Notes from the Green Grocer -- Nov. 15, 2005

"In certain respects, the artichoke might be regarded as the vegetable equivalent of lobster. It's somewhat labor-intensive eating, but well worth the effort. The artichoke can be served whole or trimmed down to the heart, which, like the lobster's tail, is often considered the tastiest morsel.

Because of its seemingly intricate structure, many people have never tried this vegetable--an unfortunate omission, since the artichoke is not only delectable, but is also a rich source of vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber, and a multitude of minerals. "

More on artichokes from Whole Earth Foods. . .

LETTUCE MARKET:  Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg is still cheap; Huron is still in production and Yuma is set to start this week. Romaine: The market is flooded with excellent product available from Salinas, Huron, and now Yuma; prices remain flat. Green Leaf, Boston, and Red Leaf: Same story here. Romaine Hearts: Still shipping out of the north, quality is very good. Spinach: Prices are low: quality is good…

TOMATO UPDATE:  Roma Tomatoes: The market is low; quality remains excellent. Two Layer Repack Tomatoes and Loose Tomatoes: The market is steady with larger sizes at a premium price. Cherry Tomatoes: Supply is good; prices are low. Yellow Tomatoes: Supplies are very short; prices are very high. Grape Tomatoes and Teardrops: Northern growers are winding down causing a short supply in the market and much higher prices. Heirloom Tomatoes: The season is over; prices are high on any remaining product...

FRESH FRUITS: California Haas Avocados: Chilean quality remains good; steady go on the pricing; countdown to California fruit is about 4 more weeks. Bananas: No change; prices are low. Figs: Cool weather has tightened up supplies; prices are high. Cantaloupe and Honeydew: Cantaloupes are abundant; honeydews are struggling with short supplies, especially smaller sizes. Mixed Melons: This weeks offering include Galia, Hammi, Orange Honeydew, and Tuscan Melons. Watermelon: Quality is improving: prices are leveling off. Green and Red Grapes: California quality is still good; prices are strong on both colors. Lemons: Supplies are good; no change in price. Limes: Prices are up again; rain in Mexico is making supplies short. Juicing Oranges: California Valencia’s are in good supply; prices are good; local navels are a week or two away. Grapefruit: Texas Rio stars quality is really good now; prices have leveled off. Hawaiian Papayas: Color is short; prices are up. Pineapples: Supplies are better; small numbers of 2 layer surface fruit is available; quality of the single layer jet fresh fruit remains far superior to the boat fruit. Plums: Finished until Chili starts. Nectarines: Finished for the season. Peaches: Finished for the season too, Chilean and Mexican fruit still a few weeks away. There are good supplies of Apples, Cranberries, Kiwi’s, Gold Kiwi’s, Mangoes, Pomegranates, and Pears.

FRESH VEGETABLES:  Artichokes: Quality is good and prices are the same. Asparagus: Quality is excellent and prices have leveled off. Bok Choy and Napa Cabbage: Prices are up as supply struggles to meet demand. Blue Lake Beans: Quality is good; prices are firm. Broccoli: Good supplies in Mendota, Santa Maria, and Salinas; prices are in the basement. Cauliflower: The market is virtually unchanged; prices are cheap. Cabbage: Prices on California green have leveled off; red cabbage is still short and prices are high. Celery: Supplies are short due to thanksgiving demand; prices are up. Cucumbers: Prices are still very strong; supplies are light. Eggplant: Quality is good; prices are up slightly. Red Onions: Prices are still low. Yellow Onions: Supplies are good; Idaho and Oregon are still the best. White Onions: Prices are the same. Curly Parsley and Italian Parsley: Supplies are good and prices are unchanged. Green Bell Peppers: Prices are about the same as last week. Red and Gold Bell Peppers: Steady as she goes, red is up slightly. Squash: Gold Zucchini: Supplies are extremely short; prices are up; anything in the yellow squash department is demanding premium prices. Green Zucchini: Supplies are improving; prices have leveled off. French Haricot Vert Beans: Prices are about the same as last week. Baby Peeled Carrots with Tops: Supplies are better; prices are off slightly. Yellow Wax Beans: Still short; prices are firm. Baby Squashes: Not much change; all varieties are available. There are good supplies of Chard, Kale, Carrots, China Peas, Hard Squashes, and Snow Peas...

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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