MARKET HIGHS AND LOWS

All colors of BELL PEPPERS are strong now that we are gapping between Mexican and Coachella/Baja growing districts.  The Coachella Valley and Baja areas have been slow to produce new crops since temperatures have not been as warm as usual.  Look for a substantial drop in prices as soon as local production kicks in.  The TOMATO market has been dropping slightly, but you can expect a slight drift upward in the coming days.  This upward movement is due to a combination of reduced supplies out of Baja and strong demand back east.  The ARTICHOKE market is expected to be unusually difficult this spring.  Normally, we are in the peak of artichoke growing season, however, this year, a 4 week gap in between spring and summer crops is expected to keep prices abnormally high.  RED and YELLOW TEARDROP TOMATOES are very short.  Look for YELLOW CHERRY TOMATOES and RED GRAPE TOMATOES as possible substitutes.

CHERRY UPDATE

Genuine BING CHERRIES are beginning to arrive.  They are much better than the BROOKS variety but a little softer.  The recent rains have played havoc on this year’s cherry production resulting in a slow start and lots of “seconds.”  The market is expected to stay firm in the short term but relax in a week or two.  Also newly arrived are RANIER CHERRIES.  These offerings look good, but don’t have much flavor yet.  They are also very expensive.  Look for the situation to improve over the next few weeks.

GRAPES

As Chilean grapes disappear for the season, new crop locally grown RED FLAMES have arrived.  You’ll find them to have good sugar, excellent size, green stems and no shatter (where the fruit falls off the stem).  Also in supply are Mexican WHITE PERLETTES.  Compared to the reds, their quality is not quite as good (they are small and sour).  Quality should improve as we roll into Coachella Valley grown offerings. 

VEGETABLES

The spring months of May and June are generally when we see new vegetable crops from the Coachella Valley .  Fresh CORN supplies (yellow and white) will be coming on strong as well as ENGLISH, SUGAR and SNAP PEAS.  Also look for EGGPLANT, CUCUMBERS and a wide array of SQUASH. 

…and don’t forget CARROTS.  We offer PEELED BABY, WHITE, YELLOW, MAROON, ICED, RED BABY and ROUND.

IN ADDITION…

STEMMED RASPBERRIES are on their way.  Prices will be high, but quality is expected to be good.

Early season California grown BROWN TURKEY FIGS are expected shortly.  Product will be shipped in single layer flats.

GALIA MELONS are also newly arrived.  Sizes available include 8’s and 9’s—flavor and appearance are good.

For a high end small pear, newly available ARGENTINE FORELLES are a terrific choice.