Market Notes
August 6, 2015
CALIFORNIA HEAT EQUALS LESS GREENS TO EAT
Since the beginning of summer the California heat has been relentless. This is usually accounted for with steady watering, field rotation and early harvest. This year however it has been very different. The California heat is usually comfortable heat, that’s what is so wonderful about being out here. The Mediterranean type climate is a big draw. This year the heat has been filled with humidity and it is finally taking its toll on crops with tops. Below please find a snapshot of the good the bad and the ugly.
ROOT VEGETABLES
From carrots to radishes and beets most root vegetables are showing very ugly tops. In many cases the tops have been bronzed, browned or burned to a yellow/green. What is more important is that the tops are very weak, Baby fennel fronds are not a pretty crisp green. Beet leaves are wilted and their color is pale. Carrot tops are yellow and radish tops which are usually yellow in the summer are yellow/brown and limp. Kohlrabi, oddly enough seems to be holding up. While the display of these usually beautiful greens energizes a retail department, the majority of these products are sold for the use of the root. So, aside from the pretty display, many shippers will pack the roots without tops and now would be a perfect time to take advantage of that.
BABY GREENS
For the superfood addicts the news is not all bad. Arugula and kale appear to be fine. Spinach (which is not really a superfood if you consider the oxalic acid content) has been seriously damaged and there is not enough to fill all orders. Many growers have raised the price and are pro-rating orders. Mesclun components will most likely change in the next week while price increases and allocations are expected as early as next week. Baby lettuce heads are tight but available. The big concern here is the rain. While it has rained in southern California this alien humid muck in the central coast could very well cause a vast outbreak of downy mildew. Then fields are turned and supply goes away. What an ironic aqua tease this is. We strongly recommend that you order ahead.
THE GOOD NEWS
Fruits for the most part have not been affected. Plums, peaches, apriums, nectacotums, and all the other cool stone fruit is fine as are figs, grapes, and berries. Tomatoes are also in good supply. Mixed cherry tomato varieties, Teardrops, Sungold, and ten pound heirloom slicers are available in good quantity. Product is strong and shippable. Beans and squash are also looking great and quite affordable as well. No problems on potatoes at all. So, the final result is this. Use local whenever you can, let your customers know about the conditions, and work as far ahead as you possibly can. Order double and expect a 50 percent cut. You are now informed.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHO AM I
Dating back to the fourth century AD I was held in high regard by the Greeks and Romans for my medicinal properties. I am similar to spinach, but easier to prep and consume because my stems are edible. Often called a leaf beet, I am grown for my leaves, not my root. I come in many colors including white, red, green and even a rainbow variety, but we all turn the same darkish green when cooked. My hardy leaves keep better than spinach due to the lower levels of oxalic acid, which allows for better nutritional absorption. Our baby leaves are used in salads, while the elders get braised or steamed, and often served with lemon. Mixed with raisins, apples, pine nuts, lemon and cheese I create a traditional specialty of Nice of ten served on Christmas Eve called tourte de blettes. I will also find me combined with ham in quiche. Eaten raw, I am an excellent source of vitamins C and A. Cooked I become an excellent source of iron, copper, vitamins C, and B6. We are also used as a laxative and a diuretic. Although we share a first name, I am no relation to cheese.
Answer To Last Quiz….SALSIFY……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