. . . market outlook

WWW.PRODUCEEXPRESS.NET                                                                            July 15, 2010

 

Heirloom Tomatoes

     Heirloom tomatoes are now in season and we are stocking over two dozen varieties of these seasonal beauties from ‘Uncle Ray’ Yeung Farm, located in Yolo County.  Ripe off the vine, these unique tomatoes differ greatly from the hybrid varieties that are available year round.  The acknowledged definition of an heirloom tomato is: (1) the variety must be open pollinated-able to reproduce itself from seed; (2) the variety must have been introduced more than fifty years ago; (3) the variety must have a history of its own-for example, the origin of the popular Brandywine tomato is credited to the Pennsylvania Amish community and is named for a local river.

Heirloom tomatoes vary in size, shape, color, texture and taste.  They are generally less acidic than red backyard tomatoes-Early Girl, Shady Lady-resulting in a milder flavor.  We offer a mixed ‘Toy Box’ of heirlooms as well as the individual varieties.  Some of the varieties in stock include:

Pink Brandywine-Large, soft purple/red flesh, great flavor.

Japanese-Small, teardrop shape, purple/green flesh, good flavor.

Bi Color/Flame-Large, irregular shape, orange/yellow/red flesh, mild flavor.

Black Prince-Small, round, purple/green flesh, excellent flavor.

Cherokee Purple-Large, red/purple flesh, great flavor.

Green Zebra-Small, green flesh, good flavor.

Striped Cavern-Small ‘stuffer’ type, red/gold, thick skin, mild flavor.

Red Zebra-Small, red flesh, great tomato flavor.

Carolina-Medium, yellow/orange flesh, firm, great flavor.

Krimson-Large, irregular shape, firm, red/purple flesh, great flavor.

Black Zebra-Small, cherry size, great color and flavor.

Gold Roma-Medium size roma, dense gold flesh.

Lemon Plum-Small, round, orange gold flesh, great flavor.

Mixed Heirloom Tomatoes-10#-$21.75

HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES

F.D.A. RECALLS:    None

F.D.A. WARNINGS:     None

Mozzarella Three Ways

   Ray Yeung’s summer tomatoes may be used in any number of culinary applications-fresh sauces and salsas, slow roasted, hot and cold soups and served in a variety of summer salads, such as Caprese and Panzanella.  These salads use fresh mozzarella cheese and we are pleased to offer 3 varieties of mozzarella, all of California origin.

Mozzarella Curd-Pasteurized whole mild curd from Jersey cows.  Made by Sierra Nevada Cheese Co specifically for our distributor, Formaggi di Ferrante.  Available in 5#-$15.75 and 20# -$59.75-tubs.  Mozzarella curd is ‘pulled’ to make the following two types of fresh cheese.

Fresh Mozzarella-Made from mozzarella curd.   4oz. ‘Ovoline’ balls packed in water.  Cantare brand (San Diego County).  3# plastic tubs-$13.50

Burrata alla Panna-Burrata is a small ball of fresh mozzarella that has been stuffed with a mixture of heavy cream and mozzarella curd, creating a soft center that oozes out when cut.  Di Stefano brand (Los Angeles County).  12/4oz. balls-$28.75, case only.

  It is important to be specific when ordering the above-please say ‘curd’ mozzarella when asking for the large blocks and ‘fresh’ mozzarella when asking for the water packed mozzarella balls and Burrata, obviously, for Burrata.

 

 
 

 

YEUNG FARMS
   Ray Yeung and his brother farm in fields along the Sacramento River in Yolo County. Ray’s tomatoes have become a summer staple in our warehouse. “Uncle Ray” grows over twenty varieties of heirloom tomatoes as well as
“early Gril” and “Shady Lady” red tomatoes. 

Farm Owner-Ray Yeung and family.         Began Farming-1950            Location-Elkhorn, Yolo County Crops-Tomatoes, Winter Squash                 Season-May – November      Farm Size- 60 acres

APPLES

Red (Wa)- high $20’s*    Granny (Ca)- low $30’s*        Golden (Wa)- mid $30’s*    Gala(Nz)- low $40’s* 

Fuji(WA)- mid $30’s*     Pink Lady- low $40’s*            Honey Crisp- N/A               Gravenstein- N/A

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

AVOCADO-

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

BANANA-

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

BERRIES-

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

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

Frozen Cranberries                           Frozen Huckleberries                          Gold Raspberries- pre-order

CITRUS-

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

Oranges- mid teens*                          Kumquats- mid $30’s                       Meyer Lemons 10#- limited    

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

FIGS-

Black Mission- mid $20’s                 Brown Figs- low $30’s                   @Del Rio Black (40ct.)- $17.75

GRAPES-

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

MELONS-

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

Casaba- $17.75                                Crenshaw- $17.75                              Sharlyn- $17.75

Santa Claus- $17.75                         Juan Canary- $17.75                         Galia- $17.75

Mixed melons are available by the case only $17.75.

