Freska Produce International, LLC, of Oxnard, CA recently started harvesting, packing and shipping Mexican mangos in Chiapas and Oaxaca, Mexico.
Harvested started in late January with large-sized Ataulfo “Honey” Mangos out of Chiapas. A plentiful supply will also come out of Oaxaca with more medium to smaller fruit.
A week or so ago the marketer began harvesting Red Mango Tommy Akins Variety out of Oaxaca. With the opening of Mexican Mango Season, Freska will supply customers with mangos both organic and conventional all the way through September.
The company claims to be one of the top one or two importers of mangoes from Mexico.
Mexico is a major player in the mango market, last year it produced 65 million lbs. of mangos for the US Market an increase of 12% over the previous year.
Freska Produce reports it will increase volume 30% over last year with a combination of a brand-new pack house that came on line first part of February along with added production from new groves coming into production.
DENVER — It’s the New Year, which means many of us are trying to eat better, save money and find more time in our day. Cara Harbstreet, registered dietitian and intuitive eating expert, recommends a kitchen hero that’s a solution for it all: the potato!
“Potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable, but they’re more than just delicious,” said Harbstreet. “They’re an affordable, nutritional powerhouse with a long shelf life and faster cook times than you think!”
Providing almost a third of the recommended daily vitamin C, potatoes also have the most potassium out of the 20 most popular fruits and vegetables. They also have 3 grams of plant-based protein, which is more than any commonly eaten vegetables other than dried beans, plus 2gm of fiber to help you feel fuller longer.
Potatoes are affordable and have a long shelf life, allowing families to stretch their dollars. “I know I hate it when I buy vegetables at the store, and they go bad before I have a chance to cook them,” said Harbstreet. “With potatoes, you’ve got fresh produce that lasts for weeks! They’re a great combo of nutrition, value and deliciousness.”
When it comes to carbohydrates, quality matters, and potatoes are a great choice! Carbs are our brain’s primary fuel and a key source of muscle energy. Potatoes are a complex carbohydrate, providing vitamins and minerals. In fact, most of the carbs we eat should be complex carbs like potatoes.
So how can families enjoy this incredible vegetable without being in the kitchen all day? Harbstreet has some hacks to share that will make cooking potatoes a breeze.
“My first tip is to cut potatoes into smaller pieces to roast for faster cooking – or even to heat in the air fryer,” said Harbstreet. “Roasted potatoes are so simple to make and can then be used throughout the week to make dishes like bowls and burritos more filling and nutritious. You can use all kinds of fun seasonings to mix it up, from classics like garlic powder to Za’atar if you’re looking for adventure. Plus, cooked and cooled potatoes have more gut-friendly resistant starch.”
A great example is the Sheet Pan Roasted Turkey and Herbed Potatoes dish. One pan gets you a complete meal, and by throwing in some extra potatoes, you can get a jump start on your cooking for the next few days! And you can do this with multiple combinations of proteins, potatoes and other vegetables you like.
“My next hack is to put your pressure cooker or slow cooker to work,” said Harbstreet. “You can start cooking potatoes in these appliances and then refrigerate them for lightning-fast prep or choose your own adventure meals. Once started in the pressure cooker or slow cooker, it’ll take minutes to finish them in the oven, microwave or air fryer.”
Families can do this with baked, mashed or roasted potatoes, or go for a full meal like Green Chili, Corn and Potato Chowder. The soup can be whipped together in minutes on the stove top after getting the potatoes started in the slow cooker.
“Finally, the freezer is your friend. Cook up a big batch of freezer-friendly potato soup – like this Tuscan Kale and Potato Soup aka Zupa Toscana that you can freeze to reheat and enjoy when you’re ready,” said Harbstreet. “I always recommend freezing soups into smaller portions so you can take out exactly what you need. One tip on this recipe – wait to add the cream until it’s reheated for that just-cooked taste.”
Potatoes USA is the national marketing and promotion board representing U.S. growers and importers. Potatoes USA, the largest vegetable commodity board, was established in 1971 by potato farmers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. For more information on Potatoes USA’s mission to “Strengthen Demand for Potatoes,” visit PotatoesUSA.com.
