WHAT’S HAPPENING IN PRODUCE
The rollercoaster of prices continues. Asparagus, cluster tomatoes, hothouse tomatoes,extra-large 5×6 size tomatoes, watermelons, and zucchini remain expensive. Prices on broccoli, green peppers, iceberg lettuce, and 6×7 tomatoes have fallen off a bit but are still higher than they should be at this time of year. Lastly, we are seeing prices rise on cauliflower, 22lb boxes of red peppers, pineapples, and strawberries. The reason behind all this is simply – inconsistent supply due to the weather. There is nothing special going on that would have increased demand on any of these items with the exception of the strawberries. Grocery stores, food manufacturers, industrial bakers etc…are all placing their orders for Valentine’s Day so prices will continue to rise over the next two weeks.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK
The larger sizes of tomatoes (hothouse and 5×6) are much more expensive than their smaller counterparts. If you don’t absolutely need a large size tomato to use the 6×7’s or even Roma tomatoes and you’ll save a bunch of money. If you are looking for a yellow vegetable use wax (yellow) beans instead of yellow zucchini. They are much cheaper and you’ll get more mileage out of them.
YOUR BEST BUYS
Beets (all colors), carrots (all colors), 50lb cooking onions, grape tomatoes, medium size 6×7 tomatoes, green kale, romaine lettuce (our is Andy Boy brand this week) and both snow peas and sugar snap peas. In the fruit section use blackberries, blueberries, red delicious apples, large size 9 cantaloupes, clementines, kiwi fruit, and mangos
TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY THIS WEEK
USE BROCCOLI CROWNS INSTEAD OF THE BUNCHED BROCCOLI AND YOU’LL GET MORE VALUE FOR THE MONEY
NEED LOTS OF GREEN ZUCCHINI? BUY THE 40LB BOX AND YOU WILL REDUCE YOUR PER POUND PRICE DRASTICALLY
USE 6X7 TOMATOES INSTEAD OF 5X6 TOMATOES