The Produce Report:March 26-April 1,2012

Organic Brussels Sprouts Raab

A sure sign of spring….Locally Grown Raab! Also known as Rabe,Rapa,Rapine,and Rappone,Raab is a cut green vegetable primarily sold in Italian and Chinese markets. From Cabbage,Broccoli,Cauliflower,Brussels Sprouts,Kale,Mustards,and other cool weather greens,the leaves and flowers are cut before blooming. Raab is grown as a biennial crop,harvesting in spring and fall. Tender,but with a flavor ranging from sweet (broccoli raab) to astringent (mustard raab),this nutritious,antioxidant-rich,high fiber vegetable is delicious served lightly sauteed with olive oil and garlic,or simply steamed with a pinch of salt. It can also be added to soups,stews,casseroles,and stir-frys. Today we’ve got Organic Brussels Sprout Raab from Mother Flight Farm,Organic Lacinato Kale Raab from Highwater Farm,and Organic Broccoli Raab from California.

Organic Broccoli Raab

Hedlin Farm just brought in some more Organic Cauliflower and we suspect this is their best crop yet. Small,well-formed,pale,and unblemished with a sweet,crisp flavor when we tested it raw. It would be good for crudites (raw veggies with dip),or tossed into a stir-fry with some Raab! Locally grown Organic Bulk Beets are in good supply. Brownfield Orchard delivered the last of their storage apples last week. Look for most other fresh produce to be coming from California,Mexico,and Arizona for the next couple of months.

Organic Bunched Carrots

This Week’s Top Produce Deals:

Organic Carrots $1.69 bunch

Organic Valencia Oranges 89¢ lb

Organic Navel Oranges 89¢ lb

Organic Jonagold Apples $1.29 lb

Organic Granny Smith Apples $1.49 lb

Organic Minneola Tangerines $1.19 lb

Organic Ruby Star Grapefruit $1.19 lb

Organic Purple Kale $1.99 bunch

Organic Cucumbers $1.19 lb

Organic Ataulfo Mangos $1.29 each

Organic Green Cabbage 99¢ lb

Organic Celery 79¢ lb

Organic Tomatoes $1.99 lb

Organic Cauliflower from Hedlin Farm