Market Outlook  

Lettuce: 

The lettuce market is active and costs are up for next week. Supplies in Yuma are very light as the season winds down. Quality has been good on inbound.  Shipping point reports blister and peel on iceberg.

Leaf: 

Romaine is active and costs are higher again for next week. Romaine Hearts are much higher and in short supply. Quality has been mostly good on all Romaine items. Green leaf is a few dollars stronger and Red leaf is steady. Quality has been good, but we are being warned to expect some minor blister and peel damage.

Broccoli:

The commodity broccoli market is moving higher due to much colder temperatures in both Arizona and California. Quality has been looking good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is much higher for next week with shippers coming up very short on supplies. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is steady but strong for next week. We are seeing good arrivals on Canadian product.

Celery:

After months of trading at or near the bottom, the celery market is moving a few dollars up with Western shippers. We are seeing good quality out of both Oxnard California and Yuma Arizona. Florida celery is available and the market remains strong.

Strawberries: 

Market is unsettled for next week. Florida is in an over- supply situation and there are many only fair quality berries in the marketplace.  Quality has been fair to good on our inbounds. Customers can expect to see some minor bruising.

Potatoes:

The costs on Idaho potatoes has leveled off and increased slightly on some items. Freight rates are leveling off. Quality remains good.

Onions:

The Western onion market is about steady as we head into next week. We are seeing great quality onions.

Citrus

The California lemon market is a little lower for next week and quality has been very nice.  We are seeing good quality over all on navel oranges.  The Lime market remains high for next week with fruit availability coming up very short. Freight remains on the higher side. Overall, we are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The cucumber market is higher again for next week as availability on quality product remains poor.  We are seeing good quality overall.

Peppers:

The green pepper market remains soft and peppers are a good value. Quality has been very good overall.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is up slightly with light availability until the spring crop comes on in the next few weeks. We are seeing good quality. The grape tomato market is on the rise as the over-supply has cleaned up. we are seeing good quality. Cherry tomatoes are up a few dollars and showing good quality. The Roma market has really turned around. Both Florida and Mexico supplies dropped off sharply in the last week.

 

 

Recipe of the Week

Green Bean Salad with Suntan Peppers

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

1 lb. green beans, trimmed

1 suntan bell pepper

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. garlic, minced

salt and pepper

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add beans to water. Boil until beans are just cooked; about 2-3 minutes. Drain and put in ice water or run under cold water until beans are cool. Drain and pat dry. Place in a bowl. Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add peppers and garlic. Cook for three minutes. Pull pan away from stove and add balsamic. Cook another 30 seconds. Add to bowl with beans. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.