USDA estimates harvested acreage in the U.S. for 2022 at 902,200 acres. That’s down from 935,700 in 2021, which itself had fewer shipments.
Many U.S. potato grower-shippers in 2023 are stretching their volume to last through the season.
Th Idaho Potato Commission of Eagle Idaho notes growers are shipping less in attempting to have supplies last through June and July.
O.C. Schulz & Sons Inc., Crystal, N.D. has an excellent crop this season of which 65% are red potatoes, but wishes it had more, especially with the strong demand and markets.
NoKota Packers Inc., Buxton, N.D., also reports a good crop, but would certainly like to have bigger volume this season.
Wada Farms Marketing Group, Idaho Falls, Idaho reports a good quality crop, but is bee care to be sure and manage it effectively to make supplies last throughout the storage season.
J.G. Hall & Sons of Hoople, ND reports a great crop this season with their storage bins being full.
February is American Heart Month, or “Heart Health” month, a time dedicated where consumers of fresh fruit and vegetables can prioritize their cardiovascular health.
“Onions are full of health benefits, and produce marketers have the unique opportunity to help educate consumers on the many advantages of increasing consumption of allium vegetables during American Heart Month”, said Falon Brawley, Director of Marketing at Onions 52.
Brawley continued, “We are delighted to partner with Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Educator, Laura Ashley Johnson, RDN, CDE., to help promote easy and creative ways to increase onion consumption. While we can’t claim ‘An onion a day will keep the doctor away’, there are several studies on the health benefits of onions that are compelling, and research compiled by the National Onion Association (NOA) shows that onion consumption may contribute to increased cardiovascular health.”
“Not only are onions a versatile and delicious ingredient in many recipes, but research has shown they’re also rich in nutrients that can benefit the body in so many amazing ways”, noted Laura Ashley Johnson, RDN, CDE.
Brawley confirmed, “Onions of all varieties not only provide great flavor to almost every meal, but they also contain key vitamins and minerals, quercetin, and other potent antioxidants that may offer unique heart health benefits. Laura Ashley’s easy to make, onion-centric recipes will be shared on the Onions 52 website [www.onions52.com] and social media channels beginning February 21”.
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Onions 52, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Syracuse, UT. They are the country’s leading grower-shipper of yellow, red, white, and sweet onions. For more information, visit onions52.com.
Chilean citrus production and exports should bounce back in a big way in 2023, a new USDA report predicts. Exports plummeted last season due to frost.
U.S. imports of Chilean citrus peak from May through November. Between November 2021 through October 2022, U.S. imports of Chilean citrus were valued at $328.5 million, down about 20% from the same period the previous year, USDA trade statistics reveal.
Chilean citrus yields in 2022 decreased due to frost during the winter in the Valparaíso, Metropolitana and O’Higgins regions. Because of the frost, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Santiago office estimated lemon production at 140,000 metric tons in the 2022 marketing season, down 30% from the previous season.
For 2023, the USDA report said Chilean lemon production should bounce back to 200,000 metric tons, assuming normal yields. Lemon acreage is estimated at 21,000 in Chile in 2023, up 5.7% from 2022 and up more than 40% from 2016.
In 2023, Chilean exports of lemons are expected to reach 100,000 metric tons, up from 60,000 metric tons in 2022. The lemon marketing year starts April, with the bulk of exports taking place between June and September. The U.S. is the top market for Chilean lemons, taking about 65,682 metric tons in 2021, or about 65% of total Chilean lemon exports.
Chilean orange production for 2023 will increase to 200,000 metric tons, up 22% from 164,000 metric tons in 2022, according to the report.
The report estimates Chilean orange planted area at 15,814 acres in 2023, up 0.5% from 2022. Central Chile is the main growing region for oranges, with the Metropolitana region accounting for 39.3% of the orange area planted and the O’Higgins region representing 31% of the orange area.
Chilean orange exports will reach total 105,000 metric tons in 2023, according to the report, up more than 20% from 2022, the report said. Chile’s orange marketing years starts in April, with the bulk of fruit shipped between July and September, the report said. The U.S. is the main export destination for Chilean oranges, the report said.
