Local Produce – We’re getting started with our local farmers on a few of the early season items. We have strawberries and asparagus. We should begin seeing blueberries, broccoli and cabbage very soon too.
Apples – As we enter spring, shippers are still in a pretty good supply situation with apples out of Washington. They still have ample supplies of apples in storage for most varieties. There are a few varieties and packs that have tightened a little and are showing some small price increases, namely galas and honeycrisps. Overall, they still have a large crop of apples to sell, and we expect to see attractive pricing on most varieties into the summer months this year.
Asparagus – We have local standard sized asparagus and it’s been really nice this season. I think they’re wrapping up though, so get them while you can.
Blueberries – Have started in Georgia fields and should begin locally next week. We’re looking forward to a great season. Also, they’ve begun packing pints, so they’re a much better value currently.
Corn – Is coming from Florida in good volume and beautiful quality. Pricing is very favorable, so proudly feature it on your menus.
Grapes – Mexico is wrapping up their harvest, ending the glut of grapes. California is well into their season now and the market is stabilizing at a higher level. Quality remains very good.
Lettuces – Iceberg and leaf lettuce supplies are limited this week. Planting gaps caused by spring rains combined with cooler than average weather have impacted supply. Warmer weather on the forecast should help to improve the situation over the next few weeks.
Onions – New Crop onion season has begun and pricing is much more affordable and quality is much improved over the storage crop. Vidalia has begun their sweet onion season and we received our first shipment this morning.
Squash – Yellow continues to remain short, but we expect the warm weather in Florida to help with yields. Georgia will start this week with no major volume yet, but outlook looks promising for next week. We do expect markets to remain strong as Mexico is coming to an end.
Strawberries – Heavy supplies from many areas have the market down this week and farmers looking to sell berries. Quality is very good and just in time for the heavy Mother’s Day demand.
Q: Where do fruits go on vacation? A: Pear-is
