Market Notes December 9th, 2021

TRUFFLES

    We know that truffles are most popular for New Year’s Eve, but unfortunately the tubers do not know that. European truffles are in prime time, maximum maturity, peak of perfection, whatever you would like to call it, now. Product is often overripe by the end of the month.  That said let’s talk numbers.  Italian white extra class winter truffles are at 5K per pound.  On the low end, butter quality white truffles are about a grand. French Perigord black winter truffles have begun which should help reduce the price of the whites, but not yet.  They range from 850 to 525. Spanish Perigord black winter truffles are the same. While the numbers are huge, these are the classic, real deal truffles.  One pound can stink up a small indoor stadium. Quarter and half-pounds are available. We won’t hold our breath for orders but now you are informed.  

YUMA-TRANSITION CONDITION

    While we expect some issues over the next ten days, Yuma is doing what Yuma is supposed to do and has done it for the past eight days so the outlook is good. As transitions go, some of our prime grower/processors have confessed this has been a tough one.  Along with poor initial field conditions, equipment failures and replacement part supply chain issues have kept the deal difficult. Fortunately, there are no current allocations and product has been making good arrivals.  The difficulties with baby spinach, arugula, and baby kale have been resolved and all varieties of packaging are available.  It’s all just running a bit slower than everyone would like.

PRICE INCREASES FOR THEE BUT NOT YEA

As we round the corner into 22, many contracts renew and always go up.  This is no different for our forward distribution partner for east coast deliveries. This year however, they are raised our prices in June due to all the trucking craziness that inflated prices across the board.  Culinary is pleased to announce that we have sharpened our pencil, worked with every component of growing, packing, loading, shipping and delivery and are pleased to report that we will not pass this increase on to our customers for 2022.  While we can’t control soaring over the road pricing, we can absorb and negotiate our regular delivery deals for our customer base that has been unbelievably loyal to us. Consider this a small but heartfelt thank you.  

 NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???

 I am native to southern Europe where I grow both wild and am cultivated.  Used by the Greeks for medicinal purposes, I was also made into a crown for the victors of Isthmian and Nemean games.  Continuing on, I was also part of Circe’s “pleasant lawn” in The Odyssey by Homer.  I was even made into a wreath to ward off drunkenness, but it was never proven effective.  Although I have been used for potting and sometimes even edging, I am primarily used as an edible with peppery green leaves and white roots.  When displayed fresh I am almost never consumed and I become a common sight for bus boys and dishwashers.  I have over 30 cousins but only two or three are well known.  I can be used fresh, dried or frozen, each form having its own unique flavors.  As an excellent source of vitamins A & C, I am used in just about anything from salads, to stews, from egg dishes to pasta, with meat, poultry, or fish, in any vegetable dish in any savory sauce, or in my popular (yet boring) function, as a garnish.  I do have the honor of being a proud member of fines, garni, persillade, and gremolada.  I  help control bad breath and even taste great when fried.

Answer to last weeks quiz…BUTTERNUT SQUASH…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