Market Notes
January 29, 2026
THE POTATO YOU KNOW…
We don’t do much with organic russets, so we’ll leave that alone, justifying it as a commodity. From what we do see, product is rolling along smoothly. Organic reds are diminishing quickly, organic yellow will be done six weeks after that. Figure April first, for the reds, just because, and May fifteenth for the yellow for Colorado. These are just estimates and obviously subject to change. California begins early April and supply should be smooth with maybe a small gap, if any. Fingerlings are strong right now, with the standard two-inch to four-inch being the most available. Both pee-wee and jumbo are mostly committed, with little if any excess. Along with the yellow fingerlings, red and purple are also available along with a three color mix. As there is good supply of the standard right now, we do not see the reserves that we have in years past, so May, June, and July could pose a challenge.
EVERYTHING’S STILL A MESS
From a greens point of view three gone greens are arugula, kale and spinach. Arugula harvest remains small and over fifty percent of the product is being rejected. Pro-rating on arugula is about eight percent. Baby kale is tight but not nearly as tight as arugula. Most standing orders are being filled completely, but there is no extra. Baby spinach orders are currently being filled in full but due to changes in planting and harvesting schedules, there is a predicted gap expected sometime late next week. Carrots remain tight. Frisee is being pro-rated, and brussels sprouts are high in the north and lower in the south. Aside from the sprouts, new fields that are currently in great shape begin harvest the week of the 15th. We expect things getting just a little bit worse before the pipelines get filled again. Should be caught up by Ash Wednesday.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???
I was born in southern China, where poets praised me long before you met me, and traders carried my fame along ancient routes. Farmers grow me on evergreen trees in warm, humid climates, giving me sunshine, rain, and a little patience. My branches hang heavy in summer, and I arrive in bunches like tiny red lanterns at a festival. There’s a story that an emperor once sent riders racing day and night just to deliver me fresh to his favorite consort. I wear a bumpy pink-red jacket, but don’t be fooled, it peels away easily to reveal my secret. Inside, I’m glossy white, juicy, and shaped like a small pearl hugging a smooth brown seed. My flavor is sweet and floral, like grapes went on vacation and learned manners. Some say I taste like sunshine with a splash of rose perfume and a wink. You’ll find me in fruit salads, bubble tea, sorbets, jellies, and tucked into elegant desserts. ,I can be canned, dried, frozen, or muddled into cocktails that pretend to be fancy. Chefs love my fragrance, and kids love that I pop in your mouth like candy from nature. I may be small, but I know how to steal the spotlight on a dessert table. Nutritionally, I bring vitamin C, antioxidants, and helpful minerals to the party. I’m refreshing, hydrating, and light enough to keep things feeling breezy and bright.
The answer to the last weeks was …. EDAMAME…. Congrats to all winners
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© Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2026