Market Notes
June 8th, 2023
POTATO WOES
Yellow fingerlings are back on both coasts, and we have filled the pipeline with new crop. This crop will get us to The middle of July when we will shift once again. The time New Mexico via Colorado. That should take us to October when Oregon starts up again. But enough with the future, we have current problems to stress about. Let’s start with rainbow fingerlings. They are available. They are beautiful. They are organic. They are expensive. So expensive that we are not going to stock either of our forward distribution facilities in Ephrata or Vernon. We will gladly bring them in upon your request of arrange FOB pick up in Buttonwillow, but for now we’ll stick with the yellows. Next up, purples. There seem to be no purple potatoes now. Rumor of new crop from Washington results in disappearing inventory after scary high prices. We are certain we will have product after July 17th, but it’s going to be a tough road until then. Overall, this season harvest in the central valley has been a rough harvest. Potatoes did not size up, yields were under expectations, and the weather have created some post-harvest issues that are too early to determine. We went to Bakersfield twice over the last month and never broke a sweat. That says it all. Late, light, and ugly is what we might be dealing with. Fear not, new harvests are always just around the corner.
VERY VERY CHERRY
Fruit, like greens, potatoes, and tomatoes, are all running late this year due to the mild, or downright cold weather throughout the west coast. The excessive rain does produce larger and sweeter fruit and the cherry season is a first indication of that. You’ll find the Brooks variety everywhere, and this year even early cherries are sweet. You have to know when we talk stone fruit we always default to the best, Andy’s Orchards. Not only does Andy’s have Brooks cherries, they have Bing, and Rainier sweet cherries as well. For culinary there is also a good variety the wonderfully tart Republican and Montmorency and Blanton. They are pricey but these varieties are a bit rough to find fresh. This is a short season (3-4 more weeks) so if you are interested in some cherry heirloom varietals, give us a ring, we’ll make a cherry deal sing.
FUN FACTS
Bill 40, one of the strongest single-use plastic ban in the nation, was approved by the Honolulu City Council on December 4, 2019 by a margin of 7 to 2. The mayor signed it into law on December 15, 2019. This law bans nearly all takeout plastic over the next two years across the island of Oahu, which is home to 72% of Hawaii’s population. This also includes the clamshells that our Hawaiian Orchids come packed in. They will now ship in a paper bag instead. If this does not work for your inventory or supply chain were are now offering a domestic option which will include the clamshell package.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???
I am an evergreen, a native of Brazil. I proudly rise up to 40 feet high. I grow in warm, subtropical, and cool tropical regions. I am harvested 5 to 6 times a year, as I have to be separated from the 1 to 4 inch spear shaped leaves protecting me. I am round and only one inch in diameter. My thick black, maroon or purple skin gives way to my white or pinkish translucent pulp. I grow out of the larger branches and directly from the trunk of the tree. Highly cultivated in Rio de Janeiro, I have also been seen occasionally in the United States and have even traveled as far as Australia. Often enjoyed fresh, we can also be used in fruit salads or as a garnish. I create succulent jams, jellies, juices and wines. My high sugar content makes a satisfying snack while providing ample amounts of vitamin C.
The answer to last weeks quiz was….MINERS LETTUCE… Congrats to all winners.
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702 Visit us at www.culinaryproduce.com “like” us @ Culinary Specialty Produce on Facebook© Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2020