Fresh Berries are challenged now through mid-March; supply, quality and pricing will all vacillate with the vagaries of winter weather. Beyond CA Strawberries and Raspberries, we rely now on Central and South American imports, often picked less than ideally ripe to help the delicate fruit withstand the rigors of shipping. Occasionally, we’ll see New Zealand berries and Florida Strawberries if the frost really hits the fan.
What’s a chef to do? In addition to Apples, Pears, Chocolate and Nuts, and a pantry full of in-season Citrus fruit, look to the pantry and freezer. We have high quality Blackberry, Blueberry, Cranberry, Raspberry and Strawberry frozen purees in 30-ounce re-sealable jars (which conveniently fit bar pours). There are also Individually Quick Frozen Strawberries, whole or sliced, Blackberries and Blueberries, in 30-pound cases, plus Cranberries and Raspberries in 10-pound cases. Last are frozen Huckleberries, sold per pound, plus 30-pound tubs of pitted Montmorency cherries in sugar syrup.. But wait, there’s more! Along with a host of other dried fruit, we stock dried Strawberries, Blueberries and Cranberries.
These alternates to fresh berries often provide better flavor and value in winter. Check out all of your options on your price/product list, at www.greenleafsf.com. If you’re not already set up for online product/price viewing (and ordering, if you choose), just give Customer Service a call and they will set you up … it’s easy! If you’re not familiar with our website, once signed up there are many useful tools there for your use. You may view your order history, run usage reports over a set time period, and view pending, placed orders. Information is power–check it out if you haven’t already!