MARKET HIGHS AND LOWS

The AVOCADO market has moved up a few dollars.  This is not due to lack of product but more due to the lack of returns realized by growers.  Product is now being held back resulting in higher prices.  Look for new crop Mexican grown GRAPES this week.  The quality is now better than that of Chilean offerings—look for higher prices, which is the norm during the introduction of a new crop.

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES are available more and more throughout the year, however, this backyard variety is prominent in the summer months.  Current supplies are characteristically sweet, luscious and only grown by small growers.  Today’s selection includes BRANDYWINES, PURPLE CHEROKEES and MARVELS.

GRAPE UPDATE

As mentioned above, Mexican PERLETTES are expected shortly.  These offerings are expected to be sweeter than usual due to growers increasing the time the grapes are left on the vine.  This action of leaving the grapes on longer makes for a sweeter fruit when they are harvested.  Also newly arrived are locally grown RED FLAMES, which also have good sugar and excellent size.

MUSHROOMS

White cultured mushrooms are always readily available, but a wide array of specialty exotics are also now in supply.  Current offerings include MORELS, GOLD CHANTERELLES, BLACK CHANTERELLES, HEDGEHOGS, SHIITAKES, OYSTERS, PORTABELLAS, ENOKIS and a variety of DRIED MUSHROOMS.

FIGS

The first California FIGS have arrived.  Shipments of BROWN TURKEY FIGS will be light at first but increase over time. 

SUMMER STONE FRUIT

As we approach summer, more California fruit becomes available.  WHITE NECTARINES are expected shortly and eventually will join YELLOW NECTARINES, YELLOW PEACHES and WHITE PEACHES.  Sizes are on the small size but expected to increase over time.  Prices may be a bit on the high side, but offerings are fairly sweet, firm and have good juice content.  RED PLUMS are also in supply, and while they look good, their taste can be a bit tart.  BLACK PLUMS should be rolling in shortly.  Early BING CHERRIES have been arriving with RANIERS expected in the next few weeks.  Size and quality tend to be pretty good, but again, prices are a bit high.

IN ADDITION…don’t forget ASPARAGUS—regular, wild and jumbo white are all in supply.

Fresh RAMPS remain available.  This vegetable is similar to a leek, but with a bit milder taste.