Market Notes
May 2, 2019

 

 

SPRING PEAK – ONE MORE WEEK

As week two of peak season begins we find prices dropping on almost everything. Fresh Ramps have hit bottom and in about 10 days the will start to dwindle and the deals will be gone.  Look forward to Ramp bulbs to follow. Fiddlehead ferns are starting to get woody as the deal moves further and further north. Ferns will hold out for a week or two longer than the Ramps. Springs greens are still strong but they too will become scarce by months end. Truffles and seasonal mushrooms both seem strong for this time of year and we hope these will be abundant through August. Paw Paws and Champagne grapes are still to come.

ANDY’S SEASONAL PREVIEW

     Stone fruit has begun in California. We have gone from sour apricots to sweet apricots along with early Bing cherries, white nectarines and peaches. This early crop usually lacks sugar and depth of flavor the crop from Andy’s allows.  So here’s the rundown at the magic farm in Morgan Hill. Currently they are finishing up their citrus season with Tango mandarins. They are a triple cross seedless EZ peel tangerine with a flavor worth waiting until the end of the season for.  Cherries are looking good, first harvests are mid-June and this year we are offering a four variety mix including Bing, Black Republican, Black Tartarian, Van and Lapin. Sour cherries will also be available. Baby Crawford peaches will be very limited once again this year but the Blenheim apricots are looking promising. Green Gage plums that were totally absent last year are enjoying the benefit of hand pollination and we are assured of a good crop this season. There will be some Candy cots this year but probably not enough to ship. More info as the season progresses. If you are planning to attend any of the Monterey conventions this summer, please consider a stop in Morgan Hill for the best stone fruit this side of the planet.

 

SPECIALTY NOTES FROM ALL OVER

Cauliflorini, a new vegetable is the cauliflower version of Broccolini and now on the market. Erratic weather from central California into Mexico has created shortages on baby fennel, chervil, red teardrop tomatoes, and several other specialties. Colorado specialty potatoes are winding down while Florida, Michigan and California gear up to cover. Salad greens are abundant as reporters are reporting slow sales post Easter.

NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHAT 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..KIWANO MELON…Congratulations to all winners!

Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
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Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2015