Market Notes
February 22nd , 2024
MIX & MATCH
For our forward distribution customers on both the east and west coast. We have some good news. We have now been successfully customizing pallets at each of these locations in order to make variety more available without taking the volume you might not need. We can mix our yellow fingerlings with our fingerling assortment. For LA loading or delivery, we need five days’ notice and ten days’ notice is required for east coast distribution. While we have indicated our two most popular items, we can also load straight color red or purple fingerlings as supply allows. That’s one the color side but we can also combine jumbo and pee wee of the above mentioned items as well. Right now, we are staying with the fingerling varieties for customizing to make sure we get it right. If you have a customer that needs something you don’t want to buy a pallet of, we can meet that need. LA delivery is two-three times a week and east coast delivery is about every ten days. Time to up your game.
CROP DAMAGE UPDATE
More storms caused by atmospheric rivers in Southern California continue to cause fatalities, flooding, and property damage in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. As of this writing these extreme conditions have passed and there are no major storms on the horizon. Fortunately, this did not effect that Yuma, Arizona winter growing areas and many crops have had time to recover. Particularly our baby lettuces which are now thriving. Baby red oak lettuce is prime and baby lolla rossa is looking great as well. Baby arugula is no longer an issue, and baby kale along with mesclun’s are looking great. Baby beet tops are green again and most root vegetables are standing strong and tall except baby round(globe) carrots, which remain a seed problem. Spring is less than a month away, and while that no longer speaks to extreme weather conditions, currently there are no atmospheric hazards on the radar. Currently we are in good growing conditions.
RAMPS
We’ve dispatched the ramp police to identify and evaluate ground conditions and growth. It does seem that heads are just beginning to peak out of the ground. If there is no ice, snow, or torrential rains, we could see the first of this elusive allium in about two weeks. That’s if conditions are perfect. We are hoping to have reasonable quantities and price by the end of March or the beginning of April.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???
In American style mustard, I am what makes that golden yellow color. I am over 200 years old, originating in India, China, and the Middle East. Today you’ll find me flourishing in all tropical regions of the world. In biblical times I was used to make perfume, and I have long been exploited for the purpose of making dyes. I was thought to be one of the Persian yellow spices that were associated with sun worship. Above ground I am a reed-like plant that grows 3 feet tall. Externally I look similar to my older Aunt Ginger, as we are both underground rhizomes in the same family. Compared to my Aunt I am milder mannered and intensely more colorful. Some folks refer to me as Indian saffron, which is an indication of similar color, not taste. I am very popular in Indian dishes, considered a mild digestive and a remedy for liver ailments. I am used as a powder, ground, dried, fresh, and as a pickling and coloring agent. I am also popular in poultry, fish, and vegetable dishes. You will find me in candy, butter, cheese, Worcestershire sauce and liqueurs. I am a good source of potassium, and these days considered a superfood
The answer to last weeks quiz is…CACTUS LEAVES, NOPALES….Congrats to all winners
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa, Matty, or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
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© Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2023