Market Notes Jan 30, 2020
MANDAROSA
A new fruit has been released over the last two weeks and early results indicate it is going to be a winner. The MandaRosa Mandarin is a cross between the Tarocco Blood Orange and the Clementine. Also known as the Mandared these proprietary mandarins were originally created in Sicily, Italy. The Citrus Institute in Italy worked with private citrus growers in California to create the first domestic seedless red-fleshed mandarin. Every part of this cross seems to have worked. Zipper skin, seedless, super sweet, great acid balance. This is only a two month season with the peak being the middle of February, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The later the fruit is harvested the deeper the color. Product is packed in 15/23 bags for retail and they are also offering a 70 count bulk pack for foodservice. Looks like the citrus category has a new player and she is dressed to kill. Please contact your culinary rep for loading details and pricing.
THINGS THAT ARE RED- VERSION ONE
No time like the present to start. We only have three weeks to blab about Valentine’s Day so here is the latest. Red endive is tight and will most likely remain so. Red Potatoes are in good supply in all shaped and sizes. MandaRosa are hot, get them in as soon as you can. Numerous micro greens to be listed in future version. Opal basil and red watercress both available. Red beets, watermelon radish and red carrots also available. Carving for radishes beets, potatoes and carrots available. No red Truffles because they do not exist.
GREEN SCENE STARTING TO LOOK CLEAN
So, it seems that the light in the sky has created a light at the end of the tunnel. Prices that were up for the last two weeks have dropped back to previous levels. Most greens are no longer being allocated. Baby head lettuce is tight but available with six month pre-order and frisee still refuses to grow. But the best news is the forecast has greatly improved and it looks like everything will be thriving by the middle of February.
PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I???
I am originally from the Middle East and Central Asia. I have been cultivated there for thousands of years. I am a member in good standing of the Umbelliferae family (you may have heard of my cousin hemlock, I know Socrates has). I am a biennial plant and have hundreds of varieties ranging in height, thickness and color. In fact my various colors almost cover the entire rainbow including, white, orange, red, purple, and if left out to long, black. I am produced globally but my largest crops come from the United States, China, England, France, Japan, and Poland. My uses are truly universal. Need to soothe a burn? Use me raw as a compress for immediate relief. Menstrual cramping got you bloated? Don’t run to the medicine cabinet, head for the refrigerator and munch out on me. Wanna make your wine more interesting? Use me in the fermentation process and cheer the results. On the culinary side, I have one danger. Excessive consumption will make your skin color, my primary skin color. This is a great alternative to the tanning salon. You will enjoy me in crudités, soups, salads, sandwiches, cookies, cakes, or classically glazed with brown sugar and butter. I am a dieter’s delight with my way low calories, and don’t even talk to me about fat, I have none! I am 87% water yet rich in vitamin A and Potassium. My slender shape also contains Vitamin C, Thiamin, Folic Acid, and Magnesium. My oil is rich in Vitamin E. These days you could very well find me skinned and topless, but don’t worry, that gets me to the plate more quickly. Children thrive on my babies, horses love the old folks. Why, with this many colors shapes and uses, everyone will find a variety that suits them. You shouldn’t have to jump in a hole to enjoy me anymore.
Answer to last week’s quiz ….. OTAMOT…..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., 2015