Notes from the Green Grocer -- Dec. 28, 2005

"Sweeter than its first cousin, the peach, and darker-fleshed (hence richer in beta-carotene), nectarines are a sweet, juicy summer treat that is virtually fat free and a good supply of vitamin C and fiber. Many people mistakenly think nectarines are simply peaches without fuzz--an understandable association, given that the two fruits are nearly alike in size, texture, and color. Nectarines, however, are generally sweeter than peaches. Botanically, the nectarine is classified as a subspecies of the peach, but it is more accurate to describe each fruit as a genetic variant of the other. Despite their similarity, nectarines (their name is probably derived from nektar, the Greek word for "drink of the gods") have been distinguished from peaches and other pitted fruits for hundreds of years. Today's modern cross-breeding techniques, in which nectarine varieties are crossed with one another as well as with peaches, have yielded larger, peachlike nectarines with gold and crimson skin and yellow flesh."

More about Nectarines from Whole Earth Foods. . .

LETTUCE MARKET:  Spinach, Iceberg Lettuce, Boston, Romaine, Greenleaf, and Redleaf: Supplies are still light but East coast shipping demand is falling off; labor shortage of field workers is still an issue; in spite of all this prices are somewhat weaker overall…

TOMATO UPDATE:  Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: Prices have leveled off and in some cases have began to recede. Cherry Tomatoes: Color is still a problem; prices remain firm. Roma Tomatoes: This market has a lot more play than other tomatoes; prices have come down to more moderate levels; quality remains very good. Yellow Tomatoes: Supplies are good; prices have leveled off. Grape Tomatoes and Teardrops: Supplies remain short and prices are still high. Heirloom Tomatoes: Organic fruit is still available but prices are up; quality is still very good...

FRESH FRUITS: Apricots: New Zealand and Chili both are shipping; quality is good. Haas Avocados: Oil content is improving as we get further into the California season; prices are off again this week; Chilean is available too but the price is higher than California. Cherries: Good supplies of Chilean Bings are still available; prices are relatively low. Figs: Supplies remain short; prices are still high. Cantaloupes: Supplies are improving; prices are down. Honeydews: Supplies are tightening up; prices are up. Watermelon: Prices are still high and quality remains mediocre. Green and Red Grapes: California quality is still good on red; for greens we are using Chilean perlettes; quality is very nice. Oranges: Texas Valencia’s are the best for juicing; we have California navels for garnish; quality is excellent on both kinds. Grapefruit: We have plenty of Texas Rio stars; quality is very good. Hawaiian Papayas: Supplies are getting better; prices are unchanged. Nectarines and Peaches: Still all Chilean; prices are unchanged; white flesh fruit is now available and the quality is excellent. Plums: Small red ones are now in the market; size and available varieties will improve as we get further into the season. There are good supplies of Apples, Gold Kiwi’s, Mangoes, Pomegranates, and Pears...

FRESH VEGETABLES:  Artichokes: Castroville chokes still have frost damage; we are using some of the desert thornless chokes when the regular globe variety are not available. Asparagus: Cold weather and strong demand is keeping prices high. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: Supplies are improved; prices are down. Blue Lake Beans: Shipping demand has ceased; prices are down. Broccoli: Prices are off slightly. Cauliflower: Demand has fallen sharply; prices have gone down. Cabbage: No change in prices on both green and red. Celery: Prices are down. Cucumbers: Finally some relief; prices are down. Eggplant: Supply has improved but prices are about the same. Kale: One of the only commodities that is legitimately short; growers are raising their prices again. Red Onions: No change in prices. Yellow Onions: No changes to report. White Onions: Prices are unchanged. Curly Parsley and Italian Parsley: Supplies are better; prices are unchanged. Green Bell Peppers: Prices are down as supplies become long. Red and Gold Bell Peppers: Prices are still high; quality is good. Squash: Gold Zucchini: Supplies are extremely short; quality is not very good; we recommend using straightneck. Yellow Straightneck: Prices are down significantly; quality is excellent. Green Zucchini: Supplies are better; prices are down. French Haricot Vert Beans: Shortage of field workers is making supplies short; prices remain high. Yellow Wax Beans: Supplies are short too; prices are strong. Baby Squashes: Holiday demand is making all varieties a little short; prices are high. There are good supplies of Chard, Carrots, China Peas, Hard Squashes, Sweet Potatoes and Yams...

As with all fresh fruits and vegetables, the market could change daily . . .

Further description of all the fruits and vegetables mentioned above can be found at Whole Health Foods and Wegman's Online Produce Encylopedia.


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