cul  Market Notes
  March 5, 2015

WHILE WINTER KEEPS ROLLING ALONG…..
We all have to agree that the Boston produce community should be given survival medals for making it through this winter. Aside from what local distribution involved, receiving logistics must have been additional nightmares. From frozen arrivals to over the road delays and cancelled flights and a moratorium on perishables, the challenges were huge. Now with huge storms moving across the country from Ohio to Louisiana even the southern routes are going to be challenged. This will not only affect all major markets north of Georgia as well as slowing down over the road transportation. While there are brief moments of clear dry skies, the cold remains. While spring is only two weeks away, it’s gonna take a lot of spring days to melt the mountains of snow. From the people who think the Malaysian airliner went “up” we are imagining a mid-earth sonic tunnel that can move the melted snow from one coast to the other. Yet there is some good news. Rain followed warm weather that was forecasted for the Yuma area this weekend has been revised so there is no longer a threat of mildew. So harvest will be clean but timely delivery remains compelling.

……SPRING IS HERE
F
iddlehead Ferns have begun. We are only seeing 30 to 50 pounds per day but that is expected to steadily increase. This is a very early harvest this year for the Western Fiddleheads. These ferns have the same crunch and flavor as their eastern counterparts but they lack the vibrant green color of the eastern varieties. The western ferns are a little paler and even have a touch of grey but they are very tasty and look great when sautéed. We also have Orchard Morels available. Spring is really trying to fight its way in, and on the foraging side it is proving a point. These early Morels that are usually a little sandy are being reported as unusually clean. The Morels and Fiddleheads both ship out of the Pacific Northwest and can in most cases ship together. Flights are available to your local airport daily from Portland and Seattle. Check with your Culinary Rep for details.

CHERIMOYA
We would be remiss if we did not write about this as it is hands down the best of its class. One of our premier west coast shippers is now packing organic Cherimoyas. The Cherimoya has a deep rich history but its glory is its flavor, and these are the finest we have ever tasted. For a long time this country was often supplies by product from southern exposures that were shipped on boats and often water bathed. Their flavor was fine but not even close to the refined and complex flavors of these large beautiful fruits. They are expensive but worth it. They majority of the crop goes out via mail order to fruit fanatics and Cherimoya devotees but there are a couple extra pallets for those who really want the best. Palletized product can be drop shipped to any dock in the LA produce market and surrounding areas.

 

   NEW PRODUCE QUIZ- WHO 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. While I am not the 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 in a pita)? Look out world, here I bean.

 

Answer To Last Quiz….CREAMER POTATOES……Congrats To All Winners
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa, Mark or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
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Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2015