Market Outlook

Lettuce:

Supplies on Iceberg continue to decline with the market moving higher again. Quality is only fair to good and case weights are on the lighter side. We will transition to Yuma Arizona for the winter growing season beginning next week.

Leaf:

Romaine and leaf are active and romaine hearts are much stronger. Supplies are light. We have seen occasional tip and fringe burn on inbound.

Broccoli:

The broccoli market is a few dollars higher. Quality has been good on inbound.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is much higher. Quality has been good to very good.

Carrots:

The Eastern loose carrot market will be slightly higher for next week. Quality has remained very good.

Celery:

The celery market is higher with very good quality out of California. We expect this trend to continue through the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Strawberries:

The berry market will be higher for next week, with much lighter supplies and pro-rates likely. We are in a demand far exceeds supply situation. Overall, quality has been good, but shippers are advising that quality will likely decline moving towards the end of the California season. Many shippers are electing to go to process/freezer rather than to fresh market due to quality issues. Customers should be advised to expect to see quality defects including bruising and the occasional moldy berry.

Potatoes:

Idaho potato market has remained steady for next week, but we do anticipate market to get active again over the next week or two with the holiday pull coming. We are seeing some deals on the bigger items for the next week or two before we see things tighten back up.

Onions:

The yellow onion market has remained steady for next week. Reds are a little stronger and expected to move upward slightly next week.

Citrus:

The California lemon market is steady with availability improving slowly. We have Mexican and Chilean product in stock and the quality is very good. Chilean and Mexican supply will begin to drop, with the small sizes being affected first and costs rising. The Valencia deal is done and we will have all Navels moving forward. New crop navel orange harvest is on the light side, but improving. Lime market is steady to a little higher. Quality has been very good.

Cucumbers:

The cucumber market is higher for next week as good quality product is at a premium. Quality has only been fair to good.

Peppers

The green pepper market is higher for next week, as Georgia is about done. Both sizing and quality are starting to get better.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is lower as more Florida shippers have started. Cherry tomato supply seems to be improving. Grapes are also adjusting down. Romas are higher with few domestic available. Quality has been good on inbound.

 

Recipe of the Week

Cranberry Orange Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups chopped cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest

3 tablespoons orange juice

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg until well blended. Mix in 1 teaspoon orange zest and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the orange mixture. Mix in cranberries and if using, walnuts, until evenly distributed. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Cookies should be spaced at least 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are golden. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, 3 tablespoons orange juice and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread over the tops of cooled cookies. Let stand until set.