RonnDa J. Peters – Strategic Dining Services

This Week’s Highlights – January 13, 2020

Romanesco – an excellent way to change up the cauliflower/ broccoli offerings.
Grape Tomatoes – good supply, good quality.
Green, Red and Yellow Peppers – supply will be tight over the next few weeks; quality could be marginal. Prices are trending higher this week.
Eggplant – availability is steady, prices remain steady as well.
Potatoes – EXTREME – escalated pricing which is anticipated to be the case for much, if not all, of the season.

Snow and Snap Peas – packed with great vitamins and nutrients; a good supply and quality to start the new year.
Avocados – mainly small-sized fruits (60’s and smaller). Sizes will shift in late January and trend heavier on larger fruit (48’s and larger).
Arugula – supply and quality are good.
Fennel – sizing is on the small side; quality is strong overall.
Napa Cabbage – supply and quality are good.

Romaine & Romaine Hearts – Good volume and availability.
Red Bell Pepper – Supply is light, look for the supply to improve at the end of December. Prices are higher.
Yellow Bell Pepper – Good volume and steady pricing.
Bok Choy – Supply and quality are good.
Cauliflower – Supply is expected to be plentiful again this week.
Carrots – Markets are limited and poor quality due to weather.

Cranberries – After the classic cranberry sauce is made to serve with your turkey, expand your use of the seasonal berry…puree 1/4 cup classic cranberries, then add 1/2 cup softened butter and a pinch of sea salt. Spread on bagels, bread or scones. Enjoy!
Navels/Valencias – These oranges are an excellent size, peaking on 72/56s. High solids-to-acid ratio.
Asparagus – Volume is steady, quality is good.
Cabbage (green) – There is heavy supply this week. Quality is good.
Items on the Extreme List to be aware of: all berries, garlic, green beans, melons and potatoes. Keep an on your costs and quality of shipments.

Iceberg Lettuce – The market is very active, mainly due to light supply.
Green Leaf – Volumes are currently on budget. Market pricing is steadily advancing.
Red Bell Pepper – Prices continue to drop this week. Quality is good.
Eggplant – Good supply this week.
Cantaloupe – Production has dropped significantly over the past week.
Pears – Bartlett’s are in good supply. Bosc are limited. Fair supply of red pears. Asian pears have started.