Market Outlook 

Lettuce: 

The lettuce market continues to move up with lighter supplies. Freezing temperatures overnight and lettuce ice in the morning is slowing both plant growth and harvest. Quality has been very good this past week, but we are being warned to expect some minor quality defects. Including blister and epidermal peel.

Leaf: 

The Romaine market is steady to slightly higher. Quality has been very good. The Green and red leaf markets are slightly higher. Quality has been good on leaf overall. We are told to expect some minor quality defects in the coming weeks.

Broccoli:

The commodity broccoli market is much higher again for next week. Cold temperatures are slowing product down. Quality has been looking very good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market remains very high and product is short. Cold temperatures are keeping supplies very tight. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is steady. Good quality Canada product in stock.

Celery:

Celery costs have turned back up in California and costs are higher for next week. Florida product is very light in volume.  We are seeing good quality.

Strawberries: 

Market remains strong overall, but is declining slowly with light supplies overall on California and Florida fruit.  Quality has been fair to good on our inbounds.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes is a little stronger again across all sizes. This trend is expected to continue at least for the near term. Very cold temperatures are hampering packing and transportation.  Quality has been very nice on inbound.

Onions:

The Western onion market is a little stronger on yellows and reds. Quality on onions has been good to very good.

Citrus

The California lemon market is steady with good availability. Quality has been good overall. We are seeing good quality over all on navel oranges and that market is steady. The Lime market is stronger for next week with lighter supplies due to cold weather. Overall, we are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is steady and on the strong side especially out of Mexico. Quality has been very good overall. 

Peppers: 

The green pepper market remains strong for next week with a wide range in quality and volume is light.  Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is steady with fair supplies in Florida. 5×6 and larger are on the short side. Quality has been good overall. Grape tomatoes are moving up slightly and cherries are steady.  Both are showing good quality. The Roma market is a little softer with light availability in Florida and supply out of Mexico improving.

  

Recipe of the Week

Poblano Corn Chowder

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 stalks celery, chopped

2 tablespoons margarine

1 fresh poblano chile pepper, seeded and diced

1 quart heavy cream

1 quart half-and-half cream

1/3 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon lobster base (optional)

1 pinch ground dried chile de arbol

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup margarine

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn

1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and diced

salt to taste

white sugar to taste

Directions

In a blender or food processor, puree the onion and celery; drain.

Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and celery puree and the poblano chile pepper. Stirring constantly, cook about 5 minutes, until tender. Mix in heavy cream, half-and-half cream, sugar, and lobster base. Season with chile de arbol and black pepper. Stirring often, bring to a gentle boil.

Melt 1/2 cup margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Mix in the flour, and stir constantly until thickened. Remove from heat, and gradually mix into the large saucepan. Cook and stir until the mixture is well blended and thickened.

Mix cream-style corn and whole kernel corn into the large saucepan mixture. Stir in the shrimp, and cook 2 minutes, or until opaque. Season with salt and sugar.