Cherries--rain in the cherry growing area has slowed the beginning of the deal, though harvesting should resume quickly. Prices always begin absurdly high, due to the prices that Japan pays for the beginning of the crop. That usually lasts a few weeks, so by the end of the month prices usually come off a bit. California bing cherries could begin shipping next week. Washington State is in line for a record crop this year, which should keep prices in line. Of course, in the cherry business a lot can happen between now and harvest time. Our buddy and fine cherry grower Josh, in Traverse City, dodged a bullet last week as a late frost did minimal damage.
Figs--California has an early, mid, and late deal. The first figs are harvested in the Cochella Valley (in the desert) in late May or early June. The larger and usually tastier crop comes off further north near Fresno which features black mission, kadota and calimyrna figs. This season usually begins in mid July and runs into the fall. October produces a second harvest in the desert which runs through the end of the year. Fresh figs have been a hit in finer restaurants in recent years, as there are many wonderful ways to incorporate them into your menu.
Peaches and Nectarines--it's been a slow start to the peach and nectarine season, at least compared to last season. Yellow and white fleshed peaches, as will as yellow and white fleshed nectarines are currently available, though supplies should increase dramatically after the Memorial Day Weekend. Georgia and South Carolina are supposed to have a large peach crop, so that should keep prices in line.
Pluots and Apriums--are relatively new genetically produced fruits, which are a cross between a plum and an apricot. Basically, pluots are more plum, and apriums have a higher percentage of apricot. There are some wonderful varieties out there, many of which are proprietary to a few orchards. Floyd Zaiger, from California, is credited with creating many of these new varieties in the 1990's. Can't you just see good ole' Floyd, working in his lab, creating these new tasty sensations. By the way, to my knowledge, pluots and apriums are not genetcally altered. They're more the work of an ingenious scientist who created new fruit trees that produce great fruit. This is not unlike the guy who figured out the Honeycrisp apple.
California Cantaloupes--you're correct, there are no pits or bones in cantaloupes, though I'm switching my attention to other "new crop" fruits. California cantaloupes have begun, and prices have remained almost the same. This early variety has good netting and good flavor. We often begin the season with crunchy melons, though this variety melts in your mouth. Not a bad beginning to the melon season.
Blueberries--it appears that we've officially moved to full pints, so we'll declare this as the official beginning of the blueberry season. I still prefer the berries from New Jersey and Michigan, which have a different flavor profile. Product this week has moved from Florida to North Carolina. Prices should drop some after the holiday.
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( 2.9 / 56 )Mother's Day is behind us and the weather in California has improved. Volume has picked up for all berries, and markets are much lower. Most other products are in a supply exceeds demand situation, so if you've got the demand you're in good shape. Here's a look.
Raspberries--California production is in full swing and prices are significantly lower. Berries are mostly large and bright and sweet.
Blueberries--many states join the fray including Florida, Georgia, California with Mississippi, Arkansas and North Carolina waiting in the wings. Product should shift to a larger container soon,(either 6 oz. or full pint) and prices are dropping quickly. Get the blues!
Strawberries--don't want to be left on an island, so heavier production and more competition from other fruit leads to lower prices. This is a good weekend for berry-rama. Don't forget the rhubarb.
Grapes--Mexican perlette grapes (small berry, crunchy and tart) have begun as Chilean green grapes are about finished for the season. Chilean red grape varieties are still going strong for now.
Mangoes--seem to have better maturity now than in the past few weeks. Both the haden and ataulfo varieties are of good quality and readily available. It's your choice! Mangoes are the most consumed fruit in the world.
Morel Mushrooms--local foragers are going out and filling up their bags, though the commercial market is pulling from various states. We've had product from Nebraska, Wisconsin, California, Washington and Turkey. Prices are dropping! A few days of heat will bring the local product on strong.
Green Beans--from Georgia are a huge improvement over the recent Florida beans. Prices remain a bargain. Clipped beans are also a good menu item and very reasonable.
Green Peppers--are in an oversupply situation and prices are very low for all sizes. Quality has been excellent.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash--are another great choice for a vegetable on your menu right now. The price is so right!
Sugar Snaps--okay, so I had to throw something in to ruin the bargain party. Central America is in a gap and prices are much higher. Currently we've sourced peas from California. Pea pods, by the way, are a better deal right now. And if you're an English Pea lover and want to have a shucking party, they are in the peak of their season.
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( 2.8 / 68 )So, the nation is dependent on the weather in Salinas, the breadbasket of most of the veggies being harvested right now. Rain and cool weather has interrupted the harvest of vegetables such as broccoli, celery cauliflower, and lettuce. Strawberries, grown in nearby Watsonville have been affected also. Here's a look at what's going on this weekend.
Broccoli and cauliflower --prices have spiked for both vegetables, though the interruption should be short lived. California is the major producer for both vegetables, and the rain has curtailed production. Prices are considerably higher for both.
