. . . market outlook

WWW.PRODUCEEXPRESS.NET                                                                            September 2, 2010

Figs

  Figs are an ancient fruit-they have been growing in Mediterranean countries for centuries and even longer in the area referred to as Mesopotamia, the center of ancient civilization.  The edible fig is one of the first plants to be cultivated by humans and has the distinction of being the most talked about fruit in the Bible.  Figs arrived in California via Mexico in the mid 18th century and were planted in mission gardens from San Diego to Sonoma, giving the varietal name Mission to the first dark purple California figs.  At one time in the early 20th century, fig orchards covered much of the area that is within the current  city limits of Fresno and today 90% of the commercial fig crop comes from the area around this San Joaquin Valley city.

    Fig trees produce two crops a year.  The first crop, called breba, arrives in late May-early June and produces larger fruit that comes from twigs grown at the end of the previous season.  These figs are short lived-the second crop develops on new growth from the current season and ripens in midsummer and lasts throughout the fall.  This crop is characterized by smaller fruit that is delicate and more flavorful.  Produce Express is currently stocking three principal varieties as well as a special pack from Del Rio Botanicals.

Black Mission-The most familiar variety with purple black skin, pale to dark pink flesh and good flavor.  $21.75 per 12 pint flat and available by the basket.

Brown Turkey-A slightly larger variety, paler in color and milder in flavor.  $21.75 per 12 pint flat.

Kadota-The variety has thick green skin with amber color flesh and a rich, raspberry flavor when ripe.  $21.75 per 12 pint flat.

Del Rio Organic Black Mission Figs-Hand picked and sorted, large sized figs packed in a single layer.  60 count flat-$19.75

 

HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES

F.D.A. RECALLS:    None

F.D.A. WARNINGS:     None

            Specialty Fruit

  September is typically a great month for odd, interesting or unusual varieties of fruit. In addition to figs, late season stone fruit, grapes, pears, and a few fall favorites are all available at the current time. The following list may suggest trying something different-

  Grapes-

      Champagne 16#- low $30’s

      Concord 20#- mid $30’s

      Muscat 19#- mid $30’s

      Black 18#- low $20’s

      Varietal Wine Grapes- coming soon

  Stone Fruit-

       Apriums 8#- low $20’s

       Pluots 15#- mid $20’s

       Donut Peaches 18#- low $20’s

       Italian Prune Plums 30#- high $20’s

  Pears-

        Bartlett  40#- high $20’s

        Red Krimson 20#- high $20’s

        Bosc- Golden 40#- low $40’s

        French Butter- 20#- high $20’s

        Seckle 20#- high $20’s

        Comice 20#- high $20’s

  Melons-

         Ambrosia 5/6 ct.- mid teens

         Local Watermelon 2ct.- low teens

         Crenshaw 5/6 ct.- mid teens

         Savor / Charantais 7/8 ct.- mid teens

  Miscellaneous-

         Elderberries 5#- low $20’s

        Pomegranates 36ct.- low $50’s 

          (case only)

 
 

Del Rio Botanical      
Often referred to as “the Produce Express farm”, Del Rio is a year round supplier of organic produce exclusively to
our company. Suzanne Ashworth plants an extensive variety of well known and heirloom crops. Daily delivery
from Del Rio creates a true farm to restaurant approach with product going from field to table overnight.

Farm Owner-Suzanne Ashworth           Began Farming-1996           Location-Elkhorn Yolo County.
Crops-Greens, Squashes, Tomatoes.      Season-Year Round.             Farm Size-78 acres.

APPLES

Red (Wa)- low $30’s*     Granny (Ca)- low $30’s*         Golden (Wa)- mid $30’s*   Gala(Ca)- mid $30’s↓ 

Fuji(WA)- high $30’s*    Pink Lady- mid $30’s↓            Honey Crisp- N/A               Gravenstein- N/A

Pippens- N/A                   Braeburn- mid $30’s                Crab Lady- N/A                  Crab Hyslop- N/A

New crop California apples are expected to start in mid September.

AVOCADO-

California 60 count- high $30’s↑      California 48 count- low $40’s↑

Avocado market is stronger due to weather issues in Mexico and lack of California fruit.

