There is a stronger demand for Cardone this season. "We are definitely seeing an increase in orders–it's creating a tighter supply," says Francesca Fordice of J. Marchini, adding that its supply levels are on track so far this season. "There is new business coming in. Some new retailers are asking for it and I think they are trying to get that seasonal business in."
The vegetable, also known as Cardoon, is of Mediterranean heritage and is a sister vegetable to the artichoke (even though it looks similar to celery.) "It's mainly for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then around the Easter holiday again," says Fordice.
Seasonal vegetable
Right now, the company's supply is growing in Le Grand, California where it grows well in the cooler, fall weather there. The winter crop there begins around November 1st and is harvested until the new year or supply runs out, whichever happens first. "One thing is Cardone holds very well in the field so if you don't harvest it all, it doesn't crack or rot like other commodities. It can sit there for an extra week or two," says Fordice.
In the U.S., along with California, the vegetable can also be found at some smaller farmer's markets or micro-farms and Italy is also shipping product.
As for pricing, it is higher this year on Cardone thanks to that increased demand. "The demand seems consistent and it will be that way at least until the week before Christmas," says Fordice. As far as availability for the rest of the season, J. Marchini will need to wait and see what the quality looks like after the storms in California given it has received a lot of rain over the last few days with more on the way.
For more information:
Francesca Fordice
J. Marchini Farms
Tel: +1 (559) 665-2944
[email protected]
http://www.jmarchinifarms.com/