Notes from the Green Grocer -- Dec. 26, 2006

English/Spanish


LETTUCE MARKET: Boston, Romaine, Greenleaf, Redleaf: Romaine is remaining strong but iceberg and the rest of the mix have come off. Spring Mix: Higher prices have settled in; cool weather in the fields is keeping supplies limited. Spinach: Production and pricing have returned to normal…


BERRY NEWS: Strawberries and Long Stem Strawberries: Quality is much improved; supplies of stem berries should be adequate for New Years celebrations; prices are down. Blackberries: Prices are cheap and quality is better. Blueberries: New Zealand quality is very good; prices have leveled off. Raspberries: Most of them are coming out of Mexico and there is a serious supply problem; prices are much higher…

TOMATO UPDATE: Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: Prices have receded; supplies are very good and quality is excellent. Cluster Tomatoes: Prices are higher this week; cool weather in Mexico is hampering harvest. Cherry Tomatoes: Same story, prices are up and color is light. Grape Tomatoes: The market is short; prices are higher. Roma Tomatoes: Roma’s are very long; prices are lower. Heirloom Tomatoes: The season is almost over; supplies are light and prices are strong….

FRESH FRUITS: California Haas Avocados: California fruit is finished; Chilean fruit is filling in nicely; new crop California is a week or two away. Cantaloupes: Prices are down quality is much improved. Honeydews: Prices remain high. Green and Red Grapes: California is finished; new crop Chilean fruit is improving daily in size and flavor; prices should drop by the end of the week as more vessels are expected to arrive. Oranges: Texas Val’s are in full swing; Navel prices are low. Grapefruit: Texas Rio stars are bright red and sweet. Lemons: The market is moving up again. Limes: Cold weather in Mexico; prices are up on 150 size and smaller. Mangoes: Quality is very good. Stone Fruit: Chilean nectarines and peaches are still mostly green; Plums, Bing Cherries, Rainier Cherries, and Apricots are outstanding. Kiwi’s: California has just started; prices are low. Persimmons: There are still plenty of Fuyu persimmons but the Hachiya variety is very limited in supply. There are good supplies of Apples, Pomegranates, and Pears….

FRESH VEGETABLES: Artichokes: Frost damage is evident in Castroville chokes; availability is limited. b: Demand for Peruvian grass is causing prices to remain high, no relief until after the New Year. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: Supply is good; prices are low. Blue Lake Beans: New Years demand combined with cold weather equals higher bean prices. Broccoli and Cauliflower: Supplies are still light; prices are strong. Cabbage: No change in prices. Carrots: Supplies are good; prices have leveled off. Celery: Prices are up; quality is very good. Cucumbers: Cold weather in Mexico again is the culprit; prices are up. Eggplant: Frost is still a problem; supplies are light and prices remain strong. 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 firm. Green, Red, and Gold Bell Peppers: Green bells are cheap; red, orange, and gold peppers are still expensive. Green Zucchini: Supplies could be light going into New Year’s weekend; prices remain firm. Yellow Squash: Crookneck quality is good; best price will be on straightneck. Gold Zucchini: New crop Mexican gold bar is still very short; prices are very high. Hard Squash: Prices have settled down on acorn, butternut, and the like; some of the earlier varieties such as delicata and turban are disappearing rapidly. Baby Squashes, French and Yellow Wax Beans: Demand has peaked, quality is much improved and prices should be coming off. Peas: Snow peas, snap peas, and English peas are all in light supply; prices remain firm.

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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