Market Outlook

Lettuce:

The supply situation is not good. Rain and very cold weather are to blame. Costs have increased significantly over last week, and shippers are selling out and holing to averages and pro-rating orders. Shippers are quoting product to have epidermal peel and blistering due to the freezing temperatures at night along with ice in the mornings. Case weights are on the lighter side.

Leaf:

Romaine, Romaine hearts, green, and red leaf are increasing in cost as availability is lower. There was an increase in romaine heart pricing. Similar to lettuce, leaf quality will be suffering from the cold temperatures and ice in the fields as well. Expect to see epidermal peel and minor tip burn.

Broccoli:

The broccoli market is steady on bunched, but crowns remain in short supply. Processors are very short on raw product and are holding to normal volume with price triggers in effect. Quality has been good on inbound.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is easing slightly depending on shipper. Quality has been good to very good.

Carrots:

The Eastern loose carrot market has continued to head upward a bit for next week. Still in decent supply and quality has been very nice.

Celery:

The celery market remains at historically high levels as demand far exceeds supply. Expect this to continue for the next several weeks. We are seeing good quality out of California.

Strawberries:

Growing regions in California are very light on supplies and quality has been fair to good. Sizing out of CA has been small. The majority of the strawberries we are selling are out of Florida. Costs are up slightly on Florida fruit heading into next week.

Potatoes:

Idaho potato market has begun to move up some for next week as anticipated. We will see small increases most likely over the next couple of weeks.

Onions:

The yellow onion market is up slightly for next week. Reds are high and will remain that way for the near term.

Citrus:

The California lemon market is up a bit due to rain hampering harvests. California Navel oranges are in good supply and we are seeing great quality on inbound. Oranges are starting to size up. Look for smaller oranges to get tighter in weeks to come. Lime market is moving up slightly.

Cucumbers:

The cucumber market has eased up some, but we are still seeing quality concerns on every inbound. Overall quality is only fair to good.

Peppers:

The green pepper market has gone up going into next week. Product has tightened up in the south.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market remains strong for next week, and quality is only fair. Cherry tomatoes along with grapes are about steady. We expect Romas to decline as Mexico is ramping up. Quality has been good on inbound.

 

Recipe of the Week

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots

Ingredients

6 slices center-cut bacon, chopped

1/2 cup sliced shallot (about 1 large)

1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

3/4 cup fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon, and sauté for 5 minutes or until bacon begins to brown. Remove pan from heat. Remove the bacon from pan with a slotted spoon, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan (discard the remaining drippings).
2. Return pan to medium-high heat, and stir in bacon, shallot, and Brussels sprouts; sauté 4 minutes. Add garlic, and saute for 4 minutes or until garlic begins to brown, stirring frequently. Add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes or until the broth mostly evaporates and the sprouts are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in salt and pepper.