Mandarin citrus production in Chile will jump 39.4% in 2023 to 237,000 metric tons, according to the report. The planted area for mandarins was estimated at close to 33,400 acres in 2023, up from 27,600 acres in 2022.
IRVINE, Calif. – The California Avocado Commission estimate shipments of 257 million pounds of avocados, which is a slight decrease compared to the 2021-22 season crop volume of 276 million pounds.
“The recent California rainfall has been welcomed by our growers throughout all districts,” said Jeff Oberman, president of CAC. “Growers have related increased sizing and crucial replenishing of water sources, during my recent visits to all production regions. We do not yet know if there will be any change to the expected harvest timing, however excitement is building from our retail partners for the kick-off of the California season.”
Weather and market conditions will be key factors for when California avocado growers begin harvesting and some growers may delay picking to allow their avocados time to increase in size.
California avocado volume is expected to begin ramping up around March, with peak availability from April through July then tapering off through Labor Day.
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to enhance the premium positioning of California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities. California has about 3,000 avocado growers.
The majority of California avocado shipments are to destinations west of the Rocky Mountains.
FOLSOM, Calif. – The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is encouraging consumers to make heart-smart choices – like grabbing a boost of blue – in February for American Heart Month. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that blueberries can be part of eating patterns to improve heart health, especially as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. To promote more heart-healthy boosts of blue, USHBC is sharing blueberry recipes, nutrition information, research and more throughout the month. Health professionals in USHBC’s “Blue Crew” will also contribute original recipes, blog posts and social media content as part of the campaign.
American Heart Month serves as a valuable reminder to keep heart health top of mind, as heart disease continues to be a major health concern in the U.S. The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, the most common; it decreases blood flow to the heart and can cause heart attacks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites heart disease as the leading cause of death among both men and women today.
One of the best ways to help fight heart disease is to maintain an overall healthy dietary pattern and lifestyle, according to the American Heart Association®. Blueberries are Heart-Check certified through the American Heart Association Heart-Check Food Certification Program. Each serving (a handful or cup) is a good source of fiber, which helps support heart health and digestive health. And, whether fresh or frozen, blueberries provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K and manganese.
“The heart is at the center of everything we do, and keeping it healthy isn’t just about exercise – it’s about nutrition, too. Blueberries are a heart-healthy choice, delivering a wide variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals,” said Manuel Villacorta, MS, RDN, an internationally recognized, award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist, author, and founder and owner of MV Nutrition. “Even better, every boost of blue is packed with flavor, and that’s important. When you enjoy what you eat, you’re more likely to stick to those healthy eating habits. Simple, delicious blueberries make it easy.”
The February promotion is USHBC’s first “power period” of 2023, which is part of Grab a Boost of Blue, a strategic positioning and call to action backed by new tools and consumer research for retailers. The Heart Health Month toolkit, available now, features plug-and-play social posts and digital ads, tip sheets, recipe cards and other resources. The toolkit will be promoted in USHBC’s health professional and consumer e-newsletters, along with a new consumer landing page. The Blueberries and Heart Health page provides blueberry health information and engages fans with an interactive quiz to find Heart-Check certified recipes tailored to their preferences.
USHBC also is engaging consumers through American Heart Month activations with 10 key blueberry retailers. In addition to vibrant blueberry displays, activations include a variety of consumer communications and resources unique to each retailer, such as feature ads, in-store audio ads and announcements, email blasts, social media activations, broadcast segments with local media, and more.
Several partnerships also will help amplify blueberry and heart health messaging – in February and beyond. During American Heart Month, USHBC will send an e-blast to WebMD’s 80,000 heart-health focused consumers, driving to them to the landing page and quiz, as well as a research-focused e-blast to SmartBrief’s eatrightPRO audience of registered dietitians and nutrition professionals. The Produce for Better Health website also will have a blueberry display ad and featured blueberry recipe. Later in the year, USHBC will participate in the American Heart Association’s 2023 Heart Challenge/Wall Street Run & Heart Walk in New York as a sponsor.
