Good Morning!

  Last week’s high heat, followed by this week’s rains, have caused a short term gap on many local products.  Tomatoes, in particular, are not being harvested currently, but expected to begin again next week as new fields come to maturity.  The heat has caused some quality issues, but they should be over once the new fields are ready for picking.

  Cantaloupes, watermelons and honeydews are all at peak season, both locally and nationally.  Supplies are extremely strong, and quality has been excellent.  Ripe and sweet, these are the best of the year.

  Great supplies from Salinas and Santa Maria are keeping strawberry markets low.  Quality is excellent and berries are plentiful.  Cold weather late last week may tighten up the market for this coming week.  Blueberries are still coming from North Carolina farmers, and some farms are expecting harvests into September.  In order to lengthen their season, many made second plantings that will mature later in the season.

  Eastern Peach growers are having one of the strongest harvests on record.  The trees are literally full of peaches, with lots of trees breaking from the fruit-laden limbs.  Prices are favorable due to the strong supplies, so it’s a great time to freeze some for the winter!

  Onion farmers have been plagued by poor weather and too much rain all season long.  Supplies are still short, and I cannot remember an onion market lasting this long in the past.  Colorado is just beginning their season, but their additional volume should ease the market as their supply increases.

  Cold weather in Peruvian fields and steady rains in Mexico are limiting asparagus production.  Supplies are extremely tight, particularly on large and jumbo sizes.  Prices are very strong due to the high demand and short supplies.

  California leaf items and vegetables have reached their annual summertime doldrums.  Barring any weather catastrophes, we should continue with low prices through the summer on items like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Lettuce of all types, Carrots and other items.  Quality has been beautiful, though some lettuces have suffered from the foggy mornings.

Q:What did one plate say to the other plate? A: “Lunch is on me! “