Market Outlook   

Lettuce: 

The lettuce market is starting to coming off as more supplies become available. Costs will still be elevated for next week, but lower than this week. Salinas quality has been mostly very good on inbound.

Leaf: 

Romaine and romaine heart markets are steady to a little stronger. Demand is good. Quality has been mostly good on all Romaine items. Green leaf is a little stronger and Red leaf is steady. Quality has been good on leaf overall.

Broccoli:

The commodity broccoli market is coming off and costs will be lower for next week. Quality has been looking good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is slightly higher for next week. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market has leveled off, but remains on the strong side. Canada is producing very few large carrots. Michigan just starting. We are seeing good quality from Mexico.

Celery:

Celery costs are steady with good supplies in Salinas. There is also Michigan and Canadian product available. We are seeing good quality.

Strawberries: 

Market is steady with light supplies on California fruit. Quality has been fair to good on our inbounds.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes is steady to a little lower with new crop looking very sharp. There is still some old crop Burbanks around as well. #2 potatoes are tight as new crop is not producing many #2’s many shippers sending 100 count to fill #2 orders.

Onions:

The Western onion market is declining on yellows and reds as we move to the Idaho crop.

Quality on onions has been good to very good.

Citrus

The California lemon market is strong and remains in very short supply. Quality has been fair to good. Import arrivals are very light and overall the supplies are extremely short. Mexico is just starting with very light supplies. We are seeing good quality over all on oranges and the market remains steady and strong. The Lime market remains strong for next week. Overall, we are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is very unsettled and there is a wide range on cost and quality.  Product is being sourced from multiple growing regions along the East Coast, New York and Canada. Quality has been good.

Peppers:  

The green pepper market is steady with adequate supplies in New Jersey. Michigan and Canada also harvesting now.  Quality has been good overall.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is much stronger for next week. Supplies in California are lighter and the East is producing very few tomatoes. Good quality California product in stock. The grape tomato market is steady to stronger. We are seeing mostly good quality. Cherry tomatoes are steady and showing good quality. The Roma market is steady to slightly higher with fair availability in both California and Mexico.

  

 

Recipe of the Week

Watermelon Feta Mint Skewers

Ingredients:

– 4 oz feta cheese, in a block (I used low-fat)

– 1/4 of a large watermelon, cubed into

bite-sized pieces

– mint leaves

– skewers

– balsamic for drizzling

Directions:

Cube the watermelon into bite sized pieces.

Cube the block of feta.

To assemble, stack the feta and watermelon with a mint leaf in between. Using a skewer or toothpick, skewer the stack.

For added flavor, I used a reduced balsamic vinegar drizzle. This is entirely optional but also entirely delicious so that’s your call. To make the drizzle, add ½ cup balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and reduce for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Drizzle over the skewers.