Source: The Produce News

CANTALOUPES - The central Valley melon deal is off to a historically late and slow start due to the cool spring and early summer. Cantaloupe shippers are struggling mightily to meet current demand. Shippers said that several fields scheduled for harvest now had to be re-planted due to the spring rains. Demand exceeds the available supply, and shippers are sold out two to three days in advance.

RUSSETS - Over the past 30 days, the underlining premise of the Idaho russet market has moved 180 degrees, from surpluses to shortages. The initial thought of an overlap between crops has been replaced with demand exceeds supply. Idaho shippers have been overrun with extra demand since the Wisconsin and Colorado seasons ended earlier this month. The russet market will be a runaway until new-crop supplies from Idaho and Washington become available next month.

BROCCOLI - Supplies are heavy despite the recent transition to reduced summer acreage. Quality from California's Central Coast is excellent, and shippers are seeing light demand from many parts of the country.

STRAWBERRIES – California Central Coast production is well below the season's peak of early July and will drop noticeably further through August. The recent weather pattern of foggy mornings and cool temperatures will further drop production below initial expectations the week of July 26. The market remains multi-tiered based on label, berry size and shelf life. The market on the best labels is steady and firm, while others seek additional business. Buyers purchasing strictly on price may be disappointed.

White asparagus is very popular in Europe, where it is also known as spargel, the German name for asparagus. White asparagus is preferred over green among Europeans.

White asparagus is also called the king of darkness because it grows underground and sometimes it is even referred to as white gold. It is cultivated by depriving the plants sunlight, the plant is covered with dirt while growing to keep it in the dark. The plant cannot produce chlorophyll in the dark so the stalks don’t get their green color and remain white. This process of growing white asparagus is called etiolation. The white asparagus is slightly bitter, but tender, fibreless, soft and more delicate than green.

Interested? Call your Spokane Produce sales person for more information.

Source: Asparagus Growing Network

Fresh Washington peaches have arrived. The quality is superior and there are three sizes to choose from. Fresh Washington grown corn is available in cartons and bins, call for complete details. ‘Volume Fill’ donut peaches are in stock. The value is there, and you can feature this item. New crop California Bartlett pears and Red ‘Star Krimson’ Pears are available. Organic yellow watermelons and 12/3-pound California Bartlett pears are in stock.

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