Attention Foodservice Professionals! The Seasonal Chef is here to help with your advanced menu planning needs. Each quarter he will offer the “Pick of the Market” items that will be available in good to high volume for the following quarter. These items will represent some of the best produce of the season. These are the items that menus should be based on! Pick a month:
March
Arugula
Pack: 24 count carton
Arugula has a spicy, peppery flavor. It is great in salads and as zesty accompaniment to such dishes as Beef Carpaccio or Steak Frites. Use to make wonderful pesto. Cook as you might spinach. Fold into pastas just before serving, or use in savory stuffing. Try watermelon and feta cheese with arugula, lime and a touch of olive oil.
Asparagus
Pack: 28/1 lb. carton & 11/1 lb. carton
Choose from pencil size to extra jumbo. Smaller sizes don't require peeling, however larger sizes can be stringy if not peeled. Try blanched and served with Truffle vinaigrette as a salad or serve warm, topped with a fried egg and shaved Parmesan for a heartier appetizer.
Ataulfo Mangoes
Pack: 16 count carton
Also known as Champagne Mango. Ataulfos are smaller in size, but huge in flavor. They are very sweet and have little or no fiber. They also have a vibrant, balanced acidity that leaps out in every bite.
Baby Spinach
Pack: 4 lb. carton
Blanch for a few seconds, shock and puree to add a striking green color and earthy flavor to lighter sauces, pasta dough, gnocchi verde, stuffing, and so many other dishes. Deep fry spinach as a crispy garnish. Fold into risottos at the last minute or saute on its own with garlic and shallots. Dress for salads.
Dandelion Greens
Pack: 24 bunches
Dandelion greens are similar in taste and texture to chicory. They can be served raw, perhaps tossed with an Anchovy vinaigrette as a simple salad, or they can be cooked, braised with meats, sauted like spinach or folded into pastas. Blanch first to remove some bitterness is desired.
Fennel/Anise
Pack: 24 count carton
If you never had grilled fennel bulb, give it a try. Blanch slices in chicken stock until tender. Toss with olive oil and grill until well marked. Try pan-frying blanched wedges in duck fat, topping with Gruyere and breadcrumbs, and browning. Shave paper-thin slices of raw fennel and dress with lemon and olive oil for an incredible salad.
Import Cantaloupe
Pack: 9, 12 & 15 count carton
Looking for a warming winter dessert? Try Cantaloupe Brulee. Sprinkle with Turbinado sugar and torch until caramelized. Yum! Enjoy raw in fruit salads, salsas, fruit soups, smoothies and refreshing cocktails.
Key Limes
Pack: 10 lb. carton
Make a REAL key lime pie with these beauties! Very tart and perfect in vinaigrettes and marinades. Especially good when mixed with chopped garlic and used to marinade fish or pork shoulder as you would a Mojo.
Yellow Squash
Pack: 20 lb. carton
Using a Mandolin, shave long, thin, fettuccini-like ribbons for a vegan alternative to pasta. Sweat with carrot and leek ribbons for a colorful combination. Use in hearty soups like Minestrone or Pistou. Add to stir-fries, risottos, primaveras, etc. Don't forget crudits displays.
Zucchini
Pack: 20 lb. carton
Consistent in quality and supply at this time of year. How about a hearty bowl of ratatouille to warm up you and your guests on a cold March day? Try white wine-zucchini coulis with seared scallops. Great baked with provencal style olive, caper and breadcrumb stuffing.
