Happy December! The Christmas season is approaching and First Quality Produce is getting ready to wrap up 2021. As promised, this market update will go over the high alert items and available produce.
As for new produce, we are still in winter vegetable season. The Salinas season is completely done with all winter vegetables, and Yuma product is in full swing. Citrus, specifically mandarins are in full swing as well and will remain steady for the next few months. The domestic grape season has come to end, therefore all school grape packs are transitioning to citrus.
Top Five Alerts
01. Garlic
The California supply still remains tight. However, China’s supply will help- but mildly. While pricing is higher at the moment, quality is still good.
02. Carrots
Value add carrots market is still active. Demand is higher than supply. Expect the market to stay active for the coming weeks.
03. Mushrooms
The issues with supply, freight, and labor continue. Expect the market to stay this way well into the 2022 year.
04. Broccoli
Supply issues are creating an extremely active market. The market should hopefully be taking a better turn soon.
05. Celery
The market for value add celery is active. Demand is exceeding supply because there are current capacity issues.
What's Available?
Available Produce:
- Asparagus
- Beans-Green
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Corn Stalks
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Eggplant
- Celery
- Herbs
- Garlic
- Lettuce
- Squash
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- R / G / Y Bells
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Avocados
- Apples
- Berries
- Cucumbers
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Citrus
- Grapes
- Pumpkins
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
Recipe of the Month
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These oven-honey roasted potatoes are a great addition to your Christmas dinner. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave your guests wanting more.
With just just five simple ingredients, these potatoes are incredibly simple to make. Melted butter, lemon juice, honey, and cinnamon sugar create the perfect glaze-like coating.
Peel and cube your potatoes, mix all of your ingredients together and toss the potatoes in the mixture. Once the potatoes are coated, lay them out on a baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes at 425 degrees F. Don’t forget to flip halfway through!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, cubed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon (or cinnamon sugar dependent upon the flavor you are trying to acheive)
- Salt and pepper to taste
