Market Notes
January 4th , 2023
ENDIVE
Our Belgium endive grower (from Belgium, go figure) is reporting low volume due to unusually cool weather. This does not affect the quality of the crop, but it does slow down the second growth. Unlike domestic endive the forced root or second growth is done outside in Belgium. The slower growth and reduced crop also creates a logistic issue. Low volume can’t fill the container so the slow boat rides half or one quarter full. For the next few weeks we will be flying product in. Flights arrive every ten days and with limited volume, pre-orders are essential. Price is up a few bucks as well to cover flight costs but it would be more expensive to ship half a container. The high point is that we will be getting about seven days fresher product. Production is expected to improve by March.
POTATO NOTES
Unlike the past few years, the potato market is in good shape when it comes to supply. Organic and conventional fingerlings, (all colors) are available in both Colorado and California. Jumbos and pee-wees are available as needed, and price remains steady. There is not an abundance of product but no shortages either which makes us think that there will be good organic supply through February and conventional supply should last into late May. Rounds are pretty much the same deal. Two locations, organic and conventional, all sizes. We are not commodity brokers but we do dabble in organic russets from time to time and that market seems easy as well. Good supply for the cooler months with normal pricing! We deserve it. Great season for potato promos, but you already know that.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???
Let’s just start with the good stuff. My flavor is spectacular and exceedingly complex. I am highly nutritious. Many parts of my tree are used medicinally and I can be used defensively. Back to the flavor. Of course, it will depend on how ripe I am when consumed but aside from a wee bit of astringency, my flavors include, bubble gum, cream soda, lemonade, watermelon, sour drops, lime, and citrus. You will primarily find my five known species in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. The leaves of all species, however, are characteristically 3-5 veined from the base and are shiny green on the upper- and dull green on the lower side. Although I am tough and can grow in many different climates I thrive from September through December in desert and tropical climates. My fruit is surrounded by thick, long stickers to prevent insect attack and also serve as a border to block baboon, monkeys, bushpig, nyala and eland other hungry wild animals. My leaves are a popular food source for browsers such as duiker, kudu, impala, steenbok, nyala and elephant. I have a very hard round or heart shaped shell giving me an extended shelf life and making travel easy, but I am in such high demand it is hard to find me far from my indigenous home. I start green (don’t we all) and turn yellow when ripe. Once cracked open (I prefer a hammer to a knife, and so will you) I reveal a cluster of tightly packed seeds surrounded by a brownish, jelly like fruit layer sticking tightly to the seeds. My seeds contain strychnine and are poisonous. You can suck the flesh from around the seeds or remove the seeds to make jellies or jams. My fruit is also a topical treatment for gonorrhea and genital warts. The hard, dry shells of the fruit are carved with designs and sold as curios as well as being used as sounding boxes for musical instruments such as the marimba. You probably won’t find me outside of my homelands, but if you do, jump in, don’t monkey around.
The answer to the 12-14-2023 quiz was…LONGAN…Congrats to all winners.
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa, Matty, or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
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