Market Notes
June 2, 2016
RAMP OFF
Ramps are done. We were hoping for bits and pieces to cover small orders for next week, but that now seems very unlikely. Next up for ramps are ramp bulbs. The green is gone but these white treasurers have all the intense pungency as their green tops. They are great used fresh now and can be pickled for use in the off season. Ramp bulbs are available in both bulk and retail containers. Along with the greens gone from the ramps, the other foraged seasonal greens are no longer available. This includes miner’s lettuce (claytonia) and nettles. But it does not include fiddlehead ferns. These are still available. As the harvest continues north we have product from Maine and Canada available but move fast, as these will be gone by month’s end.
FORAGE ON
While the spring things are now past that by no means does that end the forage. Morel mushrooms are abundant with prices steady. Figure another good two months for that season. Porcini mushrooms are coming on strong from the Pacific Northwest and South Africa. Chanterelles are only imported now and they are from Bulgaria.. We expect domestic chanterelles from Louisiana to begin shipping by months end. Corn smut, which seems to be in heavy demand, is still not available and we do not expect to see any until mid- July. Summer truffles are available both domestically and globally. Import locations include Italy, France, and Argentina. Please contact your culinary rep for details.
COLORADO CONCLUSION
Our Colorado potato program from the San Luis Valley is complete. We have shipped out the last of our organic russets and the shed is running some neighbors end of season product. The fingerlings, reds, and yellow are all gone. This was a great season showing both improved variety, quality, quantity and packing capabilities. We thank all who helped make this the success it has been and look forward to continued improvement when we begin again in October. Our year round program continues from California and if we are not doing it already. we look forward to loading you there soon.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHO AM I???
Of ancient origin, Marco Polo might have enjoyed me at street vendors when he visited Kubla Khan in the thirteenth century. In the beginning, I was at the start of our evolution — I am a loose-headed variety, then came the semi-headed, the fluffy-headed, then the headed. A Chinese favorite, I am a cool-weather crop only recently grown in the west. I’m a delicate creature, whether you find me partially or classically prostrate. My leaves are crepe-like or puckered and borne on narrow leaf stalks; my midribs are small. The contrast of my dark green (almost black) leaves with my light stalks makes for a special beauty. My round soft leaves fold convexly, making some say my shape resembles a rose; indeed, my Latin name ends in rosularis, but I don’t flower. When used individually or in clusters of four or five, I look like I’m related to a mustard or cress or a Chinese soup spoon, but I’m not. Whether you use me in a salad, a soup, or cooked as a vegetable, you’ll love my delicate flavor. Similar to bok choy, but I have twice the mineral content of pak choi. My babies are sweet and a foundation for mesclun mixes. You know me best by my Japanese name, which rhymes with, but shouldn’t be confused with, poi and choi.
Answer To Last Week’s Quiz…KAFFIR LIME LEAVES…Congrats To All Winners
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
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Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2015