Market Notes July 9, 2020
POTATO UPDATES
Colorado is finishing up their season with the last of the storage product being packed over the next few weeks. Plantings are completed and we pray for no frost over the next eight weeks so our crop will be beautiful. These potatoes are grown biotically, eliminating pesticides and significantly reducing use of water and that takes priority in this valley where water is precious. We hope to bring in product from northern Colorado in the next few weeks, but we will be using our California grower for east coast forward distribution for the next few weeks. This will raise prices a bit due to the additional transportation but this year the increases will be minimal. Speaking of California the harvest there is beautiful and we have a full array of both conventional and organic fingerlings including yellow, red and purple. This means mixes are available as well with all new crops. Organic russets remain very tight for counts, totes, or retail bags. The deal loosens up in a few weeks when Washington state and points south begin shipping. Organic and conventional creamers are readily available but “A” size and “B” size are tight for the rest of July. That’s our story and we’re sticking with it. We would like to take a moment to give a big shout out thank you to those who have continued to support us through these very trying times. We have depended on your support and look forward to supporting all your specialty potato needs.THE GREEN SCENE – BRIGHT & CLEAN
While the virus lurks and lazy days of summer beckon, the weather in the Salinas Valley has been perfect for baby greens. Fortunately, with short grow times, growers can adjust to the reduced volume and fresh fields are being rotated perfectly. Warm days and cool nights are the perfect recipe for the baby red lettuces to flourish. Kale, arugula, and spinach are abundant and thriving as well. Mixes are vibrant and as pretty as ever. Both ad and volume pricing is available. This applies to both conventional and organic product. Staying with the times we have a few new retail packaging options for all these pretty greens. Please check with your Culinary rep for details and deals.NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHAT AM I??
I am a fruity member of the cucumber family. My old soul originates from the depths of Africa. In fact, I have been cultivated and consumed since well before 2000 BC. My marbled skin is thick and rich in color. I am sweet and crisp and my flesh can be vibrant red, pale pink or golden yellow. My fifty plus varieties differ vastly in weight and size. The “Roundies” are the lightweights of the family, while the “Grand Oblongs” are plumper, sometimes weighing over 100 pounds. You should see them run! In certain regions my skin is pickled, candied or fried, but mostly our exteriors are found slurped, moon shaped, ragged and discarded. Our smooth little black seeds might well be the original ammunition of food fights. These prominent sliders are spat, spewed or swallowed. Our newer generations are showing up with no seeds and now there is even a new square shape available. As in most families, the youth do not appreciate or respect the traditions their prior generations fought so hard to maintain. If you are spending time in the desert, I’m the companion you’ll want to bring along, just make sure you are prepared for my diuretic effects. I am also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S QUIZ WAS …BABACO.…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