Market Outlook 

Lettuce: 

The lettuce market is up again just slightly from last week. Overall quality has been good this past week, but we are still being cautioned to expect some minor quality defects, including blister and epidermal peel.

Leaf: 

The Romaine market is up a few dollars from last week. Romaine hearts are a little stronger as well. Quality has been good. The Green and red leaf markets are up slightly for next week. Quality has been good on leaf overall. We are told to expect some minor quality defects in the coming weeks.

Broccoli:

The commodity broccoli up slightly from last week. Mexican product is available. Quality has been looking very good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is very short and costs have jumped up. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is slightly lower. Good quality Canada product in stock.

Celery:

The Celery market remains very strong in California and costs are high for next week. Florida product is very light in volume.  We are seeing good quality.

Strawberries: 

Strawberry volumes are improving on both California and Florida fruit and costs are beginning to decline.  Quality has also improved and has been good on recent inbounds.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes remains strong across all sizes. This trend is expected to continue at least for the near term. Adverse weather is hampering transportation.  Quality has been good to very good on inbound.

Onions:

The Western onion market is steady 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 to lower. The Lime market is slightly higher for next week with supplies light overall.  We are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is moving up just a little for next week. We are seeing both Florida and Mexico product and quality has been very good overall.  

Peppers: 

The green pepper market is much lower for next week. Mexico is starting to cross good volume. Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is lower with better supplies in Florida. Mexico is starting with volume and forcing the market to decline. Quality has been good overall. Grape tomatoes and cherries are steady.  Both are showing good quality. The Roma market is steady with good supplies crossing from Mexico. Availability in Florida remains light.  

   

Recipe of the Week

Spinach Linguine With Walnut-Arugula Pesto

Ingredients

2 small garlic cloves

3 ounces walnut pieces (about 3/4 cup), toasted and cooled

4 ounces arugula, trimmed and roughly chopped

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1/3 cup)

1 pound spinach linguine

3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Step 1

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, pulse garlic until very finely chopped. Add walnut pieces and arugula; process until a coarse paste forms, about 5 seconds. Transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in the salt and Parmesan cheese, and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add linguine, and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander, and immediately add to bowl with walnut-arugula mixture. Drizzle with the oil, and season with pepper. Toss thoroughly until coated evenly. Serve immediately