Produce Update-April 29 2015

Stefan: The cooler weather here in BC has slowed down some of the greens production from Two EEs and Olera but we should be seeing some local asparagus (Mobetta Farm) and mixed salad greens shipped from Cawston this week. The Harkers are doing a couple types of salad mix clams this year in their fields to start off their harvest season. Origino is still strong on volume with Long English cucumbers and TOVs. Pepper production is steady and we have brought in a few Fair Trade certified peppers from Mexico for those of you looking for both options for your displays.Annie: Navel season is nearly done, we have an array of fancy and choice grade in stock and they are tasty and sweet. Mexican and California Valencias are in good supply. Lemons are thinning out as they always do in the spring, with pricing going up-we do have more selection of choice grade, with some scarring and uneven colour, but all the shelf life and flavor of a #1 grade. Melons are abundant, watermelons are cutting deep red with good fragrance. Raspberry, blueberry and blackberry supply is strong, with strawberries still lagging-volumes will increase as the days get warmer. Early California apricots are here. Pineapples are perfect and sweet. Argentina pears are coming in continuously, and quality is very good, after the first lot of Bartletts which arrived ripe. Avocado supply is slowly recovering after the hail damage, all sizes of traypack are now back in stock, as well as bagged, all hard and green. Parrot green with a dark red blush, Tommy Atkins mango season is off to a great start. Ataulfos are coming in green, and ripening well, with very little skin wrinkling, and a rich sweet flavor. California veg crops have made the transition to the Salinas area, and we are seeing some broccoli, cauli, lettuce and bunch items, but supply is still limited from most growers. Spinach, both bunch and clamshell, are gapping. We should see some improvement by the weekend. PEI russets are holding well, and US yellow arrive midweek, some Canadian reds available, with US coming soon.