Notes from the Green Grocer -- Jan. 10, 2006

"Grapes can grow in almost every type of climate, and while they do particularly well in regions such as the Mediterranean (where they have long been established), they are now cultivated on six continents. They are served as a fresh fruit, preserved or canned in jellies and jams, dried into raisins, and crushed for making juice or wine. Their juiciness and natural sweetness, combined with a low calorie count, make them an excellent snack and dessert food. The grape is one of the oldest cultivated fruits: Fossils indicate that the cultivation, or at least the consumption, of grapes goes back to early times, perhaps to the Neolithic era. Hieroglyphics show that Egyptians were involved in grape and wine production, and the early Romans were known to have developed new varieties. And, of course, the grape is mentioned in the Old Testament as the 'fruit of the vine'."

More about Grapes from Whole Earth Foods. . .

LETTUCE MARKET:  Spinach, Iceberg Lettuce, Boston, Romaine, Greenleaf, and Redleaf: Supplies remain surplus; prices remain low…

TOMATO UPDATE:  Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: Supplies are short and growers are raising their fob prices daily; prices will continue to increase in the coming weeks. Cherry Tomatoes: Prices are unchanged. Roma Tomatoes: Quality is good; shippers are also short in supply; prices are moving up. Yellow Tomatoes: Supplies are good; prices are the same. Grape Tomatoes: Growers are packing most of their product in clamshells; loose grapes are short. Teardrops: Supplies are good and prices are still high. Heirloom Tomatoes: Mixed heirlooms are available; price and is quality are unchanged.

FRESH FRUITS: Apricots: Both New Zealand and Chilean are available. California Haas Avocados: No change in prices; quality is very good. Chilean is available too but price is about the same. Cherries: Good supplies of Chilean Bings and Raniers are still available; prices are good. Cantaloupes: Quality is very good; prices are down. Honeydews: Mexico has the best fruit; prices have leveled off. Watermelon: Prices are still high. Green and Red Grapes: Still using California crimsons; Chilean perlettes and Thompson seedless are very nice. Oranges: Texas Valencia’s are still the best for juicing; California navels are excellent for garnish. Grapefruit: Texas Rio stars are very good. Limes: Rain and cold in Mexico is causing a high market; no relief in price is in sight. Hawaiian Papayas: Supplies are good; prices are unchanged. Nectarines and Peaches: Chile is in the middle of their summer; quality is very good and prices are unchanged; white flesh peaches are available and the quality is excellent. Plums: Only red ones are in the market now; Black plums are expected this week. 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: Demand is slow and supplies are long; prices are coming down. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: Supplies are good; prices are low. Blue Lake Beans: Supplies are very good and shipping demand has ceased; prices continue to ease off. Broccoli: Both Northern and Southern districts are harvesting; prices remain low. Cauliflower: Demand is depressed; prices are low. Cabbage: Green is lower; red is up in price. Celery: Prices remain low. Cucumbers: Supplies got short again; prices went back up. Eggplant: No change; prices are low. Red Onions: No change in prices. Yellow Onions: No changes to report. White Onions: Prices are unchanged. Kale, Curly Parsley and Italian Parsley: Supplies are good; prices are down slightly. Green Bell Peppers: Prices remain high; supplies are still short. Red and Gold Bell Peppers: Prices are still high; quality is good. Squash: Gold Zucchini: Quality is better; growers are short; prices are heading up. Yellow Straightneck: Prices are up too; quality is excellent. Green Zucchini: Cool weather is causing product to grow slower than anticipated; supply is short and prices are up. French Haricot Vert Beans: Demand is very poor; prices are coming down. Yellow Wax Beans: Supplies are better; prices are down too. Baby Squashes: Holiday demand is over; prices are dropping. 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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