• July is here and the weather is getting hotter, which means it’s the perfect time to try some fruits that can cool you off. We have peaches, nectarines, watermelons, cantaloupes, honeydews and even apricots, all delicious tastes of the summer months. If you are planning a party or a cookout, Kegel’s also has their cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelons cut up for easy serving. For those who desire a little variety, we also make a fruit salad blend, complete with dews, lopes, melons and grapes. Call us today for more information on these and more products.

• Sweet corn and tomatoes are almost here. Weather has been terrific the past few weeks here in Lancaster and the crops are really starting to come on. Currently, we are offering squash, green peppers, kale and cabbage, just to name a few. We have geared up for the local produce season; have you?

• Similar to us here on the east coast, growers in California have been in the middle of a very productive weather pattern. Expectations are that the weather will continue to hold the current pattern for at least the next week, and commodities shouldn’t fluctuate either on quality or cost dramatically.

• LETTUCES: Iceberg lettuce seems to be over the growth issues we have been dealing with over the past month, as good weather has helped with quality. Romaine and Green Leaf markets have risen a little bit as quality and volume have slipped a bit in the early stages of last week. There are no major issues on the horizon, and with the expected good weather, things should be getting back to comfortable levels in the near future.

• MELONS & DEWS: Size, quality and demand for lopes and dews are all good, and no major problems are expected through this week.

• CELERY: The transition in growing areas for California Celery has completed and inspectors are finding good quality thus far. Case weights are averaging 53 pounds and length continues to be near 2 feet.

• BROCCOLI: Growing patterns have been terrific for broccoli growers over the past three weeks. Prices and quality are expected to hold at their current levels throughout the week and should continue to do so unless something dramatic changes.

• CAULIFLOWER: Some may have noticed the higher market for Cauliflower over the past few weeks, but now that supplies have started to bounce back due to the growing conditions, things should ease off quite a bit in this coming week.

• LOCAL PRODUCE: Many local farmers are ready to really get into things when it comes to harvesting. Sweet Corn is just about ready to break loose, which is always a welcome sight here in Lancaster County and beyond. As mentioned last week, local tomatoes are also ready, and should be in house here at Kegel’s by the end of this week. We are looking forward to working with our local connections throughout the summer to bring you the finest and best quality of product we can.

• Be sure to connect to our website, www.kegels.com, for the latest news from the produce world.

Grilled Potato Salad

yield: Makes about 4 servings.

ingredients

1/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar
1 large shallot, chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
12 medium red-skinned potatoes
Additional olive oil
2 bunches watercress, trimmed
3 green onions, chopped

preperation

Combine vinegar, shallot, and mustard in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Mix in cheese. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 16 minutes. Drain; cool completely. Cut potatoes into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Brush rounds on both sides with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Arrange watercress on platter. Grill potatoes until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.

Mound warm potatoes atop watercress; sprinkle with green onions. Spoon vinaigrette over potatoes.

Have a great week!