Honeydew – Raspberries – Asparagus – Romaine – The Produce Report
The Produce Report
Leafy veggies: Growers are saying they are very close to harvesting newfields of romaine, still very expensive market until that begins. The bestalternatives right now are green leaf and boston lettuce. Broccoli and cauliflower are backing off slightly. Napa and bok choy prices are up. Escarole, endive, parsleys, and snow peas are limited. Green onions, leeks, and green chard are good buys.
Veggies: The green bell market is better as volume peaks. Red and yellow bells are holding firm. Eggplant and green bean quality is very good.
Asparagus production is increasing and quality is great. Italian and yellow squashes continue as best buys for veggies.
Berries: Strawberries are doing very well for this time of year. Raspberries are up slightly this week. Mexican blackberries will continue as the best buy on all the bush berries. Blueberry imports are down and prices will increase.
Melons: Seedless watermelon quality is an issue. Prices will be up slightly as we have to select melons with better sugar content. Honeydew production is slowing down, driving this market higher. Quality on both cantaloupes and honeydews has been good considering the time of year.
Tropicals: Pineapple quality is excellent and continues to arrive in good numbers keeping this market very affordable. Papayas remain stable.
Tomatoes: Smaller sized rounds should get a little easier this week. The big fruit is still in sharp demand but limited supply. Late season romas out of Baja
are helping to keep this market somewhat reasonable. Quality is somewhat hit and miss and we are sorting for consistent color. Cherry and grape tomatoes
will see better pricing and quality this week as growers are into new fields.
Tags: Produce Reports
