Lettuce: 

The lettuce market is active and product is very short. Costs will be higher again for next week. There will likely be some minor quality issues as we navigate through transition to Yuma. Some shippers are loading in Huron and a few have started in a small way in Yuma. We are seeing mostly good condition on arrival.

Leaf: 

Costs on Romaine have increased a few dollars. Romaine Heart markets remain very active and costs are elevated. The Green and Red leaf markets are higher. 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 little higher for next week. Crowns remain on the shorter side compared to bunched. Overall, quality has been looking fair to good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is active and product is short for next week. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is slightly higher on Canada product. Quality has been sharp.

Celery:

Celery costs are a few dollars higher again for next week. This market will likely continue to strengthen as we move towards the Thanksgiving holiday pull.  We are seeing good quality on inbound.

Strawberries: 

The market is much higher on California fruit heading into next week. Overall, volume remains very light. Quality has been good to very good. Florida should be starting with light volume in week 47.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes continues to move higher and #2 potatoes are in very short supply. Product is extremely tight and shippers are slow to get product out. 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 a little stronger on both yellows and reds. Quality on onions has been good to very good overall.

Citrus

The California lemon market continues to trickle down and supply is in better shape with the desert region into 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 lower for next week with more shippers getting going in Florida. 5×6 and larger tomatoes are a little short in supply. Quality has been good to very good overall. Grape tomatoes are steady. Cherries are also steady 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

Roasted Beets

Ingredients

• 6 fresh beets (or as many as desired)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (1 tablespoon for every 6 beets)
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Wash beets and cut off the top and bottom. Cut beets in half and toss with olive oil, salt & pepper.
• Place beets in a greased baking dish and cover. 
• Roast the foil package for 1 hour or until beets are tender when poked with a fork.
• Using rubber gloves or paper towels, rub the beets and the skins will just slide right off.
• Serve warm with butter or chilled in salads.