. . . market outlook

WWW.PRODUCEEXPRESS.NET                                                                            January 21, 2010

 
California Cheese

This week we add two award winning California cheeses to our growing list of high quality dairy products.  Last month we began selling Laura Chenel Chevre and the new additions are equal in name and quality. Our association with Clover/Stornetta dairy has given us the opportunity to choose from their extensive product list and offer the new items to our customers at reasonable pricing.

   Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese-The first batch of Point Reyes Blue was produced in 2000 and the cheese quickly rose and has stayed at the top of the list of quality American blue cheese.  Point Reyes Blue is produced on a single farm, located in western Marin County.  The Giacomini family raises a closed herd of Holstein cows and the milk from these cows is turned into curd and then inoculated with the necessary mold to create the distinctive blue veins.  The cheese is formed and then aged for six months to produce a sharp tasting, creamy blue table cheese.  6.5# wheel-$58.50.

   Vella Cheese ‘Bear Flag’ Dry Monterey Jack-Located in the town of Sonoma, Ca. since 1932, Vella Cheese Co. has made its reputation producing a variety of distinctive table cheeses.  Dry Monterey Jack is made from fresh Monterey Jack cheese that has been aged for 7-10 months.  The cheese is pale yellow and firm, like parmesan, with a sweet, nutty flavor.  Perfect for grating and shredding on soups and pastas. 

8# wheel-$57.75.

   In addition to the above cheese, we are now stocking:   Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano-Internationally recognized as the finest Italian parmesan, Reggiano is firm, delicate and fragrant and useful in any number of cooking techniques.  10# wedge-$96.75.

   Natural Gruyere (Switzerland)-10# block-$52.75.

   Sharp Cheddar (New York)-10# block-$42.75.

   White Cheddar (New York)-10# block-$55.75.

 

  

HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES

F.D.A. RECALLS: None

F.D.A. WARNINGS: None

Seasonally Challenged

Chanterelles’- The last storm has soaked the remaining chanterelles. Although still available, quality and price dictate that it is time to switch to hedgehogs.

Del Rio Winter Squash- It’s been a good run, but all stored squash has been sold. Best substitute would be butternut squash. We do have a few white and blue pumpkins as well as sugar pie pumpkins left.

Apple Hill Apples- The best season we have ever had from our foothill neighbors has finally come to an end.

 

Seasonal Favorites

California Avocados- Just in time for the football play offs and the Super bowl this years crop has finally matured enough. The quality has been very good although this week’s rain and heavier demand will increase the market slightly.

 

Just Getting Started

English Peas- English peas have started in Mexico but are very expensive; a twenty-five pound case is currently in the mid $60’s.

Rhubarb- Fifteen pound cases of hothouse grown rhubarb have hit the market. Prices are currently in the low $50’s but will hopefully improve by Valentine’s day.

 

 

 

           

Clover Stornetta Farms

      The Clover dairy brand began in the 1900’s when the Petaluma Cooperative Creamery began distribution in Sonoma and Marin counties.  A large fire destroyed the Petaluma plant in 1975 and the company re-emerged as Clover Stornetta in 1977 and opened a new state-of-the art facility in 1991 and has steadily increased distribution throughout California.

Owner-Dan Benedetti & family.            Location-Petaluma, Ca.               Website-cloverstornetta.com

 

APPLES

Red (Wa)- mid $20’s       Granny (Ca)- high $20’s*       Golden (Wa)- high $20’s*    Gala- high $30’s* 

Fuji(WA)- high $20’s      Pink Lady- mid $40’s*            Honey Crisp- low $50’s      Gravenstein- done

Pippens- mid $30’s          Braeburn- low $30’s                Crab Lady- high $20’s         Crab Hyslop- low $20’s

Apple Hill supplies have finished for the season.      

AVOCADO-

California 48 count- mid $30’s*         California 60 count- low $30’s*      

Avocado market is up slightly due to Southern California weather issues and Super Bowl demand.  

BANANA-

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

BERRIES-

Strawberries (Ca.)- low $30’s*         Stemberries- high $30’s*                   Raspberry (Ca.)- low $40’s↑ 

Blackberries- low $20’s*                  Blueberry(Chile) – low $20’s            Fresh Cranberries- done

Frozen Cranberries                           Frozen Huckleberries                          Gold Raspberries-

Strawberry and raspberry market remains very tight.

