Market Outlook 

Lettuce: 

The lettuce market has declined and should be a good value for next week. Quality has been very 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 to slightly lower. 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 sharply. 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 sharply. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

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

Celery:

Celery costs are very strong in California and costs are higher 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 a little stronger 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. The Lime market remains strong for next week with lighter supplies due to cold weather. Overall, we are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is steady and on the strong side especially out of Mexico. Quality has been very good overall.

Peppers: 

The green pepper market remains strong for next week with a wide range in quality and volume is light.  Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is steady to lower on big fruit with fair supplies in Florida. Quality has been good overall. Grape tomatoes and cherries are steady.  Both are showing good quality. The Roma market is lower with good supplies crossing from Mexico. Availability in Florida remains light.

   

Recipe of the Week

Almost Famous Bloomin Onion

1 Super Colossal Onion

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 gallon soy or corn oil

Kosher salt

Slice the onion.Whisk the flour, cayenne, paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. In a small deep bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and 1 cup water.

Place the onion in a separate bowl, cut-side up, and pour all of the flour mixture on top. Cover the bowl with a plate, then shake back and forth to distribute the flour. Check to make sure the onion is fully coated, especially between the “petals.” Lift the onion by the core, turn over and pat off the excess flour; reserve the bowl of flour.

Using a slotted spoon, fully submerge the onion in the egg mixture (spoon on top, if necessary). Remove and let the excess egg drip off, then repeat the flouring process. Refrigerate the onion while you heat the oil.

Heat the oil in a large deep pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 400 degrees. Pat off excess flour from the onion. Using a wire skimmer, carefully lower the onion into the oil, cut-side down. Adjust the heat so the oil temperature stays close to 350 degrees. Fry about 3 minutes, then turn the onion over and cook until golden, about 3 more minutes; drain on paper towels