WINTER TRANSITION

It is that time of year when many California growers transition their wet veg operation, think lettuces, leafy greens, broccoli and cauliflower, from the cooler areas of the Central Coast and Salinas Valley down to the warmer regions in the California desert, Imperial Valley and Yuma, Arizona. The desert regions include Coachella, Thermal and Mecca north of the Salton Sea and south of Palm Springs. The Imperial Valley extends from the southern area of Coachella, past the Salton Sea and all the way down to the border of Mexico. Warm veg is now mostly coming out of Baja California and northern Mexico, think zucchini, green beans, hot peppers, colored bells, cucumbers and tomatoes.

The closer we get to the winter solstice on December 21st it is getting colder and days are becoming shorter. Less hours of sun slows down the growth of everything which means there are less hours in the day to harvest which can lead to light volumes. Combined with the fact that during winter the entire United States is pulling vegetables from the same area which also limits the quantities available and can lead to higher prices.

Veg Market Update:

Rain throughout northern California and overnight frost in the central valley will end the lingering local summer veg. La Granjita just about done as morning frosts make their appearance. Don’t miss out on the last of the Cape Gooseberries, Watermelon Gherkins and Cayenne Hot Peppers. Asparagus will be scarce for a few weeks. Look for volume to improve closer to Christmas.

Organic Girl is transition down to the desert and end of season challenges are still present. Little gems are tight and we may see gaps until the transition is complete in December. More Romaine Lettuce growers are completing the transition and quality will start to improve. We may see some gaps during the transition on Celery. Volume will be strong on Brussels Sprouts and Green Beans through December. By the middle of December, we should see volume even out across the wet veg category.

Orange and Red Bell Peppers are tight. California is winding up on Green Bells and production will be tight out of Mexico through the end of the year. Low light and cool nights will bring the Tutti Frutti Heirloom Tomatoes deal to a close in the coming weeks.

Look for plentiful supply on Covilli Green Beans as well as Brussels Sprouts, Gold and Red Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Herbs with Display Shippers, Onions, Gold, Red and Russet Potatoes, Parsnips, Rutabaga, Sweet Potatoes and Hard Squash through Christmas.