Produce Supply Update March 8th, 2024: Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the Mexican border. We should see an uptick as we get closer to Easter and the strong demand resulting from Easter Brunches and menus. Broccoli and Cauliflower – Rain in California growing areas is causing major quality issues for cauliflower. We’re hearing about and seeing a lot of brown discoloration on the curds. Broccoli is in good supply from several regions. Corn – Florida corn season is progressing and pricing and availability are rapidly improving. We should continue seeing more volume as the season continues and the weather warms. Cucumbers – After months of tight supplies and record breaking pricing, we should begin to prices fall this month. Florida and Mexican farms will be harvesting better volumes, and pricing should follow. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes demand remains light across the country. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. With sluggish demand, importers are looking to make deals. Quality remains very nice. Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies remain limited this week with most growers reporting good supplies of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf. A recent hailstorm, combined with colder than average temperatures over the past two weeks, have impacted iceberg quality and decreased yields. Harvesters are trimming off outer leaves at field level to help keep the pack nice, but weights are lower as a result. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Tomatoes – Continue to yo-yo up and down, but mostly up. Romas are the high value choice, with better volumes keeping markets lower than round tomatoes. Q: How many apples grow on a tree? A: All of them.