National Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children

Today marks the tenth annual observance of "Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with your Children." Hopefully, that means that families across the country will be gathering for dinner this evening and it will pay off.

One of my favorite memories growing up was dinner time. It was a chance to catch up from the day and have some fun. Classic conversations included what 'boyfriends' my sisters had to grades, teachers and weekend plans.

There are studies that show the more often kids eat dinner with their families the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. Did it help us? I think so. But the biggest thing that I take from family dinners and other family time, is a close relationship with my siblings. They are the best friends I have.

What about you? How important is eating together as a family for you?

Mushroom Shortage

Quincy Mushrooms, one of the biggest and best known mushroom farms in the USA is about to shut its doors. This is the second significantly sized farm in the U.S. that has closed in the past few years.

Also Creekside, the Moonlight Brand mushroom, is closing as well. It has been said that between these two growers they produced over 70 million pounds of mushrooms annually.

This is creating the old supply and demand issue. Not only are mushrooms increasing by $1.50 a case but the supply is going to be very tight through the first of the year. they are expecting another increase closer to the holidays.

This affects white mushrooms only, your buttons, medium, large and extra large. Crimini, oyster and other mushrooms are NOT affected.

We'll keep you informed as news comes in.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi also known as turnip cabbage, is a form of cabbage, a member of the mustard family. It is not a root vegetable, but rather a fleshy bulbous stem just above the ground. Kohlrabi is of European origin, and popular in Germany, Russia, Hungary and also in China.

Eggs -actly what you need to know about eggs!

Many of you are familiar with the egg recall and we have received calls and questions regarding this topic. So we've pulled together some information on the topic in hopes that this helps answer any lingering questions.

The Arizona Farm Bureau posted an article on the egg recall. A portion of the article reads “eggs affected by the expanded recall were distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centers and food service companies in Georgia, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, Oregon, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.” "The eggs were distributed by Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa"

Peddler's Son Produce has purchased eggs from Hickman's Family Farms for many years. Hickman's is a locally-based farm in Buckeye, AZ. To learn more about Hickman's and the recall check out their website.

I've found their site very helpful and fun. They also have referenced an 'eggcellent' (couldn't help myself) egg FAQ.

As always, if you have any additional questions please call your sales executive or our office at 602 253 3577.

Driscoll names Chef of the Year

Ravioli made with a pastry crust, filled with blackberries and drizzled with chocolate earned John Carver, corporate executive chef of Eddie V’s Restaurant Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., recognition from Driscoll Strawberry Associates.

It's the second most wonderful time of the year!

OK,college football is the most wonderful time of the year, but it is closely followed by the wine grape and juice time of the year.

Each fall, we celebrate an Italian tradition of making homemade wine. This will be my third grape season and I look forward to it ever year. For over 10 years, we have sold wine grapes and juice for people to make their own wine. It's fun to watch these customers, many that only speak Italian, pick up their grapes or juice and meet fellow winemakers to discuss last year's vintage. I'm a big fan of wine, so I love to hear what people are making and why.

My brother-in-law is a homebrewer so I've learned a lot about making beer. Of course, I've passed the information on to him to send to his homebrewing friends and will be curious to see if any give wine a try this year.

The grapes and juice usually arrive the beginning of September and we're planning on a September 19th pick up day. Photos and stories will follow soon after.

Do you have any family traditions that you follow? Do you make your own wine? What about 'gravy' or spaghetti sauce?

If you're interested in learning more about the grapes and juice, please send your email address to wine@peddlersson.com.

Hello 2010!

We here at Peddler's Son work on a fiscal calendar. So, that means June 30th marked the end of 2009. There was much to be thankful for over the past year, so we decided to get together at The Duce and I have some pictures to prove it.



The night crew has done a lot to improve efficiencies and quality control. They got a huge round of applause from Ted and the team.




One special award went for our initial inductee to our 'Peddler's Son Produce Hall of Fame'. Teddy Sardina was the recipient of this award. We thanked him for his many years of dedicated service and most of all, his love and friendship.



This also provided the team a chance to say thanks to Joe and Ted for the great work environment and family atmosphere that we have here. A plaque signed by all of the Peddler's Son Produce team was given to Ted and Joe thanking them for all that they do for us.


We'd also like to take this time to thank our customers. Of course, we wouldn't be here without you!