S E R V I C E
•
V E R S AT I L I T Y
•
K N O W L E D G E
sourced October-December 2020 | Issue No. 1
This First Issue is Dedicated to Our Father,
Anton T. Marano (Retired) PAGE 2
welcome to SOURCED pg 3
meet our potato department pg 8
gotcha™ fruit our new citrus brand
merchandising tips, tricks & treats
pg 14
pg 18
2 | Sourced | October - December 2020
DEDICATION
Protecting the Golden Goose
Sourced magazine is dedicated to our father, Anton T. Marano. Dad was the second generation Owner/CEO of AMC from 1987 to 2013. He’s retired now and enjoying spending time with his family and his horses. Our success is built upon the foundation that he, and his father before him, created. Our company purpose is deeply rooted in the values and lessons that he taught us. He motivated us to live the 'Marano' way and protect the 'golden goose' (AMC).
“Our employees are our number one priority. If we take care of them, they will take care of the golden goose.”
— Anton T. Marano
3
welcome to
Sourced
SERVICE • VERSATILITY • KNOWLEDGE Since 1947, AMC has sold produce to provide better life opportunities for our employees and their families. Our success comes from the ability to deliver kick-ass service, versatility and knowledge to our customers and growers. Sourced was created to help do just that! Inside our first edition of Sourced, meet the spud experts in our potato department, get tips and tricks from our merchandising guru, learn about produce in a fun new way, see our new products, and much more! We hope you enjoy! Sincerely,
Anton Marano
Damon Marano
Chief Executive Officer Chief Sales Officer
4 | Sourced | October - December 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS Dedication............................................................................................................ 2 Welcome to Sourced............................................................................................3
grower spotlight
SERVICE
quality assurance...................................................................................... 5 AMC is dedicated to food security
AMC all stars..................................................................................................6 congratulations to our quarterly employee All Stars
meet our team: the potato department.............................. 8 learn about the inner workings of our potato department
PAGE 10
grower spotlight: Matthews Ridgeview Farms............10 the best sweet potatoes around
VERSATILITY
hot products
Chipperbec potatoes................................................................................................... 12 Green Giant potatoes................................................................................................... 13
new and noteworthy: gotcha fruit?....................................... 14 PAGE 14
announcing Market Cuts fresh cut fruits and vegetables by AMC ...16 KNOWLEDGE
merchandising tips, tricks & treats with Dennis B............................................................................................ 18 our resident merchandising guru shares ideas to make your produce section the best it can be
merchandising
tips, tricks & treats! PAGE 18
seasonal selections top seasonal picks....................................................................................................... 20 seasonal chart............................................................................................................... 21 let’s celebrate 2020 ..................................................................................................... 22 the easy peasy guide to hard squashes .................................................................. 23
produce guides
sourced October - December 2020 | Issue No. 1 Anthony Marano Company 3000 S. Ashland Ave. • Chicago, IL 60608 773.321.7500 | info@amarano.com
… and a partridge in a pear tree ................................................................................ 24 an apple a day.............................................................................................................. 25
chef fred’s corner................................................................................... 26
SERVICE | QUALITY ASSURANCE | 5
The Anthony Marano Company’s
Commitment to Quality Assurance We are passionately committed to the continuous improvement of quality and food safety. The enhancement of customer and consumer confidence in our products is key to our long-term success. We provide products that exceed quality, food safety, and regulatory requirements. Our employees are responsible for exercising quality and food safety management systems under our certifications, including SQF. We are engaged in continuously improving business processes that have impact on the quality and food safety of our products and in improving the effectiveness of our systems. Total quality management systems have been put into place to preserve the quality of food and to prevent contamination and food-borne illnesses.
OUR HAZARD ANALYSIS
includes these Preventative Programs
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
APPROVED SUPPLIER PROGRAM PREVENTATIVE CONTROL
GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES
FOREIGN MATERIAL POLICY
SANITATION EFFECTIVENESS
PEST CONTROL
INTERNAL AUDITS & INSPECTIONS
COLOR CODE
We protect food security with strong programs including food defense, food fraud, crisis management, recall, and a business continuity plan.
ALLERGEN PROGRAM
CONGRATULATIONS
6 | Sourced | October - December 2020
ALL STARS Our All Star employees exemplify our AMC company behaviors: We are Motivated: We work to be better than we were yesterday. We create our own opportunities. Regardless our title or position, we get the job done.
We Protect the Golden Goose: We treat AMC like it is ours. We do what is best for AMC and AMC does what is best for us.