BANANA-

Banana- low $20’s*                         Plantain- mid $30’s              Petites- limited

BERRIES-

Strawberries (Ca.)- mid teens*         Stemberries- high teens                       Raspberry (Ca.)- high $20’s* 

Blackberries- high $20’s*                Blueberry(Ca) – mid $20’s*               Fresh Cranberries- N/A

Frozen Cranberries                           Frozen Huckleberries                          Gold Raspberries- pre-order

Heat wave is causing minor issues with bush berries.

CITRUS-

Grapefruit (Tx)- low $20’s               Lemons- mid $30’s*                         Limes- low $20’s↑        

Oranges- high teens*                        Kumquats- limited                            Meyer Lemons 10#(NZ)- low $20’s  

Juice Orange- high teens                  Satsuma- N/A                                    Key Limes- low $20’s

FIGS-

Black Mission- low $20’s               White Figs- low $20’s                     @Del Rio Black (40ct.)- high teens

GRAPES-

Red Seedless(Ca)- low $20’s*         Green Seedless(Ca)- low $20’s*     Black Grapes(Ca.)- low $20’s

Champagne Grapes- low $30’s        Muscat- mid $20’s                           Concord- mid $30’s  

MELONS-

Cantaloupe- low teens*                   Honeydew- low teens*                      Seedless Watermelon(Ca)- $5/$6*

Casaba- $16.75                                Crenshaw- $16.75                              Sharlyn- $16.75

Santa Claus- $16.75                         Juan Canary- $16.75                         Galia- $16.75

PEARS-

@Bartletts- mid $30’s                     @Bosc- low $40’s               @Red- high $20’s       D’Anjou- N/A

@French Butter- high $20’s           @Comice- high $20’s          @Seckle- high $20’s  Asian- mid teens

STONE FRUIT-

Apricots- limited                      Cherries(Can)- limited                 @Nectarines- mid $20’s*

@Peaches- mid $20’s*            @White Peaches- mid $20’s*      @White Nectarines- mid $20’s*

@Red Plums- mid $20’s         @Black Plums- high $20’s           @Pluots- mid $20’s

Aprium- low $20’s                  Donut Peaches- low $20’s            Italian Prune Plum- high $20’s

TROPICAL-

Pineapple- low 20’s ↑              Kiwi- low teens          Mango- $7/$8*              Papaya- mid $20’s↑

Mexican Papaya- low $20’s    Starfruit- N/A              Coconut- mid $20’s      Green Thai Papaya- high $20’s

DRIED FRUIT-

Apples   Cranberries   Pineapple    Raisins    Golden Raisins   Cherries    Pears        Apricots

Mango   Black Figs    Blueberries  Peaches   Mixed Berries     Papayas   Currants   Nectarines

JUICE-

Orange             Lemon             Lime                Grapefruit                    Carrot              Apple

@PUREE’- (Frozen) PERFECT PUREE’ FROM NAPA VALLEY

Raspberry*       Blueberry           White Peach      Blood Orange     Kiwi       Mango      Coconut       

Pomegranate    Lychee Nut      Strawberry       Passion Fruit    Guava    Cherry       Key Lime                       

Blackberry       Papaya             Meyer lemon   Lemon Zest      Apple      Pear         Lime Zest

Pineapple          Citrus                 Tangerine         Mixed Berry       Cocoa      Mojito      Sweet & Sour

El Corazon        Apricot              Rum Runner     Passion Colada   Yuzu Luxe Sour       Tamarind

Red Sangria      Black Currant    Orange Zest      White Sangria     Caramelized Pineapple Concentrate

 

* Market steady    ↑ Market up    ↓ Market down   @ Local Farm

ARTICHOKES-

18’s- high $30’s*         24’s- high $30’s*              30’s- mid $20’s*                

36’s- mid $20’s*          48’s- low $20’s*               Baby’s- low $30’s

30, 36 and 48 counts are the best value. Larger artichokes are very expensive, we are subbing seeded variety when globe are not available.

ASPARAGUS-

11# Large- low $30’s↓   11# Standard- low $30’s↓   11# Pencil- low $30’s↓     White 11#- low $30’s

Asparagus market is improving as Baja region starts packing. Sizing options are limited.  

BEANS-

@Bluelake- mid $20’s↓             @Baby French- mid $20’s*                @Yellow Wax- low $20’s*

@Fava Beans 25#- mid $40’s↑     Chinese Long- high teens                    @Romano 15#- $24.75*

Cannelini Beans 15#- N/A            Cranberry Beans 15#- low $24.75      Garbonzo Beans 15#- low $40’s*

Fava beans are tight. Cranberry Beans are from R Kelly Farms.  

