Market Outlook

Lettuce:

The Iceberg market is steady with shippers reporting good availability and quality in Yuma. Weights are improving as we move further into the season.

Leaf:

California leaf market continues to adjust down with supplies coming on in Yuma. We are seeing minor fringe and tip burn on inbound mainly on romaine.

Broccoli:

Broccoli market is steady to lower depending on shipper. Quality is very good out of Yuma.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market remains very strong and we do not see the situation changing in the near term. Shippers are short and pro-rating orders. Quality has been good.

Carrots:

Carrot market is a few dollars stronger for next week. Availability is winding down out of Canada. Quality has been good.

Celery:

The celery market remains very strong with shippers just meeting demand and selling out daily. Oxnard is the only growing area at the present time. Quality has been very good.

Strawberries:

Strawberry market is extremely tight and costs are high as shippers have very few quality berries to ship. We are getting less than 50% of what we need to meet demand. We are being told to expect some quality issues on inbound. Florida berries are starting in a very small way.

Potatoes:

Market is up again slightly on new crop Burbanks. Quality is very good. Trucks are very tight and freight rates are at a premium.

Onions:

The market is steady going into next week. Product is plentiful and quality has been very nice. Freight out of Oregon/Idaho has been extremely difficult.

Citrus:

The Mexican deal is about finished and crossings into the USA are sporadic. California market is steady with good quality reported at shipping point. Navels are in full swing. The crop is sizing up on the small side this season with big fruit bringing higher $$. Quality is very good. Lime market is steady with light crossings from Mexico. Quality has been good overall.

Cucumbers:

Market on cucumbers is steady as we head into next week. . Quality overall has been good.

Peppers:

Pepper market has remained steady. Quality has been good. Sizing has still been a bit of an issue, peppers are on the small side of grade.

Tomatoes:

Tomato market is up again a few dollars on rounds. Cherries and grapes are steady at higher levels along with romas.

 

**Red peppers are very short and the market is active. Beans remain very short. Green and yellow squash are very short due to cold temps.

Recipe of the Week

Tangerine Sherbet

Ingredients

Finely grated zest of 2 tangerines

3 cups fresh tangerine juice (from about 10 tangerines)

1 cup sugar

Coarse salt

2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange-flavored liqueur

1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

Place tangerine zest in medium bowl. Heat 1/2 cup tangerine juice, the sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Transfer syrup to bowl with zest. Stir in remaining 2 1/2 cups tangerine juice, the Grand Marnier, and cream. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

Freeze mixture in an ice cream maker, following manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to a container, and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

Fun Facts of the Week

• They are believed to have originated in China. They have been cultivated in China and Japan for over 3,000 years.
• Their name derives from the place from where they were first shipped to Europe – Tangier, Morocco.
• Tangerines arrived in Europe in the early 19th century and North America by the middle of the century.
• Florida is the top producer of tangerines in the United States.
• Tangerines have a short peak season, from November to January.
• Tangerines used to be nicknamed the ‘Christmas Orange’ because they were often stuffed in children’s Christmas stockings.