Market Notes January 27th, 2022

 

NOR’EASTER TO BOMB CYCLONE WON’T LEAVE US ALONE

   Forecasters from the National Weather Service are urging residents to prepare for a powerful snowstorm that could strengthen into a “bomb cyclone” and dump up to a foot of snow in some parts of New Jersey late Friday and Saturday. In addition, the storm is likely Even though the storm could bring as much as 8 to 12 inches of snow to counties along the Jersey Shore as well as sub-zero wind chill values and wind gusts of more than 40 mph that could cause power outages, forecasters say it’s still too early to say whether the storm will reach blizzard status in New Jersey. While there’s a good chance that all three of the blizzard ingredients will be in play in some locations later Friday or on Saturday, they’re not yet predicted to meet the threshold for a blizzard, forecasters said.to generate strong wind gusts — especially along the coast — that could cause tree damage and power outages. For now, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for 11 counties from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday. Those are likely to be upgraded to warnings as the storm nears. Forecasts call for 6 to 12 inches of snow for Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May and southeastern Burlington, the weather service says. In Middlesex, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, northwestern Burlington and Cumberland, the weather service is calling for 4 to 9 inches of snow. Blowing snow is also possible, especially along the Jersey Shore, where winds will be the strongest. So, we’ll get a very good accumulation of snow and the winds will be strong, especially along the coast. But whether all those factors will come at the same time, remains to be seen, We  can’t rule out the possibility that at some point later on, everything may come together and it may change to a blizzard. Be it a winter storm, a blizzard, a nor’easter, or a bomb cyclone it’s gonna suck. Saturday, Sunday, Monday arrivals are all in question.  We’ll stay on top (or underneath) each one. Culinary emergency number is 831-288-0980.  

STRAWBERRY YIELDS FOREVER

   We have been writing about changes in the strawberry market for a few years now and this week there was notable progress. Greenhouse strawberries are now hitting the market with expanded production facilities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Perfect conditions allow for year-round growing with a lot less labor and energy required. This growing area of indoor success with lead to two other changing factors that are both happening now.  In Florida, the harvest at some strawberry farms is now robotic.  It won’t be long until that technology is expanded and transferred indoors. In New Jersey, indoor strawberry facilities are now growing unique and delicate strawberries that would never survive outdoors. Specialty strawberry indoor facilities will begin to appear around large populations reducing the need for multiple days of transportation and avoiding the reduction of flavor caused by products like Tectrol™ and other ripening retardants. Nothing happens overnight in the produce business, but strawberry growth and distribution is on the cusp of major change.  We predict blueberries are next. We are certain Watsonville is paying very close attention, so is Harry.

 NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I ???

As the fruit of the Swiss Cheese plant, but I don’t go well with ham. I am a member of the Arum Lily family.  My large beautiful sturdy leaves make me a very suitable houseplant.  Originally from Mexico (called Mexican Breadfruit, later known as the shingle plant) my survival techniques have allowed me to thrive around the world.  We are very complicated to eat, but worth it.  I will not ripen evenly!  The green scales of my almost foot long lizard tail shaped body will loosen to expose my off-white colored, banana/mango/pineapple flavored spadix.  When unripe, my oxalic acid and sharp calcium oxalate crystals will irritate and often numb the membranes of your mouth, tongue, and throat.  Not to worry, you will only FEEL like you can’t breathe.  To avoid this breathless possibility, I am often wrapped in plastic so I will ripen more quickly and evenly.  Excellent in fruit salads or eaten out of hand, I am also stunning in a cornucopia or fruit display.  

Answer to last quiz….LEEKS…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