BROCCOLI-

Broccoli 18’s- mid teens↑             Broccoli Crowns- mid teens↑              Broccoli Rabe- high teens*

Broccolini- high $20’s

Broccoli market is up slightly due to heat wave.

CABBAGE-

Green- low teens*                         Red- mid teens*                                      Napa- mid teens*                 

Bok Coy- mid teens*                    Baby Bok Coy 10#- mid teens               Savoy- low $20’s↓

CARROTS-

Jumbo Carrots- $10/$12               Clip top Carrot- high teens                Iced Bunched- high teens*

Peeled Mini Carrot- low $30’s*       Baby Bunch- low $20’s*              Baby Mixed Carrot- mid $20’s*

Peeled Baby Carrots- high teens*

CAULIFLOWER-

Cauliflower- mid teens*                 Broccoflower- low $20’s*                 Carnival- (6ct.)- high teens*

CELERY-

Celery- mid teens*                         Celery Root- improving                     Celery Hearts- mid $20’s*

CHILIES-

@Jalapeno 40#- low $20’s*         @Long Green 25#- low $20’s*         @Pascilla 25#- low $20’s*

@Serrano 10#- low teens*           @Tomatillo 40#- low $20’s               Yellow Wax 10#- mid teens*

Habanero 10#- low $40’s*           Red Fresno 10#- mid $20’s*              Thai Chile- $2.75 per pound↓

Castaneda Farms is harvesting all major Chile varieties. @Gypsy peppers 10#- high $20’s.

@Padron Peppers 5#- $33.75.

CORN-

Yellow- mid teens                         White- mid teens                              @Baby Corn (50 count)- $13.75

Brentwood corn is at peak season.

CUCUMBER-

Cucumber- mid teens↓                      English- high teens↑                                Pickling 25#- mid $20’s*

@Lemon 10#- $13.75                          Persian- low $20’s↑                       @Armenian 10#- $13.75

Cooler than normal temperatures and overcast skies are affecting conventional and English Cukes.

EGGPLANT-

Eggplant 18’s- mid teens*                Japanese 10#- mid teens*                  Chinese 10#- mid teens*

GARLIC / SHALLOTS-          

X-jumbo- mid $50’s*                       Super Colossal- mid $60’s*               Peeled Garlic-*

Elephant 10#- high $30’s                 Whole Shallots- steady                       Peeled Shallots- steady      

Cippoline- mid $20”s                       @ Spring Garlic- done                        Black Garlic

A shortage of garlic is pushing prices up, Chinese imported product is higher than domestic product.

GREEN ONIONS-

Green onions- low teens↑                 Mexican Spring Onion- mid teens*    Red Spring Onion- N/A

  

* Market steady    ↑ Market up    ↓ Market down   @ Local Farms

GREENS-

Mustard- low teens                Collard- mid teens                                     Red Chard- high teens         

Leeks- mid teens                      Green Chard- high teens                           Dino Kale- low $30’s

Green Kale- mid teens             Rainbow Chard- low $20’s                       Cello Flowering Kale- high teens

Riverdog chards and kale are on summer vacation for two to four weeks.

HERBS-

Basil                             Baby Arugula             Arugula                        Chives             Cilantro          

Baby Dill                      Oregano                      Italian Parsley              Mint                   Thyme

       Parsley                           Rosemary                       Tarragon                   Watercress          Sage

Chervil                           Opal Basil                 Thai Basil                       Sorrel                  Savory

Mint tips                      Hydro Watercress

LETTUCE-

Iceberg- mid teens*                       Green Leaf- mid teens*                  Red Leaf- mid teens*             

Romaine Hearts- mid teens*         Garden Hearts- low $20’s*             Hearts of Romaine- low $20’s*

 Butter- mid teens*                         Romaine- low teens*                      Hydro Butter- (12 ct.)- low $20’s*

Iceberg market is slowly easing downward.  

MUSHROOMS-

Domestic- steady          Shitake- *                               Oyster- steady                Crimini- steady

Portabella- steady         Chanterelle- high teens*        Hedgehog- N/A              Morels- N/A

Porcini- N/A                 Chef Sampler- high $40’s      Enoki- steady                 Lobster- mid $20’s.

Lobster mushrooms available in the mid $20’s. Chanterelle mushrooms are in the high teens from Oregon.

