MARKET HIGHS AND LOWS

ARTICHOKES remain strong and very short due to gapping in the fields.  Shortages tend to be commonplace with all sizes.  GREENS have been quite steady which generally results in a weakened market.  Look for prices to drop in the next week.  RASPBERRIES are suffering a bit as they often due in the spring time.  Most spring offerings arrive “wet” and don’t hold up very long.  This situation will last a while until the fall growing season kicks in.  TOMATOES are finally coming down as Florida sends more product into our area.  There appears to be a bit of a glut on the east coast which not only means cheaper prices, but better quality.

MELON UPDATE

Many of the melons generally available in the summer months are in supply now.  You will find they eat well, are reasonably priced and are readily available.  Current items include HONEYDEW, PINK HONEYDEW, CANTALOUPE, CHARENTAIS and GALIA.  Of course, SEEDED and SEEDLESS WATERMELON are also available.  Look for KHARBOUZA MELONS in coming weeks.

MUSHROOMS

West Central offers a wide array of MUSHROOMS year round.  Regular white and brown mushrooms are always available whole, sliced and in a variety of sizes.  We can also supply you with any exotic you might need.  Exotic mushrooms, such as PORTABELLAS, SHIITAKES, ENOKIS and OYSTERS are seen quite often but there are many others from which to choose.  Some of the more exotic offerings include FRESH CHANTERELLES, PORCINI, BLACK TRUMPET, HEN O’ THE WOODS and HEDGEHOGS.

MEXICAN CHILE

All Chile i tems are plentiful.  Current supplies are all grown in California and very reasonably priced.  Product in supply includes YELLOW, JALAPENO, SERRANO, FRESNO , HABANERO, CHILACA, PASILLA and ANAHEIM .  You may order them in 10# cartons, or by the pound.

GRAPES AND OTHER SUMMER FRUIT

California g rape offerings, including BLACK SEEDLESS, RED FLAMES and PERLETTES have arrived.  Other available summer fruit includes PEACHES, WHITE PEACHES, NECTARINES, WHITE NECTARINES, APRICOTS, RED PLUMS and BING CHERRIES.  Bings from California are now starting to really kick in resulting in improved quality and better prices.

IN ADDITION…

Imported LEEKS and FRESH RAMPS remain available.  You’ll find ramps and leeks are similar, but with a bit milder taste.

Don’t forget FIGS…BLACK MISSION and BROWN ROYALS are both readily available.

PLUMCOTS have arrived.  This summer offering is a cross between a plum and an apricot.