Good weather has contributed to steady supplies of artichokes from California. Good volumes and a post-Easter drop in consumption has led to some lower prices."We've had good, normal weather for artichokes," said James Delorimier of Growers Express in Salinas. "Quality is very good, and we'll have good volumes for the next few weeks, so artichokes will be a promotable item for Memorial Day." Good production conditions have led to large supplies in the face of a dip in consumption.
"It usually happens, especially after Easter, that we have an oversupply," he said. He said they've seen prices in the $10 to $14 per carton range.
Federico Cioni, of Baroda Farms in Lompoc, has also noted steady volumes, something which he also attributes to favorable weather.
"As far as things we can't control, like the weather, it's been a favorable year," he said. "Volume has been ok, not fantastic, but ok." And although he reported some smaller sizes, he said quality has been very good.
"The weather has been good, except for some frost in February, but even then the frost didn't do much harm," he said, "so overall, it's been a normal year."