Lettuce: 

The lettuce market has declined from the very high costs we saw last week into this week. Costs do remain on the high side. Demand is good and product is in relatively short supply. There will likely be some minor quality issues as the Salinas winds down. Some shippers staring in Huron. We are seeing mostly good condition on arrival.

Leaf: 

The Romaine and Romaine Heart markets remain very active and costs are elevated. The Green and Red leaf markets are slightly 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 remains strong for next week. Canada and Maine broccoli are both winding down. Overall, quality has been looking fair to good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market remains high for next week with very light availability. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is steady on Canada product. Quality has been sharp.

Celery:

Celery costs are a few dollars higher for next week. We are seeing good quality on inbound.

Strawberries: 

The market is steady to slightly lower on California fruit heading into next week. Overall, volume remains light, but is improving. Quality has been good to very good.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potato market is stronger. Very early cold weather with

temperatures well below freezing has slowed both harvest and packing. Product is extremely tight and shippers are slow to get product out.    

Quality has been good to very good on inbound.

Onions:

The Western onion market is about steady on yellows and on reds. Quality on onions has been good to very good overall.

Citrus

The California lemon market is strong and short on supply across all sizes. 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 just getting started. The Lime market is a little stronger for next week with better crossings from Mexico.  We are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

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

Peppers:

The green pepper market is steady at the lower end. New Jersey and Ohio with good volume. Product also available in Georgia and the Carolinas. Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is much higher for next week and supplies in California are winding down.  Supplies are very light on the East coast out of Tennessee. North Florida is just starting.  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 is much stronger with supplies from Mexico and California.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Caramel Apples

Ingredients

• 6 apples
• 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 8 craft sticks

Instructions

• Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet.
• Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly.
• Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set.