RonnDa J. Peters – Strategic Dining Services

This Week’s Highlights – October 14, 2019

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.

Artichokes – Quality is excellent. Prices are steady to higher depending on size.
Pineapples – Good availability and good quality. Sizing will be trending large for the next 4-8 weeks.
Lemons – Steady supply and quality is good.
Broccoli/Broccoli Florets – EXTREME. Supple continues to be light due to poor yields and quality issues.
Spring Mix Lettuce – Supply is good. High heat will be affecting quality. Look for shippers to have fewer blends.

Pineapple – Good availability and good quality. Try adding pineapple to your acorn squash!
Iceberg Lettuce – Supply will be lighter than normal. Quality is fair.
Asparagus – Volume increasing from Peru and Mexico.
Brussels Sprouts – Supple and quality are good.
Mushrooms – Supple is currently stable, an quality is good.

Watermelon Radish – Slightly peppery, a little sweet, and absolutely stunning, watermelon radishes are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Eaten raw, or sometimes roasted, these radishes are great sliced on salads or quartered and roasted on a sheet pan. The timing is perfect to try these garden gems.
Avocados – Inventory levels have increased, leading to a softening in the market.
Cucumbers – Supply is good this week.
Cauliflower – Supply is expected to be right on target this week. Demand and quality are good.
Kale (Green) – Plenty of kale is available. Quality is fair.

Cauliflower – Supply is plentiful and quality is good.
Strawberries – Volume continues to be hit and miss due to ongoing issues that stem from the extreme heat earlier in the season. Strawberry volume is not expected to increase until sometime after Labor Day.
Romaine – Demand continues to strengthen. Quality is fair to good.
Zucchini – Prices are down, supply continues to improve week after week. Quality is good.
Napa Cabbage – Supply is steady. Quality is fair.