Market Notes
May 4, 2017

EAST COAST TATER TRANSITION

We are down to our last few pallets of Colorado product for forward distribution. The timing was perfect this year and we will be receiving our first shipment of California product next week. This brings both good and bad news. The bad news is basic, due to increased transportation cost (last time we checked California is still further away from New York than Colorado is) price is up about two bucks across the board. The good or great news is that we can now offer creamers, marbles, assortments, and even sweet potato fingerlings (see below) for forward distribution. We will be loading out of California every ten to fourteen days through September. We will also have a limited crop of Harvest Moon ™ during this period.

SWEET POTATO WHAAAAAAAT?

Fingerling potatoes are a specific variety of potato. They come in several different colors and except for the purples, have a very distinctive flavor. This is very recognizable for fingerling fans. Fingerling potatoes also indicate a specific size and shape. There has been a lot of talk about a fingerling sweet potato or fingerling yam. Botanically this does not exist. There are, however, many growers that are sorting fingerling sized sweet potatoes and yams and marketing them as such. We are pleased to announce that we have access to these mini-sweet potatoes in both retail and foodservice packaging. Retail product has a cinnamon/sugar flavor packet, a display box and comes packed as a 12/4 count tray. The foodservice pack is a 40 pound bulk case. We can consolidate any of these products with your other potato orders from our Edison, California dock. Please contact your Culinary rep for more info and samples.

SPRING FORAGE ACT THREE

This is peak week for ramps. In the weeks that follow several of our growing areas will complete their ramp forage. Fiddlehead ferns will begin to increase size, get tougher and unfurl. Claytonia and nettles will yellow and slowly disappear. Mushrooms, particularly morels, porcini and chanterelles should actually increase in volume. When ramps are finally unavailable, there will be a good supply of ramp bulbs. Summer truffles are due to arrive within the next few weeks and although they are still on many a list, black winter truffles are complete.

NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHO AM I??

Spielberg or Lucas has nothing on me. I was a special effect before they were born. As the fruit of the Swiss Cheese plant, I am a member of the arum Lily family. I am the only edible philodendron. 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 breath. 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 Week’s Quiz…RAMBUTAN…Congrats To All Winners
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
Visit us at www.culinaryproduce.com
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Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2015