Market Outlook 

Lettuce: 

The lettuce market is at the lower end and should be a good value for next week. Overall quality has been 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 at the lower end. Quality has been very good. The Green and red leaf markets are pretty steady. 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 has declined further and is a good value for next week. Mexican product is more abundant and putting downward pressure on the market.  Quality has been looking very good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market has also declined further. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

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

Celery:

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

Strawberries: 

Market remains strong overall, with light supplies overall on California and Florida fruit. We expect strong markets heading towards Valentines day.  Quality has been fair to good on our inbounds.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes remains strong 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 steady on yellows and reds. Quality on onions has been good to very good.

Citrus

The California lemon market is steady to lower 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 slightly lower for next week with supplies light overall.  We are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is lower with improved supplies out of Mexico. Quality has been very good overall.

 Peppers: 

The green pepper market is a little stronger for next week with a wide range in quality. Volume is very light.  Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is lower with fair 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 slightly lower with good supplies crossing from Mexico. Availability in Florida remains light.

 

   

Recipe of the Week

Banana Cake

Ingredients

1 1/3 cup mashed bananas

2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice divided

1 1/2 cups milk

3 cups flour

1/2 tablespoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup butter softened

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoons vanilla

FROSTING

8 oz cream cheese

1/3 cup butter softened

3-3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest from 1 lemon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 pan.

Place 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice in a measuring cup. Top to 1 1/2 cups with milk. Set aside.

Mix together mashed banana with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, set aside.

Beat together butter, brown and white sugar until combined. Add in eggs one at a time and vanilla. Mix on high until light and fluffy (almost the texture of frosting).

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to egg mixture stirring just until combined. (Do not overmix). Fold in bananas. Pour into prepared pan.

Put into the oven and reduce heat to 300 degrees. Bake 60 – 70 minutes (see note below) or just until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (do not over bake).

Remove from oven and place in the freezer for 45 minutes to make the cake extra moist. Cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING

Cream together butter & cream cheese until fluffy. Add in lemon zest and juice.

Add powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach desired consistency. Spread over cooled cake.