ONION-

Yellow Onion- low teens↓            Red Onion (Ca.)- mid teens*        White Onion- low $20’s*          

Sweet Onion-10# mid teens          Pearl Onion- steady                       Torpedo 40#- mid $20’s

California sweet onions sold by the 10# or 40# case.

PEAS-

Sno Peas- low $30’s↑                    Snap Peas- high teens*                 @English Peas(Ca.)- high $40’s↓

English peas very limited.

PEPPERS-

@Green Bells- low teens↓             Red Bells- high teens*                 Gold Bells- low $30’s↑

Yellow bell peppers are very short in supply, market is very strong.

POTATO / SWEET POTATO-

Russet- new crop                                    Kennebec- high teens                             Red Potato- steady

 White Potato- steady                               Yukon Potato- *   steady                  Purple- high $30’s 

  Fingerling Gold- high $20’s                      Fingerling Red- low $30’s              @Yellow Finn- N/A            

@ German Butterball                                Sweet Potato- mid $20’s                  Yams- low $20’s

All russets are now new crop. Market is steady.

RADISH-

Bunched Radish- mid teens*                      Daikon- high teens*                             Jicama- mid teens*

ROOT VEGETABLE-

Turnips- high teens                      Rutabagas- high $20’s*               Parsnips- mid $20’s

Red Beets 25#- mid teens         Gold Beets 25#- high $20’s*     Chioga beets 25#- high $20’s

Horseradish- steady                     Ginger- low $40’s*              Sunchokes 10#- N/A

SPINACH-

Bunched- low $20’s↑                    Cello- steady                        Baby- steady         

Bloomsdale- low $20’s                 Tatsoi- high teens

 

* Market steady    ↑ Market up    ↓ Market down   @ Local Farms

 SQUASH-

@Italian Squash- mid teens       @Yellow Squash- high teens             @Grey Squash- high teens

@Gold Bar Squash- high teens     @Summer Squash- low $20’s            Sunburst Squash- low $20’s

Ronde Nice squash is available in green, gold and grey. We are now packing toy box squash, 20# case $20.75.

TOMATOES-

Large Loose- mid teens↓              5x6- mid teens↓                            5x5- mid teens↓                            

4x5- mid teens↓                            #2 Tomato- $9/$10*                     Roma- mid teens↓  

#2 Roma- $10/$11*                      Red Cluster- low teens*               Yellow Cluster- low $30’s*        

Orange Cluster- low $30’s*          Cherry Tomato- mid teens*         Red Grape 10#- mid teens         

Mixed Medley- $29.75                 @True Vine 20#- $19.75             True Vine Roma 20#- $15.75

Del Rio cherry tomatoes are plentiful. Fifteen different varieties of Yeung Farms heirlooms are available in toy box or single variety $20.75.

WINTER SQUASH-

Butternut Squash- high $20’s*           Acorn Squash- high $20’s               Spaghetti Squash- high $20’s*

Banana Squash-                                  Kabocha Squash- high $20’s*         Red Kabocha- N/A

Delicata Squash- N/A                         Dumpling Squash- N/A                   Del Rio Squash- N/A

Local growers will start winter squash harvest in mid September.

SPRING MIXES-

Spring Mix-                                   Lettuce Only 7 way-                      Del Rio Salad Mix-          

Organic Spring Mix-                    Organic lettuce Only-

BABY LETTUCES-

Mixed Baby Lettuce-          Lola Rosa-                Baby Romaine-                Red Oak-

Baby Red Romaine-            Mache-                     Green Oak-                       Lil Gem-

CHICORIES & GREENS-

Radicchio-                                         Frisee’-                                            @Belgian Endive-   

@Red Belgian Endive-                    @Mixed Belgian Endive-                 Travisio-

@Braising Mix-                                Mizuna-                                            @Del Rio Arugula

BABY GREENS-

@Baby Red Chard-                          @Baby Red Mustard-                       @Baby Gold Chard-

MICRO GREENS-

Arugula-                   Basil-                  Cilantro-                  Rainbow Mix-                    Bull Blood-

Mache-                     Mizuna-              Wasabi-                   Mint Lavender-                  Radish-

Chervil-                    Asian Mix-         Celery-                    Intensity Mix-                     Italian Mix-

BABY VEGETABLES-

Red Beets-               Leeks-            Italian Squash-                    Yellow Squash-        

Gold Beets-             Fennel-           Summer Squash-                 Sunburst Squash-      

Chioga Beets-         Turnips-          Mixed Squash-                    Radishes-               

@Baby Corn- $13.75                    @Del Rio Baby Mixed Squash- $25.75      

EDIBLE FLOWERS-             

Mixed-                          Pansies-                Roses- limited                   Orchids 100 ct.-       Violas-

Nasturtiums-                @Confetti-           @Rose Petals-                    @Squash Blossoms-

Del Rio squash blossoms are beautiful.

