Stone Fruit: Chilean nectarines are in; new crop Chilean peaches are getting bigger; prices are lower; airfreight apricots and Apriums have arrived, expensive but excellent quality. Chilean cherries are very nice; both Bing and Rainier varieties are available. There are good supplies of Apples, Kiwi’s, Persimmons, Pomegranates, and Pears...

FRESH VEGETABLES: Artichokes: Frost damage will be evident in Castroville chokes; availability will be limited and prices will rise. Asparagus: Acute labor shortage is causing a shortage of supply; prices are up. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: Supply is better; prices are unchanged. Blue Lake Beans: Prices have come back to normal. Broccoli and Cauliflower: Soggy fields and lack of labor is driving the market higher. Cabbage: No change in prices. Carrots: Supplies are good; prices have leveled off. Celery: Prices have stabilized; quality is very good. Cucumbers: Supply is good; prices are unchanged. Eggplant: Quality is good; prices are low. Green Onions: Supplies are good; prices are unchanged. Red Onions: Quality is excellent; prices are unchanged. Yellow Onions: The market is up and will continue to be strong, Idaho-Oregon quality is very good. White Onions: Prices are up. Kale, Curly Parsley, and Italian Parsley: Supplies are good; prices are lower. Green, Red, and Gold Bell Peppers: Green bells are cheap; red, orange, and gold peppers are on the move again; prices are up. Green Zucchini: Prices are down as both Coachella and Mexico are heavy on product. Yellow Squash: Crookneck quality is good; prices are low. Gold Zucchini: New crop Mexican gold bar is still very short; prices are very high; straightneck is still cheaper. Hard Squash: Winter hard squash is on the short side; Mexican growers are raising their fob quotes on acorn, butternut and spaghetti. Baby Squashes: Prices have leveled off; quality is very good. French and Yellow Wax Beans: Demand is very sluggish; quality is excellent and prices remain low. There are good supplies of Chard, Leeks, 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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