Market Notes
April 4th, 2024
RAMPS FOR MANY, NOT ALL
Two down, one to go. The ramp season is short in the best of times, but can be quickly curtailed by environmental events. Flooding in Ohio, which occurred last week, is one of those events. We had hoped for another two weeks of ramp foraging from this area, but those hopes drowned, literally. That leaves Michigan, both southern and northern. Good volume is coming out of the southern fields and the northern flush isn’t up to size yet. If all goes well another two, maybe three weeks, then is bulb time. To date, we have been able to fill all orders within 48 hours. Just as a reminder, we can ship fresh morels, fresh chanterelles, nettles, and fiddleheads with your ramp orders. Bring it!
NEW JERSEY GOT IT RIGHT…WHO KNEW?
If you read Market Notes with any regularity, you know we believe that many areas of organic certification is just short of extortion. We are a tiny company, under the radar with no voice and we are willing to complain but ultimately pay to play. Biotic, now known as regenerative, is the way, but it is already being monetized by requiring organic certification prior to regenerative certification. $$$. Similar to the non-handler handler invented by the same group, this just represents the Federal requirements. California requires an annual fee if you buy and sell organics anywhere in the state. Last week, we received a request for organic registration from the State of New Jersey. They requested a registration if you are an organic certifying agent, wholesaler, retailer, grower, and finally , handler. Their published definition is “A business that packs, ships, processes etc.., agricultural products, including producers who handle crops of livestock of their own production.” We would fit into the “etc.,” part. Long story short, we called, explained that we were brokers who literally did not touch the product, and they told us we did not need to register. We buy and sell organic products throughout the country, is every state we buy, sell, drive through or fly over going to require a cert? $$$$$ Soon there will be certification association conventions. Whose going to certify them. Such opportunities!$!$!
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???
I am the fruit of a small South American tree, Bixia orellana. I reside in a seedpod with a prickly exterior for protection. A pulp that makes for a very popular food dye surrounds me. In the 16th Century, Spaniards were amazed to find I was used by Mexicans to redden their chocolate beverages. American Indians once used me to color their bodies orange red, but today I am used to color cheeses, butter, smoked fish, and baked goods. Although I am primarily used for my color, I do provide a slight musky flavor. I am often crushed into a powder and used as a regular condiment in Latin America and India. I am often gently heated in oil or lard simply to provide color and then cooled and stored for later use. Available in a powder, paste or seed form I am an essential ingredient in pibil, a Yucatan dish where I am used to marinate chicken parts providing a glowing color and a pungent flavor. In Southeast Asia, I am essential in the production of ukoy, a shrimp and potato cake. In some cultures, I am used as a substitute for saffron. Saffron has much more flavor, but is significantly more expensive. I have no real vitamins or minerals of any value to speak of, but I am definitely a good source of color.
The answer to last weeks quiz is…BEET….Congrats to all winners
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa, Matty, or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
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