crop damage from Hermosillo to Los Mochis. click on map for more detailed Google Satellite Image
Last week’s report of freezing temperatures in Northern Mexico,and the subsequent damage to crops,is still big news in the world of produce. And,the latest reports aren’t good:crop damage is severe with many farmers losing 80-100% of their field crops,and major blossom drop on spring crops. Most growers from Hermosillo (just south of Tucson in Northwest Mexico) to Los Mochis (farther South) have invoked the “Act of God”clause in their contracts with produce brokerages. As buyers in the Northwest,we won’t be seeing affects on availability of spring crops for another 30-60 days,but we will be seeing many price jumps on desert crops starting immediately:eggplant,peppers,tomatoes,cucumbers,asparagus,and many more. These shortages affect more than just produce departments in grocery stores,they also affect restaurants,salad bars,frozen food manufacturers,cannery operations,and many other producers who depend on these crops to stay in business. To read some of these reports yourself,google “Mexico crop damage”or visit one of these sites:freerepublic.com,the Digital Journal,or the Perishable News.
Organic Honeygold Grapefruit
On a brighter note,winter citrus crops are going strong with lots of variety,excellent quality,and reasonable prices. Texas-grown Organic Honeybell Grapefruits arrived last week and we are super-duper-pleased with their flavor and quality! These are nice big,juicy fruits,low in acid with a mellow,honey sweetness. Great for juicing,eating out-of-hand,or sliced over a spinach salad with avocado,cilantro,and a drizzle of olive oil. $1.29 lb.
Organic Watercress is still growing!
Organic Living Watercress is here! Hydroponically-grown and lesser known to the U.S.,Watercress is a cruciferous green vegetable (related to broccoli and cabbage) known for it’s mulitvitamin and cancer-fighting properties (here’s a link to a Medical News Today article). Use it fresh in salads,pressed into your favorite fresh veggie juice,pureed into creamy soups,or to replace lettuce in your favorite sandwich. $4.49 per bag.
Organic Gold Nugget Mandarins - $1.49 lb this week
This Week’s Top Produce Deals:
Organic Mandarins,Tangerines,and Tangelos –$1.49 lb
Organic Red Leaf,Green Leaf,and Red Butter Lettuce –$1.99 each
Organic Broccoli –$1.69 lb
Organic Broccolette –$2.49 each
Organic Bunched Spinach –$2.69 each
Organic Bulk Spinach and Salad Greens –$3.99 lb
Organic Cameo and Braeburn Apples –$2.79 for a 3 lb bag
Organic Bacon Avocados (large!) –$1.49 each
Organic Bell Peppers –$2.99 lb (enjoy them now! significant price increases coming soon!)
Organic Sweet Potatoes –$1.49 lb
