Market Outlook

Lettuce:

The Iceberg market is leveling off with better availability in Yuma. We have had very good quality on inbound.

Leaf:

California leaf market is adjusting down with supplies coming on in Yuma. Shippers are warning of minor fringe and tip burn, but we have had good quality overall.

Broccoli:

Broccoli market is steady to lower depending on shipper. Quality is very good out of Yuma.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is very strong with a big demand for Thanksgiving from the retail side. Shippers are short and pro-rating orders. Quality has been good.

Carrots:

Carrot market has gotten a bit stronger coming out of Canada for next week. Product will go thru March, but will get tighter as some growers finish up earlier than others.

Celery:

The celery market is very strong with holiday demand. Oxnard is the only growing area at the present time. Quality has been very good.

Strawberries:

Strawberry market is extremely tight and costs are high as shippers have very few quality berries to ship. We are getting less than 50% of what we need to meet demand. We are being told to expect some quality issues on inbound.

Potatoes:

Market is up again on new crop Burbanks. Quality is very good. Trucks are very tight and driving freight rates up. Lead time is very important.

Onions:

The market is steady going into next week. Product is plentiful and quality has been very nice. Freight out of Oregon/Idaho has been extremely difficult.

Citrus:

The Mexican deal is about finished and crossings into the USA have slowed to a trickle. California market is steady with good quality reported at shipping point. Navels are in full swing. The crop is sizing up on the small side this season with big fruit bringing higher $$. Quality is very good. Lime market is higher due to poor weather and fewer crossing from Mexico. Quality has been good overall.

Cucumbers:

Market on cucumbers is expected to ease for next week. Quality overall has been good.

Peppers:

Pepper market has remained steady for next week. Quality has been good. Sizing has still been a bit of an issue, peppers are on the small side of grade.

Tomatoes:

Tomato market is up a dollar or two on rounds, and trading very high on grapes. Cherries are steady at higher levels along with romas.

 

**Red peppers are very short and the market is active. NJ parsley is coming up short with the cold weather and driving cost up at terminals. Beans are very short for the holiday due to cold in Georgia and Texas

  

Recipe of the Week

Grilled Shrimp with Cilantro, Lime, and Peanuts

Ingredients

2 limes

2 teaspoons fish sauce

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1 pound (about 15) jumbo shrimp, shells on

2 teaspoons safflower oil

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

2 scallions, finely chopped

Directions

Zest limes into a bowl. Squeeze in juice from 1 lime, and whisk in fish sauce and sugar.

Preheat grill to high. Brush shrimp with oil on both sides, and lightly season with salt and pepper. Grill until pink and firm to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Toss shrimp with fish-sauce mixture, cilantro, peanuts, and scallions. Juice remaining lime over shrimp.

 

Fun Facts of the Week

• Christopher Columbus introduced citrus trees to the island of Haiti in 1493 during his second voyage, by planting the seed of a lemon.
• Limes turn yellow as they ripen
• Sprinkle lemons with water and refrigerate in a plastic bag, lemons will last a month or more frozen.
• Limes increase in weight after they are picked
• Wealthy Victorians grew lemon trees indoors as a sign of prestige. They used the lively scented plants to keep their large estates smelling fresh.
• Limes are more fragrant and acidic than lemons