Good Grief!

What a relief–Ken Klein’s Market Report has mysteriously reappeared. Executive summary:

• Shrimp will soon be getting more expensive.
• Homeland security is slowing down our produce.
• This summer should be a good one for Jersey produce.

The Market Report, by Ken Klein
Klein’s Supermarket, 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, Philadelphia
Our Hours: M-F 8 AM to 8 PM; Sat. 8 AM to 8 PM; Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM

Greetings Food Lovers!

Fish talk

Are you a shrimp lover? The Department of Commerce has assessed preliminary tariffs on shrimp imports from various Chinese and Vietnamese suppliers. Preliminary tariffs for additional countries may be assessed in the upcoming weeks. The shrimp markets are volatile! Overall, shrimp supplies are expected to decline over the next few months, which could push the shrimp prices higher. Much higher.

Produce talk

• Lettuce prices in California are trading at extremely low prices. They are so low that farmers are not delivering product, taking the risk of either larger heads or crops that become over-mature. There is speculation they will reduce crop plantings in the future and hope for the supplies to lower, forcing the market demand higher. How this will affect our summer salad remains to be seen. Remember that over 50% of the price of lettuce is transportation.
• Jersey tomatoes are coming in strong. Look for large, firm fruit without splits or cracks. Prices will drop in the weeks ahead. This could be a great year for our beloved Jersey tomato—the weather has been perfect. We should also see a great summer for beans, cucumbers, and peppers.
• Asparagus has been a hot item for the past weeks. Our domestic production has ended, and the only product available is from Peru, arriving by air freight. This is expensive!
• Cherries from Washington state have been crisp, juicy, and sweet. They are expensive. Wind, rain, and hail destroyed over 50% of the crop last month.
• Peaches, nectarines, and plums are in their peak at the moment. Dive into them now, as the “fresh” season is upon us; when it ends, we must wait another year. Imagine biting into a peach, juice running down your chin. I say no more!
• California seedless grapes are crisp and sweet. The larger fruits are commanding a premium price, and they are worth the extra money!

Finally, your fruit must now have a “passport” to enter the United States. Proper documentation and random inspections due to Homeland security slow the delivery process, a new fact of life.

Summer is here, our fruits and veggies are domestic. Less distance traveled, fresher tasting!

Happy eating! Have a fruitful week!