CITRUS-

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

Oranges- high teens*                         @Blood Oranges- mid $20’s                    Meyer Lemons 10#- low teens    

Pummelo-low $20’s                          Satsuma- mid $20’s                                   Key Limes- low $30’s↑

Mex. Juice Orange- high teens          Kumquats- mid $30’s                               Cara Cara- low $20’s

Satsumas are coming from Southern California. Paige, Fairchild, Sunburst and Minneola are also available. 

FIGS-

Black Mission- done                          Brown Figs- Done                                   @Del Rio Black (40ct.)- Done

GRAPES-

Red Seedless(Chlie)- low $40’s↓     Green Seedless(Brazil)- low $40’s↓      Black Grapes(Chile)- low $50’s*

All grapes are now arriving from South America, the market is improving.

MELONS-

Cantaloupe- low $20’s↓                   Honeydew- mid teens*                       Seedless Watermelon- $7/$8↑                        PEARS-

Bartletts- low $30’s*                       Bosc- high $20’s*                Red- low 20’s*             D’Anjou- mid $20’s

French Butter- done                         Comice- mid $20                 Seckle- high $20’s        Hosui- low teens

20th Century- done                           Shinko- low teens*            

All pears are now arriving from the Northwest.

PERSIMMONS-

Fuyu- $$$                                          Hachiya- done                     Cinnamon- done

Domestic/California persimmons are done, imported/Israeli product is very expensive.

TROPICAL-

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

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

Pineapple market is stronger due to lack of supply from Hawaii.

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 Farms

ARTICHOKES-

18’s- high $40’s*          24’s- low $40’s*              30’s- high $30’s*                

36’s- low $30*             48’s- low $30’s*               Baby’s- low $50’s*

Frost damage is noticeable. Supplies are tight.

ASPARAGUS-

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

California asparagus should start in 10 to 14 days.

BEANS-

Bluelake- mid $40’s↑                Baby French(Mex)- high $40’s↓         Yellow Wax- limited          

Fava Beans 25#- done                   Chinese Long- low $20’s                    @Romano 15#- done

Cannelini Beans 15#- done           Cranberry Beans 15#- done                 Garbonzo Beans 15#- done

Bluelake and French Beans are arriving from Mexico. Yellow wax beans are very limited.

BROCCOLI-

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

Broccolini- high $20’s

CABBAGE-

Green- low $20’s↑                          Red- mid 20’s↑                                       Napa- high teens*                  

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

Red and green cabbage is gapping, markets are very tight.

CARROTS-

Jumbo Carrots- $12/$13               Clip top Carrot- low $20’s*                          Iced Bunched- high teens*

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

Peeled Baby Carrots- high teens*

CAULIFLOWER-

Cauliflower- mid teens↓                   Broccoflower- high teens                   Carnival- (12ct.)- high teens*

Carnival consists of purple, orange and green cauliflower.

CELERY-

Celery- low $30’s↑                         Celery Root- mid $20’s                       Celery Hearts- high $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 $50’s↓             Red Fresno 10#- mid $20’s↓               Thai Chile- $4.75 per pound

CORN-

Yellow- low $20’s↓                      White- mid $30’s*                              Baby Corn (100 count)- done

Corn is very limited due to lack of supply as well as east coast demand after Florida freeze.

CUCUMBER-

Cucumber- mid teens*                  English- mid teens*                       Pickling 25#- low $20’s

Lemon 10# done                               Persian- mid $30’s                            Armenian- done

EGGPLANT-

Eggplant 18’s- low $20’s↓               Japanese 10#- mid teens↓                 Chinese 10#- mid teens*

GARLIC / SHALLOTS-          

X-jumbo- mid $40’s*                        Super Colossal- low $60’s↑               Peeled Garlic- steady

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

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

GREEN ONIONS-

Green onions- low $20’s*                 Mexican Spring Onion- mid teens*

Growing gap and weather issues have supplies very light.     

 

 

 

 

 

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

GREENS-

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

Leeks- low $20’s                     Green Chard- high teens                        Dino Kale- high teens

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

Still no Riverdog greens available at this time.

