THE PRODUCE INDUSTRY - Raspberries. Right now, this berry staple is at the top of my fresh produce shopping list. My daughter eats half a pack at a time, and I usually swipe a handful every time I walk by the fridge. While buying and selling fresh produce is the lifeblood of this business, it's fun to find out what produce items top some of our friends' grocery lists.
So, please join me as some of them share this month's favorites and even how they like them prepared.
Gene Harris, Senior Purchasing Manager, Denny's
"Since it is spring, I would have to say strawberries are at the top of my produce grocery list! Currently, strawberries are looking and tasting so good, and they are good for you. My year-round favorite is avocados for the flavor, versatility, and healthy qualities as well."
Jami Espinosa, Category Manager, Produce, Wakefern Food Corp.
"Sweet corn is at the top of my grocery list this month because it's delicious, convenient, and something that everyone in my household will eat without fail! My favorite way to prepare it is, oven-roasted! No need to wait for a sunny day to BBQ."
Noelle Neary, Category Manager, Produce, Wakefern Food Corp.
“At the top of my grocery store list is always avocados. I love how versatile it is; we eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner...and everything in between! It's as easy as slicing it in half and giving it to my kids with a spoon for snack time. My household is still on the avocado toast bandwagon. I would say it's on the menu a few times a week, we can't get enough!”
Chris Miller, Produce Director, MOM's Organic Market
“Right now, my go-to veggie is Josie's Regenerative Organic Sweet Baby Broccoli. I prepare it with olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 10 minutes in a high-heat oven until it gets a little bit charred. It makes for the perfect weekday side that is super simple, flavorful, and goes with almost any meal!”
Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations, Harps Food Stores
“I’m a huge strawberry, blueberry, and lately, blackberry fan, so they are up there. Arkansas tomatoes are going to be here in June, and I can literally sit over this sink with a salt shaker and eat myself damn near sick! But if you are talking about May, as many of my family and people that I work with know, I am a huge fan of CORN! Specifically, Amaize Corn!! I can eat it raw, although I do like cooking it on the grill a lot better, and yes, I smother it in butter and salt, but it isn’t a side dish for me it’s the center of the plate item!!! I love it! I love to sell it but I love to eat it more!!! I guess you could say I am corny!"
I'd love to know what tops your lists, friends! So please, send your faves our way as well!
