Peter's Warehouse Walk
June 17, 2025
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to tour some fields in Salinas California. They were showing us their spring mix field that was being harvested. It was amazing to learn that process. The next field over was romaine lettuce. The field manager and I walked into the romaine. It was his job to pick what to plant and when so the lettuce would be ready the day we need it. Talk about pressure! You mess up by a couple days and the nation either has too much lettuce or not enough. There goes the Caesar Salad! He reached down with his pocketknife and cut a lettuce at the ground. He then handed me some and said, “Nothing better than fresh Romaine straight from the field for breakfast.” Well…. The Local Season has started on Romaine Lettuce (28396-24 ct) along with Green Leaf (28378-24 ct) and Red Leaf ( 28395-24 ct) from Calfarms in Oregon City. Cal Farms is a family-run grower, packer and shipper of over 30 organic and sustainably grown fresh market vegetables. Operations are located near Portland, Oregon along the fertile banks of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers, Central Oregon's High Desert, and the Colombia Basin.
Speaking of the Columbia Basin, Gunkel Orchards just sent us the first pick on Red Cherries (20540-18 lb) and Rainier Cherries (20538-16 lb). They come complete with cherry stains on the lid. Gunkel Orchards has optimum growing conditions for stone fruits. Being east of The Dalles, they enjoy warm sunny days with a good breeze thru. I bet you did not know that Bing Cherries are an Oregon Native? Bing cherries were first discovered growing in the orchard of Seth Lewelling in 1875 in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, near the city of Milwaukie. The cherries were believed to be an open-pollinated cross between black republican and royal ann cherries, also known as napoleon cherries in France. The variety was selected for its large size, uniform shape, sweet-tart flavor, and pigmented coloring, as it was the only dark red cultivar produced in the Pacific Northwest during the late 19th century. Today Bing cherries are one of the most commercially produced varieties in the United States. The cherries favor a dry summer climate and grow especially well in California and the Pacific Northwest, specifically Washington and Oregon.
There is nothing better than having a great Chile Rellenos during the summertime. For a while we did a whole section of the menu that was traditionally cooked Latin American Foods. Once in a blue moon, they would ask for Pasilla Peppers (22007- 1-7/9 bushel, 22009- 10lb, 25517 – 3 lb). I started the first time with 4 cases. We sold out in 30 to 45 minutes. Next time was 6 cases…. Sold out. Then 8 cases… sold out again. Yes we were pushing 10 cases for homemade Chile Rellenos. It took them 3 days to make them. First day was cook off the ground beef for the filling. Second day was char and peel all the chiles. Third day was all hands filling the Pasilla Peppers with their ground beef and cheese filling. Day of, they had the tilt kettle blocked out all day just to cook the Rellenos. They were so good. If you feel inclined to make Chile Rellenos con Carne Molido, let me know and I will be first in line.
Melons have taken a turn for the better. The Turlock Melon Season is a couple weeks away. (Best Melons of the YEAR!). But that does not mean we can not enjoy a good Hami Melon (25796-6 ct). Hami Melons are a very heavy, football shaped melon. It is a little unusual as it will be crisp fleshed when fully ripe. It never really softens up at all but this makes it great for different uses beyond the breakfast fruit. Some reason Bay Shrimp come to mind, perhaps it is the lovely weather we have been enjoying. Dice up the Hami Melons to a small dice. In a bowl it goes with fresh Bay Shrimpmeat. Oh yes, the Walla Walla Sweets (23941-40lb) just came in! Shave a little of the Walla Walla Sweet into the bowl. Chop a little Fresh Mint, EVOO, and Lime Juice. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to taste. Now we are there for a good summer dish.
Walking by the Receiving Station, the Team was checking the Fingerling Potatoes (22427-50 lb, 25518-5 lb) that arrived from Mount Vernon Washington, north of Seattle…..
Can anyone say, “Does anyone like Fingerling Potatoes?
Oh, I F&@#ing LOVE Fingerling potatoes!” Name the movie!
