Notes from the Green Grocer -- Jan. 17, 2006

"Pink grapefruit provides a variety of important nutrients in one convenient, tasty package. It has an ample supply of pectin, the soluble fiber that is effective in lowering cholesterol levels, and a good amount of potassium, which is important in controlling blood pressure. This familiar member of the citrus family is also a valued source of vitamin C: Half a medium-size grapefruit--a typical serving--supplies more than 45 milligrams. And pink-fleshed varieties, unlike white grapefruit, contain beta-carotene--an antioxidant nutrient that may help prevent cancer. Another phytochemical found in pink grapefruit (and in few other popular foods) is lycopene, which seems to have a protective effect against certain cancers. These attributes, along with its refreshing tartness, juiciness, and low calorie count, have made pink grapefruit a popular breakfast food and salad ingredient."

More about Pink Grapefruit from Whole Earth Foods. . .

LETTUCE MARKET:  Spinach, Boston, Romaine, Greenleaf, and Redleaf: Supplies remain surplus; prices remain low. Iceberg: Cool temps is causing a small shortage; prices are edging up…

TOMATO UPDATE:  Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: Supplies are still short and prices have stalled; there is some discounting going on but we expect prices to remain strong for a couple of weeks. Cherry Tomatoes: Prices are down slightly. Roma Tomatoes: Quality is good; supply is still short but there is discounting here too. Yellow Tomatoes: Supplies are extremely short; prices will be high if we are able to find anything. 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 quality are unchanged.

FRESH FRUITS: Apricots: Both New Zealand and Chilean are available; quality is excellent. 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: Quality is not very good; prices are very high. Green and Red Grapes: Still using California crimsons; Chilean perlettes and Thompson seedless are very nice; prices are easing up on Chilean fruit. Oranges: Texas Valencia’s are still the best for juicing; California navels are excellent for garnish; Blood Oranges are available now. 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: Chilean stone fruit quality is very good and prices are unchanged; white flesh peaches are available and the quality is excellent. Plums: Both red and black are in the market now. There are good supplies of Apples, Gold Kiwi’s, Mangoes, Pomegranates, and Pears...

FRESH VEGETABLES:  Artichokes: Castroville chokes still have frost damage; availability of 18 – 36 count chokes is very good but loose artichokes are very short. Asparagus: Cold weather in Northern Mexico fields is causing it to grow slowly; the result is tight supplies and higher prices. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: Supplies are good; prices are low. Blue Lake Beans: Supplies are very good and demand is slow; prices are low. Broccoli: Cool weather is causing supplies to be light; prices are up slightly. Cauliflower: Cold weather has slowed growth; supply is short and prices are heading up. Cabbage: Green is lower; red cabbage price is up again. Celery: Prices remain low. Cucumbers: Supplies are short again; prices are 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 lower. Green Bell Peppers: Prices are still higher than red and gold peppers; supplies are still short. Red and Gold Bell Peppers: Prices down slightly; quality is good. Squash: Gold Zucchini: Quality is better; growers are short of product; prices remain firm. Yellow Straightneck: Prices are much cheaper than gold zucchini; quality is excellent. Green Zucchini: Cool weather is causing product to grow slower; supply is good and prices are stagnant. French Haricot Vert Beans: Demand is very poor; prices are down. Yellow Wax Beans: Supplies are better; prices are down too. Baby Squashes: Demand remains slow; prices are cheap. 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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