Produce News - February 16, 2012
Fava beans and English Peas
Fava Beans and English Peas from Mexico have begun to arrive. The favas are young and tender; the peas are plump and sweet. Local crops begin in a couple of weeks.
Asparagus
Now stocking 28lb cases from Mexico. The California crop will start in Bakersfield by the end of next week and the local Delta crop beginning the week after next. All major growers did not plant in the Imperial Valley causing California delay.
Avocados
New crop California fruit is in stock and the oil content continues to improve.
Market is steady. 48ct, 60ct and 84ct sizes available.
Winter Citrus
Late-season Murcott Tangerines are the newest addition to our inventory of winter citrus. Murcotts are a cross between a tangerine and a sweet orange. Rather flat in shape, the Murcott is an easy to peel fruit, and very sweet. Next week we will start stocking local Murcotts from Wild River in Marysville. Last year, Wild River had an outstanding crop of Murcotts, one of their best crops ever. Meyer Lemons from Capay Organic are sweet and fragrant, packed in 10lb boxes. Beautiful Blood Oranges from Twin Peaks Orchard in Penryn have intense flavor and beautiful color. Available by the pound or 25lb case.
Produce News - February 8, 2012
For the first time in recent memory, we will have affordable California strawberries and stem-berries for Valentine's Day. Strawberries will most likely be in the high teens to low twenties while stem-berries should be in the mid to high twenties on 48ct. cases. Sweet, fragrant and with vivid color.
Strawberry Outlook
With Valentine's Day less than two weeks away, much attention is directed at strawberry and stem-berry availability, quality and price. Weather forecasters predict perfect berry weather for Oxnard and Anaheim for the next ten days to two weeks. In addition, Florida and Mexico are also experiencing favorable growing conditions which create additional supplies and eases "East Coast Demand". For the first time in recent memory we should have beautiful, affordable California grown berries for Valentine's Day. Strawberries will most likely be in the high teens to low twenties while stem-berries should be in the mid to high 20's on 48ct cases.
Produce News - January 30, 2012
Asparagus -The early Mexican fields are very strong. The price of 11 lb. cases are down dramatically into the low teens. California asparagus will start in a couple of weeks and we will switch to 28 lb. cases.
Artichokes- Frost damage and the freeze that affected Castroville and Watsonville caused severe shortages in mid January. Plants have recovered and are producing new chokes. Ocean Mist anticipates frost free chokes in 2-3 weeks.
Produce News - January 25, 2012
Chanterelle Mushrooms are taking a beating from the rain; we suggest you use Hedgehog Mushrooms instead. Hedgehog Mushrooms are closely related to the Golden Chanterelle mushroom and are similar to Chanterelles in appearance, taste and smell. The distinct difference is that Hedgehog mushrooms are covered in spines or "teeth", on their underside, resembling a Hedgehog.
