Market Notes
April 19, 2018

WIND IN THE VALLEY

Wednesday was a bad day for driving in Colorado. With wind speeds up to 70 MPH many roads were simply not passable without getting blown over. Forty foot refer trucks were seen on their sides throughout route 25. Ambulances were on the scene and fortunately there were no fatalities. Barns, sheds, roofing and fences were damaged throughout the state and transportation was shut down. From a logistic point of view it was difficult to get in and out of the valley so our trucks that deliver to both coasts could not make it into the valet to load. With today being a day of regrouping and repairing we don’t expect normal operations to resume on Friday. This will make things tight for next week’s distribution but we hope to be able to cover all. Panic will ensue on Monday if weekend trucks don’t roll.

SPRING THINGS SING

This is peak week for fresh ramps. Our Ohio fields are picked dry and we now move into Michigan where there is much greater volume. Two or three weeks of ramposity and we begin to ramp down. There are new developments in the world of fiddlehead ferns. Not the true eastern ostrich fern, but there is a lady fern coming out of western Canada that looks, cooks and tastes like the ever popular ostrich fern. These are available now while it will still be two weeks until we see the genuine article. Morel mushrooms are creeping up everywhere and prices are dropping and rising as foraged fields come on and dry up. Nettles and miners lettuce are still available and summer truffles are in full swing. Porcini’s and chanterelles are both imports at the moment but we except local deals to start soon. So sell the theatre tickets and get out the pots and pans because Shakespeare was wrong, “the ramp is the thing”.

EARLY ANDY’S

For those chomping at the bit for Andy Orchards stone fruit (one taste and you would) here is a very early update. With and early warm winter and a late winter frost the cherries got confused. The bloom began; it froze, and then began again. The result of this is great fruit but small amounts. It does not look like a good year for green-gage plums. They are an alternate crop and this is off year. Apricots, peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots are all doing well. And here is the best news. The farm has expanded by 7 acres so in the years to come the volume will improve. All the fun starts late May so if you find yourself in the Morgan Hill area of California, stop by and tell them Culinary sent you. But buy something FIRST so when they kick you out after hearing our name you will at least have some of the world’s best stome fruit.

NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHAT AM I??

Over 7,000 years old and I am still one of the top three pulses in the world. Four Thousand years ago I claimed the number one spot in India, and I remain there, even today. Wanna know how to get to the top? Here’s how I did it. First, you’ve just got to be part of the in crowd. For me, that meant hangin’ with the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. In order to hang with the myths and legends, I used color and shape. “Small ram”, was my flashy nickname used to describe my rams head profile. Then I became every color I could. Ranging from creamy beige to black, green, yellow, red or brown would easily let folks know I was in town. Maintaining accessibility was essential. No tall trees or stringy vines for me, no sir! I live with a couple of relatives in a lovely green pod on a breathtaking view of our feathery fronds. Longing for prosperity, I adapted quickly to the warm dry climate in the Middle East and surrounding Mediterranean areas. Making sure I could be useful everywhere I made it known that I was not only edible fresh, but my seeds, when dried, could be used as a paste, flour, legume, as well as a fresh vegetable. To maintain a little excitement with my nutty flavor, I traded in some protein for some fat. Lacking specific amino acids is my big flaw and I will never be that complete protein I’ve dreamt of. I am an excellent source of folic acid and potassium. Earning a reputation as a good source of fiber has taken me over the top and my fame is spread throughout the planets. I’m rising in stature in the Middle East as we speak, and just after conquering Europe. Am I on a roll (no, but I’m in a pita)? Look out world, here I bean

 

Answer To Last Week’s Quiz:…HUACATAY…Congrats To All Winners

Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
Visit us at www.culinaryproduce.com
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Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2015