The Produce Report May 31st – June 5th

Berries: We are seeing quite a difference in strawberry quality as we have begun pulling from Watsonville. Oxnard and Santa Maria crops have pretty much finished up as the new crop has moved north for the cooler coastal valley which will produce some of the best berries of the year. Mexican blackberries remain very affordable with good quality. California blueberries and raspberries are looking and eating excellent.
Onions & potatoes: The yellow onion market has started to go back some as the desert winds down. Red onions remain firm as well. Central California is not quite ready for the volume the market demands. Russet potatoes are also firming up as storage supplies wind down.
Veggies: Italian squash remains very short due to a production gap. Yellow squash has been a cheaper alternative. We are seeing good quality white and yellow corn and it is moderately priced. Asparagus supplies are picking up as prices slowly ease up. Cucumbers volume is down so we will see higher prices. New crop eggplant is looking great and prices are coming down. Artichokes have become very scarce.
Northern veggies: Cauliflower prices have backed way off. Broccoli demand is still very high and prices are high. Iceberg lettuce is short as cooler weather has delayed harvests. This market should get back on track this week. Fennel, rapini, broccolini, Italian parsley, escarole, and snow peas remain very short.
Melons: California cantaloupes and AZ honeydew are coming in strong with stable prices. Seedless watermelon quality is excellent with high sugars.
Citrus: New crop Valencia oranges are now in stock with good sugars. The lime market has come down but quality is only average.

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