Asparagus – There seems to be more than enough asparagus to go around and prices are headed lower.
Avocados – Remain extremely limited on the new harvests and pricing remains higher with the limited supply.
Berries – Domestic blueberry farmers have had one of their best seasons in memory. Just good steady volumes of high quality berries all summer long. Sadly, that seems to be coming to an end this week with rains and storms hitting Michigan fields. It’s a great time to stock up the freezer as quality and pricing like this won’t be available through the winter unless you save some back. California berry growers are finishing up some older fields and trying to make the switch to fresh new fields. Quality will be much improved from the new fields without the damages they’ve had from heat.
Cucumbers – Our local farmers should start harvesting next week for their fall crop.
Corn –Canada, Michigan and New Jersey are pulling high volumes and we’re expecting to see a small amount of local corn also as we move into Labor Day weekend.
Limes – Prices only had one way to go from the rock bottom levels they were at. They’re settling at higher market prices this week.
Peppers- Michigan and Canada remain the strongest sources for good quality pepper right now, though Tennessee is still harvesting nice fruit in limited quantities. Red, yellow, and orange supplies are staying about the same.
Potatoes – We’re right in the middle of the New Crop / Old Crop transition for baking potatoes. Supplies always begin very limited and prices always start out high on the freshly dug potatoes. As we get into late September, we’ll see drastic drops on potato pricing as the farmers finish up harvesting and get to the business of selling instead of storing potatoes.
Squash – Got extremely limited overnight. Supplies are short and pricing is up.
Tomatoes – Are still in full swing in NC and supplies are still beautiful. Vine-ripened, Romas, and heirlooms have been plentiful. Quality has been gorgeous. Feature them as long as you can on your summer menus.
Watermelons – Are very plentiful locally and seem to be everywhere at once. Explore ideas for your menus to feature them while they’re plentiful.
My wife screamed at me “You haven’t been listening to a single word I’ve said, have you?
I was taken aback. What a weird way to start a conversation.
