Lettuce: 

The lettuce market is steady with decent supplies available in Yuma. Costs remain on the higher side next week. Overall, we are seeing mostly good condition on arrival.

Leaf: 

Costs on Romaine are steady and on the higher side for next week. Romaine Heart markets are coming off. The Green and Red leaf markets remain steady. Quality on green is fair to good and red leaf has been very nice. We will likely see some minor quality defects on leaf items. Quality has been good on recent inbounds.

Broccoli:

The commodity broccoli market is a lower for next week. Overall, quality has been looking fair to good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market has declined and product is in better shape for next week. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is steady and a good value on Canada product. Quality has been sharp.

Celery:

Celery costs are steady again for next week.  We are seeing good quality on inbound.

Strawberries: 

The market is high on California fruit heading into next week. Overall, volume remains very light. Quality has been good to very good.  We now have Florida berries in house.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes remains strong and #2 potatoes are in very short supply. Product is extremely tight and shippers are slow to get product out. Freight rates are elevated due to the Thanksgiving pull on the retail side.  We expect this trend to continue at least through the Thanksgiving holiday. Quality has been good to very good on inbound.

Onions:

The Western onion market is steady on both yellows and reds. Quality on onions has been good to very good overall, but freight has been very high which is causing pricing to jump.

Citrus

The California lemon market continues to trickle down and supply is in better shape with the desert region into full production. Quality has been good overall. We have Mexican fruit available in some sizes. We are seeing good quality on new crop Navel oranges. The Lime market is steady for next week.  We are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is stronger for next week with very cold weather in the southern states slowing things down. Quality has been good to very good on recent arrivals.

Peppers:

The green pepper market is stronger due to cold weather in the growing regions. Quality has been sharp on recent arrivals from the south.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is steady for next week with cool weather in Florida slowing things down. Quality has been good to very good overall. Grape tomatoes are a little stronger. Cherries are also stronger heading into next week. Both are showing good quality. The Roma market is steady but remains on the stronger side with supplies from Mexico and Florida light in volume.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Cheesy Creamed Spinach

Ingredients

• 3 (10 ounce) bags clean fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons minced white onion
• 2/3 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, stirring constantly. Remove from the skillet and drain in a colander. Try to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onions; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and stir in the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the provolone cheese and stir to melt and coat the spinach. Once the provolone has melted, stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook and stir until thickened.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.