3100 W. 36th Street.

Chicago, IL 60632
P: 773-927-8870 | F: 773-927-8718
www.midwestfoods.com

WEEKLY August
UPDATES
16, 2014

In This Issue:

Brix Levels {p.1} | Specialty Sheet {p.1 } | Market Report {p.2} | Fresh off the Farm {p.3 - p.4}

Featured Vegetable

Fruits

Specialty
Sheet

Lobster
Mushrooms
Strange but delicious, Lobster Mushroom
is actually not a mushroom, but a parasitic
fungus that grows on mushrooms.
Lobster
mushrooms
are one of the
most favored
mushrooms as
they create an abundance of
rich and fruity flavors. Their coloring is
deep, creating colors of coral, cinnamon
and rust. Their flesh is granular and
brittle.
Add to soups, stews and terrines. Slice
thin; saut with onions and new potatoes.
Blend in omelets or scrambled eggs.
Lobster mushrooms hold their texture
after cooking; they may be added to
stuffing or baked pasta dishes as well as
simple broth soups and cream sauces.
Store in a paper bag.

Pepper
Corno di Toro

Broccoli
Rabe Rapini

Pepper
Padron Chili

Vegetables

Fruits
Apples, LOCAL, Jersey Mac,
1/2 bushel
Apples, LOCAL, Paula Red,
1/2 bushel
Berries, LOCAL, Currant Black,
12 - 1/2 Pint
Berries Huckleberries
Fresh Mountain, 5 lbs.
Figs Black Mission, 1/2 Flats
Figs Brown Turkey 12 - 1 pt.
Figs Green Kadota 12 - 1 pt.

Grapes Thomcord, 20 - 1 lbs.

#01-11570
#567912
Grapes Champagne, 16/1 lb.
#665412
Kiwi Gold, 13 lbs.
#01-11519
Melon Canary, 5 - 6 ct.
#014301
Melon Galia, 5 - 6 ct.
Melon Honey Dew Orange Flesh, # 015501
5 - 6 ct.
# 014900
Melons Santa Claus, 5 - 6 ct.
# 01-11574
Melons Sharlyn, 5 - 6 ct.
#01-11640
Plums, LOCAL, Red, 12 - 1 pt.

Broccoli Rapini Andy Boy 20ct. #57400P

#01-11639
#6-2270
#01-10225
#925700
#5678910
#01-4432
#01-10322

Chard Baby Red, 4 lbs.

#01-10864

Kale Baby Mixed, 2-1.5 lbs. (3 lbs.) #01-2633

Leeks Holland variety 12- 3 ct.

#01-11532

Mushrooms Chanterelle, 5 lbs.

#164400

Mushrooms Lobster, 5 lbs.

#181232

Pepper, Corno di Toro, 11 lbs.

#01-4001

Pepper Padron Chili, 5 lbs.

Tomatoes Heirloom
assorted, 10 lbs.

#01-10253

Carrot, Juicing
Celery Root
Chard Baby Red
Chard Rainbow
Kale, Baby Mix
Mesclun
Romaine Hearts
Wild Arugula

#159100

#174600

Brix Levels

Degrees Brix is a measure of the sugar content in your food. Vegetables with a high Brix
reading have a pleasing sweetness we all love.

Fruit

Origin

Label

Brix

Good Brix

Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Watermelon
Pineapple
Yellow Peach
Yellow Nectarine
Red Plums
Mango
Black Plum
Green Grape
Red Grape
Thomcord Grape
Galia Melon
Orange Honeydew
Santa Claus Melon
Sharlyn Melon
Hami Melon

CA
CA
Indiana
Panama
WA
WA
CA
MX
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA

Peacock
King O' The West
Indian Hills
Fyffes
Star Ranch
Star Ranch
Pretty Belle
Diazteca
Summertime
Sandrini
VBZ
Farm Fresh Fruit
Peacock
Peacock
Peacock
Peacock
Peacock

16.5
15
12
15
12
15.5
15
13
17
19
20
17
15
15
12
11
9

12
12
12
14
13
12
14
10
12
17
17
12
12
12
12
12
12

Gold Pluot

CA

Pretty Belle

17

14

Bursting
Brix
14
14
14
20
16
14
16
15
16
22
22
14
14
14
14
14
14

16

Apples Granny
Smith
A. Red Delicious
Blackberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries

25 lbs.
25 lbs.
4 lbs.
12 ct.
3 lbs.
3 lbs.
48 ct.
4 lbs.