Celery--prices have risen dramatically for celery and celery hearts. From the high teens to the low $30's, you may want to use celery a bit more sparingly.
Berries--strawberries have been affected by rain, cooler weather and a heavy Mothers Day pull, causing prices to inch up. Blueberries, on the other hand, are feeling the pressure of developing crops in Georgia and California. Prices are falling. Blackberries remain a wonderful bargain. Lastly, raspberries, are coming on in California and Mexico pressuring the market to fall. We should see prices drop dramatically toward the end of next week.
Tomatoes--slicers and romas are still coming from Mexico, and prices are easing up. Product is shifting to Baja California, which should continue throughout June. Then harvesting will shift to the San Diego area in July. The grape tomato market remains soft as are Florida gassed green tomatoes. The Canadian hot house market for both on and off the vine is a bargain. They are the best tasting tomato at the moment.
Melons--as the offshore, i.e. Caribbean deal winds down, prices
are falling. Arizona and California melons are right around the corner which should be a welcome change.
Asparagus--product is being harvested from several states, including Michigan, Washington State, California, New Jersey, Indiana, New York and other places which don't make it to our market. It doesn't get any better than this for asparagus lovers, especially since our local product is so abundant. You've got a good month to enjoy this spring vegetable.
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( 2.7 / 31 )This is graduation week, so take a break from your busy day, chill for a bit, and click on the link at the bottom of the page. Hope you enjoy. If you've already seen it, sorry for the redundancy.
Since this is supposed to be a produce blog, I'll first give you a few market updates.
Michigan Fiddlehead Ferns--have just arrived. These young tender shoots of the ostrich and other ferns, are usually the first green vegetable of the season. Check out this website for more information.
http://veganYumYum.com/2007/05fiddlehead-ferns/
Asparagus--Michigan asparagus is trickling in this weekend, and we should have good supplies next week. Yes, spring produce is really here.
Berries--the blueberry market is beginning to fall and quality is improving. Strawberries remain fairly inexpensive, though it is beginning to be a bit difficult to source great tasting berries.
California raspberries are slowly beginning, which should help lower these high prices.
By the way, if you're concerned about Mexican produce due to the Swine Flu, here's a list of what we have been sourcing from there.
Limes, avocados, mangos, roma tomatoes and large slicing tomatoes, peeled baby carrots with tops, watermelons, and cucumbers. This list is off the top of my head and probably not complete. I have not heard of any FDA information regarding not handling Mexican product at this time. If you're concerned call the office and we'll try to complete this list and give you any other information we've received.
Okay it's time for the show.
http://http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741
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( 2.8 / 72 )The weather is supposed to be magnificent this weekend and many prices are lower. It should be a busy weekend for restaurants and stores, as the weather brings us out of our winter cubbies. This is a vegetable time of the year, as springtime in California and Florida bring on the new spring crops. Fruit, on the other hand, is basically in a gap, as we wait for stone fruit, California melons and grapes, U.S. watermelons, etc. Here's a look at what's going on:
Corn--this is the beginning of a nice long ride for corn. Starting in Florida and moving up the east coast until we come to Michigan, corn is a sure sign that summer is around the corner. I had three ears with dinner yesterday, as I craved the first corn(for me) of the spring. The ears are a bit small, but the taste was excellent. Prices have dropped dramatically, just in time for the nice weather.
Tomatoes--yes, the market is showing signs of weakness and prices are dropping. The real bargain is with Canadian hot house tomatoes and tomatoes on the vine whose production is pressuring the rest of the market. Grape tomatoes, romas and slicers, which are still from Mexico are all lower.
Asparagus--prices are stable for California product and we've seen glimpses of asparagus from Washington state. It won't be too long before we see product from Michigan.
Green Beans--prices remain soft for Florida green beans, though quality has only been fair. Prices of related bean products such as clipped beans have dropped also. If you're interested, wax or yellow beans and fava beans are available. Quality is excellent for both.
Eggplant--from Florida is following the corn and bean trail. After December freezes and re-planting, supplies are getting to where they should be. Prices are much lower, as more fields come in to production, though product has been a tad small. Look for quality to improve.
Green Peppers--from Florida are more than sufficient to cover demand. Prices are dropping. Red peppers are being shipped from Mexico and Canada, and prices remain soft.
Sugar Snaps and Sno Peas --supplies exceed demand and prices remain a bargain.
Vidalia Onions--should be available shortly, maybe even this weekend. I always thought they were over-rated, but don't let me get in the way of you buying them. They still have a good reputation, so they could be a menu item, maybe with some corn off the cob and greens like rainbow chard, lacinato kale, or collards.
Zucchini and Summer Squash--are a great for grilling this weekend. Florida is in full swing, and the product looks great. Prices are lower.
Ramps, Fiddleheads, Morels--ramps are now available at about $10/pound. Western fiddleheads are currently available, though we've always waited for the preferred Eastern ones. Morels are being sourced from Turkey and California, and with this warm weather, I'm sure new areas will begin soon. Prices should fall!
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