Market Notes
February 18th, 2021
ALL PACKED UP AND NOWHERE TO GO
When the FAA grounded the planes in Memphis and Indianapolis we knew our overnight deal for this week was deal. Monday afternoon Fed-Ex reported there runways were thickly iced over and this stopped movement both in and out of this “city-like” facility. This would completely backlog their system and they were unable to predict when they would resume regular shipments. Bad week for micro-mix, avocado leaves, edible flowers and fresh herbs. I some cases air shipments made sense and we proceeded, but for the bulk of the orders, commercial air cargo was not economically feasible. At this writing a three day thaw is predicted and we are focusing our cosmic energy on making it so. This would allow our shipments to go out Monday for (don’t laugh) Tuesday delivery. This means no Friday Fed-Ex emergencies this week. Fly it or forget it, and even that is limited. Please place overnight orders for departure on Monday and be tolerant of receiving on Wednesday. You are allowed to believe that.
TEXAS
They can continue to argue over wind, gas, coal or solar, but the reality is people in Texas are hurting throughout the state and utility relief can’t come soon enough. Our thoughts are with them as well as their livelihoods which, from an AG point of view looks grim. Aside from major crossing points shut down, in State crop has been affected as well. Citrus, cabbage, leafy greens and onions have all taken hits with some crops completely wiped out. After the thaw the crop damage can be accurately assessed, but there is no doubt that the Texas season will end a few months early. We look forward to a big melt and restoration of services. It might not be called global warming, but it definitely is climate change.
OFF-SHORE PRODUCT GALORE
While the east coast gets pounded by snow hail and sleet, Interstate 95 remains open so our southern Florida trucks can make the weekend run. Prices have possibly never been lower on asparagus, snow peas, snap peas, French beans and peeled carrots. We’ve been doing this for thirty years so that’s saying something. If you need for Sunday or Monday give us a call on Friday for deals that will heat you up.
NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I???
Judas died in my presence. Not actually mine, but my ancestors were there. Actually they were there first; doing their thing on an elder tree when all of a sudden a huge weight was seen dangling from a thick branch. They say that’s how we got our name, but I’m just glad my relatives weren’t shaken to the ground. I guess our short stalk paid off. When we are not fearing for our lives, our gelatinous yet firm translucent brownish beige flesh can be found growing on the trunks of beech, walnut, and of course elder trees. We are very organized about our growth and as such, we arrange ourselves in rows or tiers. My outer surface is covered with downy hairs and my inner surface is shiny, satiny soft, but wrinkled. Sometimes our looks are compared to those funky fleshy protrusions on a human head, but I think we have much more character than that. We are known for our texture and color. Our flavor is so mild it lacks distinction, but we thrive on absorbing other flavors. Popular both dried or fresh we are an excellent addition to most foods, as we only require a few minutes of heat. Excellent in soups, combined with any members of the allium family, blanched, fried, or boiled, in pastas, salads, stews or tea. We are rich in iron, potassium and magnesium. We are currently being studied for our effects on the blood and may prove helpful in controlling heart attacks and strokes.
The answer to last weeks quiz was..ROMAINE 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