$27.00
$31.00
$18.50
$29.10
$30.00
$15.75
$35.50
$22.00

88 ct.

$68.00 #01-1494

88 ct.

$55.00

#01-10997
#01-10864
#01-11281
#01-11009
#157436
#180455
#01-2517

#89408

12 1/2pt $36.50

#01-3812

12 1/2pt $26.50

#01-1436

12 1/2pt $38.50

#01-2877

8/ 1 lb. $28.50

#01-1012

Market
Report
* Strawberry quality is fair at best
* Lemon demand is exceeding supplies on all
sizes and grades
* Oranges are getting very tight on the small
sizes 113s and 138s

Weather: An upper level low pressure

system over Central California moves east
over the next few days. This may bring
some monsoonal moisture from the south
into Central California keeping the threat of
lightning and thunderstorms in the region
over the next few days. Moderate on shore
flow will keep the coastal areas near norms
with inland areas reaching the upper 80s to
low 90s. High pressure builds into
the weekend with slight warming.
Asparagus: This market is firm.

Hail in the growing regions of

Mexico has curtailed production with all
suppliers. Production in Peru is moderate
at best. Loading directly in Miami is an
option. Jumbo sizing continues to be very
light but available. This size will command
a higher price.

Avocado: California is going strong and

quality is excellent, with sizes peaking
on 60s and larger. Mexico is beginning
their Flor Loca crop harvest. This fruit will
take longer to ripen as mature levels are
low. Peruvian fruit supplies are good and
will continue through August. Their fruit
is mostly 48s and larger, with a limited
amount of 60s. Fruit quality is good, with
very good maturity levels. As we get into the
second half of August, supplies of all origin
will begin to decline and market looks to get
very active.
Bell Peppers:

Western Bells: Supplies are improving on

green bell peppers from Fresno. Bakersfield
and Arvin area are about wrapping up.
California red bell market is settling. We
believe this will be short lived as some
current districts production is projected
to be very light. Red bells both open field
and hothouse is crossing through South
Texas. Demand exceeds on Red and Gold
bell peppers from both districts. Colored
bell peppers supplies from California will
continue to be a challenge for the remainder
of the season until Baja California kicks
in this fall. Gold bells markets continue
at HIGH fobs and very light supplies
availability depends on growing district.
Mexico has basically wrapped up on both
hothouse and open field gold bells. Some
greenhouse gold bell peppers are crossing
through South Texas.

MIDWEST FOODS |

August 16, 2014

Eastern Bells: Volume in Michigan has

ramped up, softening the market somewhat.
Decent weather should hold this market
down for several more days.

Citrus:

Lemons: Demand continues

strong and is exceeding supply on all sizes
and grades. Fruit is especially tight on 165s
and larger fruit due to lack of growth because
of drought conditions in California. Expect
these tight supplies to get worse before they
get better over the next eight weeks.
Limes: Demand continues to exceed
supplies. The market is rising across the
board with the larger sizes increasing more
than the smaller ones. A new growing area
has been producing small sizes with good
quality. The overall quality of the old crop
is acceptable with some yellowing and
minor defects showing. Volume overall is
lower due to quality caused by warmer than
normal temperatures.
Oranges: Valencia supplies are
steady. Sizing continues to favor
the 88s/72s/113s sizes. Demand is
increasing on the smaller fruit 113s and
138s have become very tight with this
increased demand brought on by school
demand starting.

Grapes: The market is strengthening

but supplies are still available on red,

green, blacks and globes. Sizing is
running anywhere from small to extra
large on all fruit.