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- high teens↓        Garden Hearts- high $20’s↓            Hearts of Romaine- low $20’s↓      Butter- mid teens*                         Romaine- mid teens*                      Hydro Butter- (12 ct.)- low $20’s*

All lettuces have returned to seasonal pricing norms.

MUSHROOMS-

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

Portabella- steady         Chanterelle- done                 Hedgehog- $12.75 / lb.   Morels- N/A

Porcini- done                Chef Sampler- high $40’s     Enoki- steady                  Black Chanterelle- $13.75 / lb.

ONION-

Yellow Onion- low teens*            Red Onion- low teens*                  White Onion- low $40’s↑        

Sweet Onion- 10# $7/$9               Pearl Onion- steady                       @Torpedo 40#- done

Yellow onion market is stronger as storage issues surface. White onion market is very strong.

PEAS-

Sno Peas- high $20’s↑                  Snap Peas- high $20’s*                  English Peas(Mex. Org.)- high $60’s

Organic English peas have started in Mexico, sold by the case only.

PEPPERS-

Green Bells- low $20’s↓             Red Bells- low $20’s↓                    Gold Bells- high $20’s↓

Green bell pepper demand is strong after freeze in Florida, supplies remain tight.

POTATO / SWEET POTATO-

Russet- mid teens*                                   Kennebec- high teens                            Red Potato- steady                      White Potato- steady                                Yukon Potato- low $20’s                Purple- high $30’s               Fingerling Gold- high $20’s                      Fingerling Red- low $30’s              Yellow Finn- N/A               

German Butterball- N/A                            Sweet Potato- mid $20’s                 Yams- low $20’s

We are subbing butter cream potatoes for German butterballs, mid $30’s.

RADISH-

Bunched Radish- low $20’s↑                     Daikon- high teens*                          Jicama- mid teens*

Watermelon and black radish are available by the pound.

ROOT VEGETABLE-

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

Red Beets 25#- mid teens         Gold Beets 25#- mid $20’s        Chioga beets 25#- mid $30’s↑

Horseradish- steady                     Ginger- low $30’s                 Sunchokes 10#- high teens↓  

SPINACH-

Bunched- mid $20’s*                    Cello- steady                        Baby- steady         

Bloomsdale 4#- limited                 Tatsoi- high teens

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 SQUASH-

Italian Squash- low $20’s*        Yellow Squash- low $30’s*                 Grey Squash- high teens↑

Gold Bar Squash- done                 Summer Squash- done                          Sunburst Squash- done

Once again east coast freeze / demand as well as light supplies in Mexico causing very strong markets.

TOMATOES-

Large Loose- mid $20’s↑                5x6- low $20’s↑                          5x5- mid $20’s↑                            

4x5- high $20’s↑                             #2 Tomato- limited↑                   Roma- low $20’s↑  

#2 Roma- limited↑                          Red Cluster- low $20’s               Yellow Cluster- high $20’s*        

Orange Cluster- high $20’s             Cherry Tomato- low $30’s↑       Red Grape 10#- low $20’s         

Mixed Medley- high $30’s↑           @True Vine 20#- done               True Vine Roma 20#- done

Transportation issues with getting product to the east coast due to storms will soften the market on the west coast.

WINTER SQUASH-

Butternut Squash- high teens*            Acorn Squash- high teens                Spaghetti Squash- high teens

Banana Squash-                                  Kabocha Squash- high teens            Red Kabocha- low $20’s

Delicata Squash- low $20’s                Dumpling Squash- limited               Del Rio Squash- done

Del Rio winter squash is done for the season.

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- N/A

EDIBLE FLOWERS-             

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

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

LEAVES-

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

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

SEASONAL-

Lemon Verbena- N/A        Pomegranates- done                            Rhubarb (15# hot house)- low $50’s

Lavender- (no flowers)      Rampicante Squash- N/A                    Cardoon                                              

Pumpkins                           White Pumpkins                                  Blue Pumpkin    

Pomegranates are done for the season. All pumpkins will also be finished soon.       

 

 

 

 

* 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

EGGS- 

Large*                      Xlarge*                  Medium*                    Large Cartons*

Liquid                       Hard Boiled           Egg Whites                 Organic

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