“Heart health is a serious topic, but we make it fun for consumers to form healthy habits – like taking a quiz to find heart-healthy blueberry recipes. A boost of blue makes every meal more nutritious and delicious,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. “We’re always excited to partner with trusted health professionals and share simple, tasty ways to enjoy blueberries, supporting healthy hearts and happy taste buds.”
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About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture research and promotion group, representing blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberrycouncil.org.
Ciruli Bros. LLC, of Rio Rico, AZ reports winter vegetable movement and volume well below what it has been used to due to colder than normal weather.
However, they seem to be turning the corner with Mexico finally experiencing temperatures in the high 80s and 90s, which should really accelerate production.
Historically, Mexico doesn’t have freezes after Valentine’s Day, so the time has arrived for the Mexican spring season to surge.
For Ash Wednesday (February 22) eggplant shipments are expected to soar. The company expects new sets of cucumbers and zucchini will be coming into production resulting in good loadings for the spring.
Chilean fruit exports during 2022 totaled 3.44 million tons with a value of $7.44 billion FOB, an increase of .6 percent in volume and decrease of .4 percent in value when compared to 2021.
Of this total value, 68.4 percent was with fresh fruit, 22.9 percent to processed fruit, and 8.7 percent to dried fruit, ODEPA reported.
Fresh fruit sales totalled 2.615 million tons for $5.085 billion, reflecting a decrease in volume of .1 percent and 4.7 percent in value compared to the previous year.
The main commodity exported during the analysis period were cherries, reflecting a volume of 397,000 tons for $2.130 billion FOB, reflecting an increase of 18.1 in volume and 17.3 percent in value compared to the previous year.
They are followed by table grapes, with a volume of 605,994 tons for $871.6 million FOB, showing an increase of 15.4 percent in volume and decrease of 5.1 percent in value. Apples followed with a volume of 602,478 tons for $518.4 million FOB, representing a decrease of 6.4 percent in volume and 15.7 percent in value. Finally there were blueberries, with a volume of 105,403 tons for $428.8 million FOB, reflecting a decrease of 6.6 in volume and 26.1 percent in value.
Nuts reached sales of 153,408 tons for $648 million FOB, reflecting an increase of 7.3 percent in volume and decrease of 4.4 percent in value.
Processed fruits reached sales of 670,785 tons for $1.706 billion FOB, reflecting an increase of 1.7 percent in volume and 17.1 percent in value.
For the first time in a quarter of a century, California’s almond acreage has decreased instead of grown, according to Land IQ, an agricultural and environmental research and consulting firm. In an August crop report, total almond tree acreage was estimated at 1.64 million acres, down from 1.66 million acres in August 2021, according to a news release.
California’s tight water restrictions and lack of rain continues to be a major problem. A recent report by Land IQ, commissioned by the Almond Board of California, confirms that even the resourceful almond industry has felt the sting of drought conditions.
Almond crop production typically begins in August, with final shipments at the end of July the following year.
Echoing Land IQ’s findings, the USDA California almond forecast predicts 2022 production will come it at 2.80 billion pounds, 4% lower than 2.92 billion pounds in 2021.
Citing a dry winter and warmer temperatures in early 2022, the USDA forecast outlines how these factors contributed to “a shorter bloom period than in recent years” that was further affected by a late February freeze, causing frost damage in many orchards. While late-blooming almond varieties reported to have fared better than early blooming varieties, according to the USDA, “the 2022 crop is not expected to be as large as the past two years.”
Land IQ also found that an estimated 30,000 acres were identified as stressed or abandoned. These acres were included in the total acreage because, according to Land IQ, they may still recover.
“Land IQ’s report may indicate a possible trend towards lower California almond acreage in the year ahead,” Richard Waycott, ABC president and CEO, said in a news release. “This acreage estimate was based on data collected through Aug. 31, so it does not reflect any additional removals that may have occurred as the harvest and post-harvest seasons progressed this fall. Those data will be incorporated in the next acreage estimate to be published in April 2023.”
