Produce News - May 17, 2012
Local Cherries-The season is upon us and local cherries are abundant. We start the season with the Choral Champagne variety and cycle through various varieties including the popular Bing and Rainier varieties. Case or pound.
Local Strawberries
We continue to offer morning picked strawberries from two local growers. These strawberries are ripe, sweet, juicy, have deep red color and are meant to be used within a day or two. Case only
Honey Comb
Local honey comb from Z Specialty Foods in Woodland, CA. 6oz frames from bees raised in Davis, Ca
Market Movers
The Fuji Apple market is stronger as storage supplies dwindle. The quality of Strawberries is outstanding, Local Strawberries are available but large quantities should be pre-ordered. The Raspberry market is down into the high 20's. Seasonal citrus is done! Murcotts, Blood Oranges and Meyer Lemons have finished. Navel Oranges will be available for about two more weeks. The Lemon market is stronger. California Red Grapes have started, the market is in mid 40's-quality is very good. Green Grapes are from Mexico and are very tart, the market is in the high 40's. Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons are from Mexico with improved flavor and color; California fruit is starting. Apricots are in the mid 30's, Cherries are in the low 40's, Nectarines are in the mid 40's, Peaches in the mid 40's, Plums are not available. 36ct Artichokes are the best value in the high teens, Baby Chokes in the high 20's. The Asparagus market is very strong, Delta Grass will finish around June 1st. Coastal Fava Beans are down into the mid 20's. Blue Lake Beans and Wax Beans are suffering from a southern heat wave; Salinas Valley is overcast, product is slow to start. White and Yellow California Corn down into the high teens. Iceberg and Leaf Lettuces are up into the high teens. Salinas weather is cool and overcast, growers are having mold and slow growth issues. No Wild Mushrooms of quality are available. Sno and Snap Peas are in the low 20's. English Peas from the coast are down into the mid 30's. Market is up on all shapes and sizes of Tomatoes.
Produce News - May 10, 2012
We are now stocking an early season California cherry, as the harvest has just begun. Our first shipment is coming from the Gotelli Family Farms. The Gotelli's have been growing cherries in the San Joaquin Valley for over fifty years and currently farm several hundred acres in Lodi, Stockton, Linden and Bakersfield. They have over a dozen varieties and sell to local as well as overseas markets.If you frequent any of the downtown farmer's markets, you will probably see Missy Gotelli selling her cherries under a bright red and white canopy.
The season starts with a limited supply of Coral Champagne Cherries which are described as a low-acid cherry with glossy red flesh and very sweet flavor that is similar to Bing. Other early season varieties will be available in the coming weeks including the Burlat and Brooks followed by the more popular Bing and Rainier (often called Royal or Queen Ann) varieties. The season can be short, lasting 8-10 weeks, from the first week of May through the July 4th holiday. Cherries from Oregon and Washington extend the season through the summer months.
Market Movers
The weather forecast predicts perfect weather for Strawberries this week. Please Pre-Order Stem-Berries for Mother's Day. All Bush berries are from Mexico. Raspberries high 20's, Blackberries low 20's, Blueberries low 30's. Navel Orange season is winding down, market stronger. California Valencia Oranges for juicing. Cara Cara and Blood Oranges are done for the season. Meyer Lemons and Murcott Tangerines are finishing this week. Cantaloupe market is down, quality is good, not great, California harvest to begin in a week or two. Mixed Melon varieties will start in two weeks. Pineapple market is strong, flavor and quality is very good. Peaches, White Peaches and Apricots have started, fruit is small, flavor is fair, markets are very strong, sold by the case only. Tommy Atkins and Hayden Variety Mangoes are excellent. We will have plenty of Fresh Squeezed Odwalla Orange Juice and Barsotti's Apple Juice. Artichoke market is softening as clean, fresh chokes become abundant. Asparagus market is very strong, Washington and New Jersey markets are non-existent; California demand is extremely strong. Blue Lake Beans from Central California are in the mid 30's, Wax Beans in mid 20's. Brussels Sprouts market is strong, quality is fair at best; it's time to remove them from your menu. Celery is up slightly. Peeled Baby Bunch Carrots and Peeled Baby Mixed Carrots are the best value and time saver. Pole and English Cucumbers are up slightly. Iceberg Lettuce is down into the low teens, Leaf Lettuce is down slightly as well. The Rhubarb market is down considerably into the high 20's on 20lb field grown cases. California Italian and Yellow Squash in mid teens. Gold Bar, Summer & Sunburst available by the case only. Gas Green Tomatoes from Florida, Vine Ripe Tomatoes from Mexico, Tomato Clusters have best flavor, Green Tomatoes are very limited. Hedgehog and Black Chanterelles are very poor in quality. Summer Chanterelles should start in mid June. Morel Mushrooms in high 30's per pound, Chef's Sampler or single variety mushrooms are best option. Pre-order your Fresh Origins Edible Flowers and Fresh Cut Flowers by Friday at noon for Mother's Day delivery.
Produce News - May 3, 2012
Just Starting
First harvests are usually very pricey, inconsistent in size, quality and flavor. But if you must, these items are just starting: Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Wax Beans, Romano Beans, Morels, Watermelon Radish, Squash Blossoms.
Done For The Season
These items are either done for the season or are very close to the end of their season. Blood Oranges, Honey Tangerines, Cara Cara Oranges, Murcott Tangerines, Nettles, Ramps, Hedgehog Mushrooms, Black Chanterelle Mushrooms.
Produce News - April 19, 2012
Morel Mushrooms
When are Morels coming? They are available, but with a price tag of $32lb, the price is out of reach for many. The market will ease in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Broccoli and Broccoli Crowns
Grown locally by Vierra Farm in West Sacramento, broccoli crowns have a better yield and value than the standard 18ct case of broccoli heads. Crowns are packed in 20lb case and yield close to 100%, while heads yield about 12-14 lbs.
Produce News - April 12, 2012
Wild River Murcott Tangerines
This late season mandarin is a cross between a tangerine and a sweet orange. Easy to peel and super sweet, from Marysville, CA. Available by the 25# case or by the pound.
Ramps
The flavor of this wild onion is described as a combination of onion and garlic. The season is short and will only last a few weeks.
