Spring

As the warm weather continues and with the spring equinox occurring this week, it is no longer possible to pretend that it's not spring and it is time to address the question ‘what's new' with a different answer than ‘it's still winter'. There remain significant hangovers from the several days of freezing temperatures that occurred in January. Citrus and artichokes continue to be on the high side as these two crops were among the most affected. Celery and onions are higher than usual and lettuces continue to experience gaps that result in temporary increases for these crops. Spring is the time for farmers to plant summer crops, so it is definitely too soon to inquire about the availability of varietal tomatoes and squash, but there is much to consider with regard to spring menus. California asparagus is in midseason form-high quality, low price. Fava beans and English peas, Red and White spring onions and green or ‘spring' garlic are all now available. Other spring crops include fennel, field rhubarb, braising mix and mixed baby lettuces. Traditional cool weather crops like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and other root vegetables will improve in quality and price. Local farms will have more items available at this time of year. Check out both Del Rio Botanical and Riverdog Farm pages on our website..

Seasonal Produce

VEGETABLES

Asparagus, Artichokes, Avocadoes

                                                       Chicories, Fava Beans, English Peas

                                                    Broccoli, Cauliflower, Rhubarb, Chards

.Fennel, Leeks, Spring garlic, Cabbages

FRUIT

Cirtus-Blood Oranges , Meyer Lemons, Tangerines, Grapefruit

Pink Lady Apples, Asian Pears, Kiwis, Dates

 

Produce Express carries a wide variety of items to enhance our selection of fruits and vegetables.

Dairy- Whipping Cream, Buttermilk, Sour Cream, Eggs, Half and Half.

Olives- Pitted Kalamata ( Greece ) and Mixed Harvest olives ( California ).

Olive Oil- Sciabica Extra Virgin and Pure olive Oil ( California ).

Sparrow Lane Vinegars- ( Napa )-Apple Cider, Champagne, Balsamic, Golden Balsamic,   Zinfandel, Cabernet and Red Wine.

Gourmet Valley Specialty Rice and Beans- ( Woodland )- Vermont Cranberry, Garboncito ,   Florida Butter Beans. Basmati, Carnaroli, Jasmine and Wild Rice.

Nuts- Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios, Hazelnuts, Macadamia, Walnuts, Pine Nuts, Peanuts,   Pecans, Pepitas.

Dried Fruit- Apples, Raisins, Peaches, Pears, Cherries, Figs, Pineapple, Mango, Papaya,   Apricots, Mixed Berries, Blueberries, Dates, Sundried Tomato.

Decorative- Palm Leaves, Ti Leaves, Bay Leaves, Leather leaf Fern, Edible Flowers, Roses,   Pansies, and Orchids, Mixed Confetti Flowers.

Dried Herbs and Spices- Whole Black Peppercorns, Crushed Red Chile Flakes, Whole Fennel Seed, New Mexico Chile Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Sage, Anise Seed, Whole Coriander   Seed, Cayenne Pepper, Bay Leaves, Cinnamon Sticks, Cumin Seed, Black Sesame Seed, White Sesame Seed, Whole Nutmeg, Thyme, Whole Cloves, Ground Nutmeg, Whole White Pepper.

Perfect Puree- ( Napa )-Strawberry, Peach, Raspberry, Blackberry, Blood Orange , Mango,   Black Currant, Blueberry, Cherry, Pomegranate, Lychee, Pricky Pear.

Vanilla- Imported Tahitian Vanilla Beans (4oz and 8oz), Vanilla Puree (Pint), and Extract   (32oz).

Wood- Mesquite Charcoal, Wood and Chips, Hickory and Apple Wood Chips.