Melons:

Cantaloupe: Still good volume available due

to light demand. Quality is good. Sizing for
the most part is peaking to 9s and 12s with
lesser availability on small fruit.
Honeydew: The Westside fruit is available,
fruit continues to peak to large sizes. The
market is steady to higher.

Stone Fruit: California stone fruit is

available with a mixed bag of colors and

sizing available from different shippers.
Small fruit remains very limited on
nectarines. Both red and black plums and
pluots remain available with excellent
quality and good promotable volume.

Tomatoes:

Western/Mexico: Eastern Mexico continues

to cross minimal volume through Texas
due to lighter plantings. Baja is harvesting
from both their spring and summer acreage
providing steady supply. Southern California
is in the midst of the summer plantings.
Volume will not increase from this district
until September. Mexico is producing lighter

volume of Romas this week through Texas

due to rain from last week. Production is
expected to remain moderate until early
to mid October. With demand for Romas
slowing down, expect prices to drop. Cherry
tomatoes are still very limited while the
grape tomato is available and expected to be
plentiful for the next two weeks.
Eastern/Tomatoes: Round tomatoes
have a steady hold on pricing with less
available product available on all sizes due
to rainy weather and disrupted harvest
schedules. With product tightening this
week higher prices are expected as we head
into the middle of the month. With scattered
local programs in the east, small operations
have flooded the market with a lot of roma
tomatoes keeping prices low for the next
several weeks. Grape tomatoes are available
in steady volume with cherry tomatoes
harder to come by.

Watermelon: Market is steady Phoenix

wrapping up harvesting. Current crops are

mostly packed in bins and cartons packed by
request. South Texas and Mendota California
are currently shipping.

Commodity

Quality Market

Apples
Asparagus
Avocado (Mexican)
Avocado (California)
Bell Peppers (Western)
Bell Pepper (Eastern)
Berries: Strawberries
Berries: Raspberries
Berries: Blackberries
Berries: Blueberries
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Citrus: Lemons
Citrus: Oranges
Cucumbers (Western)
Cucumbers (Eastern)
Eggplant (Western)
Eggplant (Eastern)
Grapes, Green
Grapes, Red
Green Onions
Lettuce: Leaf
Lettuce: Iceberg
Melons: Cantaloupe
Melons: Honeydew
Onions
Pears
Potatoes
Squash (Western)
Squash (Eastern)
Stone Fruit
Tomatoes (Western)
Tomatoes (Eastern)
Watermelon

Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Excellent
Good
Good
Good

Steady
Steady
Steady
Steady
Steady
Steady
Higher
Steady
Steady
Higher
Higher
Steady
Steady
Steady
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Higher
Steady
Steady
Higher
Steady
Higher
Higher
Higher
Steady
Steady
Steady
Steady
Higher
Steady
Higher
Steady
Steady
Steady

Fresh OFf The Farm

August 16, 2014

Apples, Jersey Mac

NEW

Corn, Mirai Sweet

1/2 Bushel

10 lb.

60 ct.

# 01-11639

# 6-2210

# 6-2196

South Haven, MI Seedling Farm

Apples, Paula Red

NEW

Berries Blueberries

1/2 Bushel
# 6-2270

South Haven, MI Seedling Farm

Basil
1 lb.
# 6-2100

Spring Green, WI Renaissance Farm

Basil Purple
1 lb.
# 01-10269

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Beans Green
25 lbs.
# 155400P

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Beans Yellow Wax

Traverse City, MI North Bay Produce

Cabbage Green
45 lbs.
# 157700P

Franksville, WI Borzynski Farms

Cabbage Savoy
40 lbs.
# 158000

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Carrot Atomic Red

12 ct.
# 01-10715

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Carrot Baby Yellow

12 ct.
# 6-2169

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Carrot Purple haze

5 lbs.

12 ct.

