Market Outlook 

Lettuce: 

The Iceberg lettuce market is much higher in cost and product is very short. 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. Shippers pro-rating orders based on 6 – week average purchases.

Leaf: 

The Romaine market is up a few dollars as well. Romaine hearts are also stronger as well. Quality has been good. The Green and red leaf markets are up a few dollars 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 is much higher with light availability. Shippers holding to averages/ pro-rating. Quality has been looking very good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is very short and costs remain very high. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is just 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: 

The over- supply of Florida berries is past us and the market has rebounded slightly.  Quality has been good on recent inbounds.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes remains strong across all sizes.  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 higher for next week. We are seeing both Florida, Honduras and Mexico product Quality has been very good overall.  

Peppers: 

The green pepper market is higher for next week. Lighter supplies in both Mexico and Florida. Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market has rebounded slightly light supplies in Florida. Mexico also crossing lighter volume. 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

CUPCAKES:

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 + 1/8 tsp baking soda

1/2 + 1/8 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup canola oil

1/4 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots

FROSTING:

8 oz cream cheese softened

1/2 cup butter softened

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 tsp vanilla

dash of salt

3 cups powdered sugar (more or less, if needed)

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk together flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar, eggs, and oil till thick and foamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the sour cream, vanilla, and carrots and mix well. Add the dry ingredients and stir till just blended.

Fill paper lined cupcake pans half full. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely.

For frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar till smooth. Let sit for 5-10 minutes till brown sugar dissolves completely. Add vanilla, salt, and enough powdered sugar to make a frosting thick enough to pipe. Use a large star tip to frost cupcakes.