Lettuce: 

The lettuce market has turned around and product is very short. Costs will be higher for next week. There will likely be some minor quality issues as the Salinas season winds down. Some shippers are loading in Huron and a few have started in a small way in Yuma. We are seeing mostly good condition on arrival.

Leaf: 

Costs on Romaine have rebounded a few dollars. Romaine Heart markets remain very active and costs are elevated. The Green and Red leaf markets are higher. Quality on green is fair to good and red leaf has been very nice. We will likely see some minor quality defects on leaf items. Quality has been good on recent inbounds.

Broccoli:

The commodity broccoli market is higher for next week. Crowns remain on the shorter side compared to bunched. Overall, quality has been looking fair to good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market has strengthened for next week. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is steady to just slightly higher on Canada product. Quality has been sharp.

Celery:

Celery costs are a few dollars higher again for next week. This market will likely tighten in the coming weeks as we move towards the Thanksgiving holiday pull.  We are seeing good quality on inbound.

Strawberries: 

The market has really rebounded on California fruit heading into next week. Overall, volume remains very light. Quality has been good to very good. Florida should be starting with light volume in about 2 weeks.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes continues to gain strength. Product is extremely tight and shippers are slow to get product out. We expect this trend to continue through the Thanksgiving holiday. Quality has been good to very good on inbound.

Onions:

The Western onion market is a little stronger on both yellows and reds. Quality on onions has been good to very good overall.

Citrus

The California lemon market is easing slightly and supply is in better shape with the desert region into production. Quality has been good overall. We have Mexican fruit available in some sizes. We are seeing fair to good quality over all on Valencia oranges and that market remains strong. Navels are in stock on some sizes. The Lime market is a little stronger for next week.  We are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is steady to slightly stronger for next week. Quality has been good to very good on recent arrivals.

Peppers:

The green pepper market is steady to a little stronger. New Jersey about done and the South with good volume. Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is lower for next week with more shippers getting going in Florida.   Supplies are light overall on the East coast out of Georgia and North Florida. Quality has been fair to good overall. Grape tomatoes are steady. Cherries are also steady heading into next week. Both are showing good quality. The Roma market has declined a few dollars, but remains on the stronger side with supplies from Mexico and Florida light in volume.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 2lbs. green beans, cleaned and drained
• 1 (10oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (6oz) can French fried onions
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place green beans and soup in a large microwave-safe bowl. Mix well and heat in the microwave on HIGH until warm (3 to 5 minutes). Stir in 1/2 cup of cheese and heat mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer green bean mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle with French fried onions and remaining cheese.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven until the cheese melts and the onions begin to brown.