# 01-2704

# 01-17000

Monroe, WI Parrfection Produce

Beets Striped
12 ct.
# 01-11442

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Beets Red Large

25 lbs. sack
# 156500P

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Berries Black Currant

12 - 1 pt.
# 01-10225

South Haven, MI Seedling Farm

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Celery
30 ct.
# 159600P

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Chard Green Swiss

10 lbs.
# 6-2192

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Chard Rainbow

Harvard, IL Twin Garden farms

Corn, Yellow & Bi-color

48 ct.
# 46700

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Cucumber Basket
24 ct.
# 6-2202

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Cucumber Pickling
40 lbs.
# 160800

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Cucumber Select
50 lbs.
# 160600P

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Kale Laciato, Organic

12 ct.
# 01-11342

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Lettuce Romaine Green

Mini, Organic
12 ct.

# 6-2184

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Lettuce Romaine Red

Mini, Organic
12 ct.

# 6-2182

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Parsnip Loose

10 lbs.
# 6-2263

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

20 lbs.
# 180000P

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Continues on next page...

Local produce availability is limited, on a first come first served basis. Prices valid for a seven days period after the publishing date, subject to change.

MIDWEST
FOODS| | August
3100 W.
MIDWEST
FOODS
16, 36th
2014Street. Chicago, IL 60632 | Tel: 773-927-8870 Fax: 773-927-8718 | www.midwestfoods.com 3

Fresh OFf The Farm

August 16, 2014

Peach Yellow
(Redhaven)
25 lbs.

# 01-11601

St. Joseph, MI Mick Klug Farm

Pepper Anaheim Chile

10 lbs.
# 167501P

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Pepper Bell Green

25 lbs.
# 151400P

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Pepper Poblano Chili

20 lbs.
# 148401P

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Pepper Jalapeno
5 lbs.
# 01-4579

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Pepper Serrano
5 lbs.
# 01-4583

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Plums Golden
20 lbs.
# 01-11581

St. Joseph, MI Mick Klug Farm

Plums Red
12 - 1pt.

NEW

# 01-11640

South Haven, MI Seedling Farm

Radish Cello
30 - 6 oz.
# 170000

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

MIDWEST FOODS |

August 16, 2014

Squash Blossoms
100 ct.
# 171900

Edible Cuts
EC. Beans Green,
Clean & Trim

Highland, IN Scheeringa Farm

Squash Gold Bar

1/2 bushel
# 6-2381

Monroe, WI Parrfection Produce

Squash Zucchini
1/2 bushel
# 6-2383

Monroe, WI Parrfection Produce

Tomatillo
40 lbs.
# 173300P

LaPorte, IN Garwood Orchards

Tomatoes 4 x 5
20 ct. case
# 6-2400

Monroe, WI Parrfection Produce

Tomatoes Cherry
12 - 1 pt.
# 6-2405

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

2 - 5 lbs. Case
# 136658

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

EC. Cabbage Shred

1/8 No Color
4 - 5 lbs. Case
# 136001

Franksville, WI Borzynski Farms

Dry Goods
Apple Butter
12 - 9 oz.
# 01-11537

South Haven, MI Seedling Farm

Brittle Almond
5 oz. - 16 ct. Case
# 012703

Brittle Bird Seed

5 oz. - 16 ct. Case
# 463894

Dried Cherry Berry

Nut Mix

Tomatoes Sungold
12 - 1 pt.
# 6-2417

Monroe, WI Parrfection Produce

18 - 1.75 oz.
# 01-11529

Forestville, WI

Dried Chocolate Cherry

De-Lites

Turnip Jumbo Loose

18 - 2 oz.
# 01-11530

25 lbs.
# 179800P

Hudsonville, MI Miedema Produce

Forestville, WI

Maple Syrup - Pure

Turnip Baby Hakurei

12 ct.

l gallon.
# 01-3941

Medora, IN Burtons Maplewood Farm

# 6-3336

Chicago, IL Windy City Harvest

Local produce availability is limited, on a first come first served basis.

Prices valid for a seven days period after the publishing date, subject to change.