LEAVES-

Green Ti-                      Red Ti-                  Palm-                      Leather Leaf-         Bay-

Banana (frozen)-          @Avocado-           Kiefer Lime-           Babies Breath-      

SEASONAL-

@Lambs Sorrel       @Lemon Verbena      @Pineapple Mint    @Chocolate Mint                           

@French Sorrel            @Arugula Rapini    @Lemon Balm     @Figs        

Rhubarb- high $30’s     @Grape Leaves      @Fig Leaves   

  

* Market steady    ↑ Market up    ↓ Market down   @ Local Farms

CHEESES-

Cheddar                   Jack              Mozzarella       Fresh Mozzarella     Pepper Jack         Buratta         

Parmesan                 Cotija           Feta                  Mascarpone              Swiss                  Brie

Queso   Fresco         Ricotta         Goat                 Jack/Cheddar Mix    Blue Cheese        Cottage

White Cheddar        Dry Jack       Gruyere           Point Ryes Blue        Sharp Cheddar    Parmesano Reggiano              

DAIRY-

@Manufacturing Cream                  @Half & Half                 @Buttermilk               @Whole Milk         

@Sour Cream                                  @Yogurt (Plain)             @Whipping Cream     @2% Low Fat Milk

@Unsalted Butter↑                           @Butter With Salt

EGGS- 

Large↑                      Xlarge↑                  Medium↑                    Large Cartons↑

Liquid                       Hard Boiled           Egg Whites                 Organic

Recall is causing shortages and supply line issues. The market is very strong in the mid $20’s!

DRIED BEANS- 

Cannelini                  Cranberry              Green Flageot             Marrow             

@Fava                      @Early Lady          Pinto                          Small Red       

Black                         Small White          Garbonzo                   @Jade Pearl

LENTILS-

French Green            Black Beluga         Golden                       Crimson

RICE-          

Arborio                     Carnaroli                Basmati                      Jasmine           Long Grain

Wild                          Chinese Black        Purple Sticky             Himalayan Red

GRAINS-

Barley                       Couscous               Bulghar Wheat           Polenta             Quinoa      Spelt

SPICES-

Peppercorns               Chile Flakes           Oregano                      Fennel Seeds

Mustard Seed             Sesame Seeds         Paprika                       Cinnamon

Cayenne Pepper         Cinnamon Sticks    Cumin                        All Spice

N. M. Chile Powder   Vanilla                   Vanilla Extract          Vanilla Puree’

OILS-

@California Pure Olive    @Extra Virgin Olive        Rice          Canola

@VINEGARS-       

 White Wine                Red Wine               Cabernet                     Champagne        Pear

 Zinfandel                    Apple Cider            Dark Balsamic           Golden Balsamic

NUTS-                     

Pine Nuts                     Walnut Meat          Cashews                    Almonds        Pistachio

Pecans                          Pepitas                   Macadamias              Hazelnuts       Chestnuts

TORTILLAS-

@Flour 6”/ 8”/10”/12”        6” Corn              @Sonora Corn              6” Thin Corn

@Flavored (Tomato/Basil, Spinach/Onion, Variety Pack)

WOOD-   

Hickory Chips             Apple Chips            Mesquite Chips         Cherry Chips

Mesquite                      Apple                      Walnut                       Kindling         Mesquite Charcoal   

FROZEN PRODUCT-

Strawberries                 Blackberries            Blueberries              Raspberries

Peaches                        Mixed Berries         Boysenberries          Cherries

Spinach                        Green Beans            Edamame                Corn

Peas                              Onion Rings            3/8” Fries                Steak Fries

Shoestring Fries           Curly Fries              Egg Whites

DiNAPOLI CANNED TOMATOES-

San Marzano-               Peeled & Ground-    Fire Roasted-          Marinara-

Sauce-                           Diced-                       Paste-                     Puree’-

* Market steady    ↑ Market up    ↓ Market down   @ Local Farms

 

 
 . . . . previous "seasonal and specialty produce" issues