Market Outlook   

Lettuce: 

The lettuce market is active and costs are significantly higher for next week. The Salinas season is winding down. A few growers are shipping from Huron where the quality seems to be better. Salinas quality has been mostly good on inbound, but we are seeing quality and weights starting to slip.

Leaf: 

Romaine is much stronger for next week and the romaine heart market is also much stronger. Demand is very good on both items. Quality has been mostly good on all Romaine items. The Green leaf market is a few dollars higher for next week. Red leaf is higher, but remains a great alternative to green leaf for next week. Quality has been good on leaf overall.

Broccoli:

The commodity broccoli market is a little stronger for next week. Quality has been looking very good.

Cauliflower:

The cauliflower market is pretty steady with good availability for next week. Quality has been good on inbound.

Carrots:

The carrot market is steady. Canada into good volume. Good quality product in stock. We are seeing some Mexico offerings as well.

Celery:

Celery costs continue to move up in California with increased demand. The regional deals slowing and just about done. We are seeing good quality.

Strawberries: 

Market is steady for next week with light supplies overall on California fruit. Quality has been fair to good on our inbounds.

Potatoes:

The market on Idaho potatoes is steady. Quality has been very nice on inbound.

Onions:

The Western onion market is steady on yellows and reds for next week. We expect to see the market move up in coming weeks with harvest wrapping up. Quality on onions has been good to very good.

Citrus

The California lemon market about steady. Quality has been improving as well. Arrivals on both Chilean and Mexican fruit have declined. We are seeing good quality over all on new crop navels and that market is starting to adjust down.  The Lime market is stronger for next week. Overall, we are seeing fair to good quality on inbound.

Cucumbers:

The market is steady and on the strong side. Light volume from Georgia and New Jersey is now finished. Quality has been good.

Peppers:  

The green pepper market is strong with a wide range in quality and costs are elevated. New Jersey has finished. Georgia with light volume.  Quality has been fair to good.

Tomatoes:

The round tomato market is steady and strong. Shippers in California are finished. Florida is just getting started on the winter crop. Quality has been good overall on California product. Grape tomatoes along with Cherry tomatoes are steady and showing good quality. The Roma market is steady and strong with very light availability in California and Mexico.

 

Recipe of the Week

Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients

1 pound 3 ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 1/4 cups plain yogurt

3/4 cup packed, dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

5 egg yolks

Salt

1 (9-inch) deep dish, frozen pie shell

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions

Put cubed potatoes into steamer basket and place steamer basket into a large pot of simmering water that is no closer than 2 inches from the bottom of basket. Allow to steam for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Mash with potato masher and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place sweet potatoes in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat with the paddle attachment. Add yogurt, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, yolks, and salt, to taste, and beat until well combined. Pour this batter into the pie shell and place onto a sheet pan. Sprinkle pecans on top and drizzle with maple syrup.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the custard reaches 165 to 180 degrees. Remove from oven and cool. Keep refrigerated after cooling.