December 8, 2016

ARUGULA, SPINACH AND TAT-SOI – OH MY

We had a reasonably smooth transition and did not short a case for Thanksgiving sales, but now we have hit a bump. Fortunately it will be a brief one. It’s cold in the desert and the snails are growing faster than the Spinach. This has been going on for almost three weeks now and temperatures are expected to warm up by the middle of next week. So expect allocation on all spinach products both organic and conventional. There will most likely be a brief price increase but as soon as the thermometer rises prices will drop back to normal. Two other component greens are also suffering from the cold but not as severely as the spinach. Tat-soi is getting frosted and breaking down post-harvest, and wild arugula (rockette) has frozen fields which limit supply. This brief cold snap was predicted so its abrupt end should be predicted as well. In other words this is most likely a one week hiccup.

OFF-SHORE AND MORE

Asparagus remain seasonally expensive and will remain that way through the first. White asparagus available and limited amounts of purple. Whole peeled baby carrots are reasonable but there is great quality and price on the peeled rainbow carrots. Baby squash in three flavors is very clean and other than baby green patty pan very reasonably priced. French beans are unusually inexpensive for this time of year and the quality is great, very clean product. On shore yellow tomato production has expanded to central Florida. So far the pick is on the small side but we are expected steady harvest for the next several weeks and the large will show up. Product is packed in 25# heavy case and there are 80 cases per pallet. LTL delivery available in the northeast, Midwest and southern California.

CHILLY SEASON YIELD CHILI FRUITS

The Chilean stone fruit season is here. Cherries are now available in two varieties Bing and Rainier; Yellow nectarines are on the market along with the same color peaches. White nectarines are expected to dock by the end of this week. We are about two weeks away from fresh currants, and right now apricots are peaking. Last year were we were treated to Chilean figs, but that deal went so poorly that those growers gave up and returned the opportunity to Mexican growers who do well with the winter figs every year. Pluots are expected in two weeks along with traditional plum varieties and we will soon see what new inter-species varietals they will come up with this year.

NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHO AM I???

Shakespeare’s Ophelia said I stood for thought, so my description ought to be a thought provoking one. I grow best in the Spring and the Fall, but I can be harvested year round. I like moist, damp soil, but can survive in dry soil. I grow in bunches and sometimes resemble a face, but sometimes I resemble a butterfly. Sometimes I have two yellow eyes, sometimes one eye, and sometimes I have no eyes. I can be a deep, deep color like root beer, or fade into a light, light color like white. I’m solid in color or can have two or three colors. I prefer the shade, but can grow in the sun. I can grow wild, or be cultivated in gardens. I’m used to garnish salads, or I am part of a salad. I’ve been known to decorate tables and turkeys, and sometimes I’m found in people’s hair. I have very little nutritional value, but I have a sweet grassy flavor. Careful though, if you chew me too long I can have a bitter, mint aftertaste. I can be eaten whole, or torn into shreds. I can leave a stain on your tongue, but don’t worry I’ll go away. Some claim that I have medicinal powers. I can heal skin conditions, be a diuretic, reduce fevers, cleanse toxins from your system and promote over all healing. So look for me this spring, and maybe I can spruce up your plate or favorite salad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN LENNON – WE STILL IMAGINE