Market Notes
February 27th, 2025
GREEN GAGE GOODNESS
Can a plum of the same name actually taste the same? Actually, no. For a few lucky customers across the country late summer yields a green gage plum grown in Morgan Hill, California that makes its tasters leap and weep with joy and ethereal satisfaction. Can we expect that same delicate fruit, which is domestically picked at peak of perfection, to make the journey from down under to our west coast in the same fashion? Probably not. The green gage plum, originating in Iran, thrives in the temperate climate of New Zealand and the country has great ability in dealing with these very finnicky and delicate fruits. It is late summer in New Zealand, so just like here in the USA it is prime time for picking green gage. They are hitting the American shores now in five kilo flats and we are loading them out of the LA market area. If this program lasts a month, we would be lucky. Plan for a few more weeks before this import program has run its course. What is all the fuss about for a plum? Taste one and tell us.
POTATO NOTES
Conventional and organic yellow fingerlings are strong nationwide. Austrian Crescent’s (our current yellow variety) are steady from California, Oregon, and Colorado. Mixed fingerlings are available as well, in both categories but let’s face it, this is not a pretty year for purple fingerlings. Purple A’s and B’s are okay, but from many points across the nation it has not been a good season for long purple potatoes. Florida will begin a purple harvest next month and we hope to see some improved quality with this new crop. Organic rounds from Colorado are tough and go on quality, but they are available, and affordable. It is a bit more expensive out of the west with less inventory in larger sizes, but creamers are more available in the west. Our forward distribution on both coasts remains steady and will transition for Oregon to California product some time in mid to late May.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???
I have a rich history dating back to ancient Persia, where I was once reserved for royalty. Legend has it that early Romans called me “Jupiter’s royal acorn,” highlighting my esteemed status. my journey began over 7,000 years ago when ancient civilizations first cultivated me, with the Greeks and Persians refining my cultivation techniques. In fact, the Greeks were among the earliest to farm me, but it was the Persians who developed superior varieties with higher oil content. During the Byzantine era, I was nicknamed as “royal” a testament to my esteemed status. In the Middle Ages, walnut trees flourished throughout Europe, further solidifying my place in history. Encased in a hard, wrinkled shell resembling a brain, I reveal a two-lobed kernel with a rich, buttery flavor and a hint of bitterness. My versatility shines in both sweet and savory dishes: from being candied for desserts to adding crunch in salads, or even ground into sauces. Beyond my culinary uses, I am packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that support heart and brain health.
The answer to last weeks quiz was … RADISH… Congrats to all winners
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