PEARS-

Bartletts- N/A                                   Bosc- N/A                           Red- N/A                     D’Anjou- mid $20’s

French Butter- N/A                          Comice- N/A                       Seckle- N/A                Asian- mid teens

Delta pears should start in late July. The Taylor Gold is the best sub for the Bosc pears. California Red pears should start this weekend.

STONE FRUIT-

Apricots- high $20’s*               Cherries- high $20’s                     @Nectarines- mid $20’s*

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

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

Peaches, White Peaches, Nectarines and White Nectarines are arriving from Twin Peaks. Cherries are now arriving from Washington. Apricots are now a 24# loose pack.

TROPICAL-

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

Mexican Papaya- low $20’s    Starfruit- low $30’s     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 Farms

ARTICHOKES-

18’s- low $40’s*          24’s- low $40’s*               30’s- high $20’s*                

36’s- low $20’s            48’s- low $20’s↓               Baby’s- limited

30, 36 and 48 counts are the best value. Larger artichokes are very expensive.

ASPARAGUS-

11# Large- high $20’s↑   11# Standard- high $20’s↑   11# Pencil- high $20’s↑        White 11#- low $30’s

Mexico is finishing, Peruvian product is slightly less expensive.  

BEANS-

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

@Fava Beans 25#- high $30’s↑    Chinese Long- mid $20’s                    @Romano 15#- $24.75

Cannelini Beans 15#- N/A            Cranberry Beans 15#- $25.75              Garbonzo Beans 15#- low $40’s

Dwelley Farms has beautiful Blue Lakes, Baby French, Yellow Wax, Romano and Cranberry Beans.  

BROCCOLI-

Broccoli 18’s- low teens↓             Broccoli Crowns- low teens↓              Broccoli Rabe- high teens*

Broccolini- high $20’s

CABBAGE-

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

Bok Coy- mid teens*                    Baby Bok Coy 10#- mid teens               Savoy- low $30’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.)- mid teens*

CELERY-

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

CHILIES-

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

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

Habanero 10#- limited                  Red Fresno 10#- mid $20’s*              Thai Chile- $$$

Local growers are starting with some Tomatillo chilies.

CORN-

Yellow- mid teens                         White- mid teens                              Baby Corn (100 count)- done

Brentwood corn is at peak season.

CUCUMBER-

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

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

EGGPLANT-

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

GARLIC / SHALLOTS-          

X-jumbo- mid $50’s*                        Super Colossal- mid $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

Spring garlic is finished for the season.

GREEN ONIONS-

Green onions- low teens*                 Mexican Spring Onion- mid teens*    @Red Torpedo Spring Onion

 

* 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- high teens

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

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- low $20’s↑                      Green Leaf- low teens*                  Red Leaf- low 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 and leaf lettuce is hampered by overcast, cool damp temperatures in Salinas Valley.

MUSHROOMS-

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

Portabella- steady         Chanterelle- $18.75               Hedgehog- N/A             Morels- limited

Porcini- limited             Chef Sampler- high $40’s     Enoki- steady                 Black Chanterelle- N/A

Morel and porcini are challenged by the heat. Chanterelle’s are imported, very nice small to medium size.

ONION-

Yellow Onion- low $20’s*           Red Onion (Ca.)- low $20’s*        White Onion- high $20’s*        

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

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

PEAS-

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

All fresh peas are challenged by the heat.

PEPPERS-

Green Bells- low $20’s*                Red Bells- high $30’s*                   Gold Bells- high $30’s*

POTATO / SWEET POTATO-

Russet- mid teens*                                   Kennebec- high teens                            Red Potato- steady

  White Potato- steady                                Yukon Potato- stdy                         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

RADISH-

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

ROOT VEGETABLE-

Turnips- mid 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 $30’s                 Sunchokes 10#- N/A

SPINACH-

Bunched- high teens*                    Cello- steady                        Baby- steady         

Bloomsdale- low $20’s                 Tatsoi- high teens

Riverdog Bloomsdale burned in the heat wave; we are using Salinas growers to fill the void.

 

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

 SQUASH-

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

@Gold Bar Squash- mid $20’s     @Summer Squash- mid $20’s            Sunburst Squash- mid $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- high teens*              5x6- high teens*                          5x5- high teens↑                            

4x5- low $20’s↑                            #2 Tomato- $10/$11*                  Roma- mid teens*  

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

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

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

Del Rio cherry tomatoes are plentiful. Yeung Farms heirlooms are available in toy box or single variety $21.75.

WINTER SQUASH-

Butternut Squash- high $20’s*           Acorn Squash- low $30’s                Spaghetti Squash- low $30’s

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

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

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-

@Fava Greens- done    @Lambs Sorrel       @Lemon Verbena      @Pineapple Mint

@French Sorrel            @Arugula Rapini    @Lemon Balm           @Chocolate Mint                           

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

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