Market Outlook

Lettuce:

The Iceberg market is strong with supplies extremely limited. Yuma has experienced very cold weather which has damaged crops and slowed growth. Shippers are advising that we will see some blister and epidermal peel on arrival.

Leaf:

California leaf market is rising and we are experiencing the same challenges as we are with Iceberg.

Broccoli:

Broccoli market is rising as cold weather is keeping the plants from growing. Broccoli is in very short supply.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is stronger due to the cold weather. Availability is spotty with better availability on off sizes. Quality has been good.

Carrots:

Carrot market is much stronger as Canada is finishing and availability on quality product is poor.

Georgia should begin harvest this coming week.

Celery:

The celery market is steady on both Western and Eastern product. Quality has been very good. Yuma has started with limited volume.

Strawberries:

Strawberry market has tightened up a bit this week with some chilly nights in Florida. Overall berries are good quality.

Potatoes:

Market has gone up a little for next week as the trend continues going into the New Year. Trucks are still extremely tight with rail options available but needing plenty of lead time. Quality remains good.

Onions:

The market is steady going into next week. Product is plentiful and quality has been very nice. Trucks are still very tight loading out of Oregon.

Citrus:

The California lemon market is steady on larger fruit. 165’s and smaller are higher as the harvest is sizing larger. The Navel market is steady with very nice fruit. Lime market is steady to higher out of Mexico. Quality has been good overall.

Cucumbers:

Cucumbers have tightened back up for next week due to the cold nights in Florida. Quality has been good.

Peppers

The Green pepper market has softened slightly. Quality has been good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is lower with large fruit still commanding dollars more than smaller fruit. Grapes and cherries are steady and romas are steady to up a few dollars.

The offshore melon deal is off to a slow start and availability is limited keeping markets strong.

Look for California grapes to wind down over the next week or two. We will then move to offshore product.

Yuma products are stronger across the board. We are seeing products being pro-rated as much as 80% off of 6 week average sales volume. Trucks are being held waiting on product that is in short supply which in turn leads to late arrivals and some out of stock issues.

 

Recipe of the Week

Jicama slaw

Ingredients

1 large jicama, peeled and finely shredded

1/2 Napa cabbage, finely shredded

2 carrots, shredded

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons ancho chili powder

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup canola oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves

Directions

Place jicama, cabbage, and carrots in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, vinegar, ancho powder, honey, and oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the dressing over the jicama mixture and toss to coat well. Fold in the cilantro. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.