We Live the “Marano” Way: We take pride in what we do. We pay attention to the details. We are passionate. We are “family”.
Edgar Lara
Director of Operations Market Cuts
AMC Family Member Since 2010
Edgar’s hunger and motivation have driven his career growth at AMC. He started as a repacker and has had many other roles and promotions including picker, night receiver, tomato operations, sales coordinator, and sales professional. Today, he is director of operations for Market Cuts. Edgar asks questions, is a curious learner, and has been able to build two strong shifts at Market Cuts due to his ability to coach, inspire, and work well with others. He is an ideal team player and treats AMC like it is his. • By August 1, 2020, after only seven months of operations, Market Cuts achieved its operational efficiency goal of 30 pounds per person, per hour for the first time. Rewarded employees with tacos and churros for lunch. • Creates operation processes to hold 105 employees accountable to the efficiency goals.
Ximena Martinez
Accounts Receivable Manager
AMC Family Member Since 2012
Ximena's dedication and hunger have driven her career growth at AMC. She started as a repacker and then worked as a receptionist before becoming an accounts receivable professional and now manager. She is not afraid to speak up when it comes to doing what is best for AMC. Her humility has allowed her to use her resources to continue to grow. • In the last six months, she coached and trained a new team of five accounts receivable professionals. • Started at 2am for two weeks, learned, then trained someone to manage the cashiers office (does whatever it takes to get the job done).
TO OUR AMC ALL STARS!
Carlos Nava
Alejandro Garcia
SERVICE | AMC ALL STARS | 7
Martin Barrios
Cash Board Coordinator
Night Repack
Day Repack
AMC Family Member Since 2011
AMC Family Member Since 2015
AMC Family Member Since 2016
Because of his positive energy and willingness to learn, Carlos was promoted from a cooler captain to a pick-up board coordinator in June of 2020. Since then, he has gained the trust of customers and employees by taking pride in what he does and paying attention to the details.
Alejandro’s ability to coach, train and work with people have been key to the success of the new repack shift. He is an ideal team player who leads by example. Regardless of his position or title, he gets the job done.
• Within a week of training, he learned and took full ownership of the pick-up customer board.
• Assisted in the creation of a night repack shift.
Martin’s hunger and dependability have allowed him to succeed and become a key team member of the repack department. Every day he works to be better than he was yesterday. It is this mindset that has led to his growth at the company, from a repacker to a line captain. He is able to cover multiple positions as needed
• When his responsibilities are done for the day, instead of going home, he assists the other operations boards. • Improved the communication with Independent Wholesale Distributors and pick-up customers.
• Trained 60 new employees in four months including six new line captains. • Continues to coach and improve the process and efficiencies on the night repack shift.
• Within five months, he learned four key positions in the repack department (production board coordinator, line operator, line captain, line runner). • Became a dependable back up to multiple key positions by being reliable seven days a week.
8 | Sourced | October - December 2020
meet our team POTATO DEPARTMENT josh nathan director AMC Family Member Since 2007
tom buzanis associate director AMC Family Member Since 2018
angelica rodriguez commodity and sales professional AMC Family Member Since 2002
brian lam commodity and sales professional AMC Family Member Since 2017
matthew swanson sales coordinator AMC Family Member Since 2020
araseli hernandez sales assistant AMC Family Member Since 2013
I come from a long lineage of potato and onion people, starting with my great grandfather, grandfather, and father, Mark Nathan. In 2007, I started picking orders at AMC and, under the leadership of my father, transitioned into sales in 2015. He passed along his knowledge and passion to me, and it is what motivates me to lead the team today. Besides work, I have a passion for golf and cars (speaking of driving). I got my itch for cars from my father as well.
I have worked in the produce industry for over 20 years in both wholesale and retail, including running my family’s grocery store. A fun benefit of working here are the golf matches we have between departments. Our work environment is stronger because of the comradery and bonds that these games have created. When not golfing, I spend time with my 12-year old rottweiler (Sampson) at the park.
I have been in the department for 18 years! I started in accounts payable, then sales administration, and progressed into sales. I am very proud to be one of the first women sales professionals at AMC! In my free time, I like to get together with my friends and go to “Sip and Paints”. It gives me time to myself to relax and unwind.
I have been in the produce industry for over 20 years, specializing in potatoes and onions for 12 years. When not selling produce, I spend time with my two sons, Matthew (10) and Nathan (8). On the weekends, you can find us on the shooting range.
Being new to AMC, it's been great to be able to spend time with the team outisde of work. It has helped me learn about my teammates and make this an awesome start to my new career. In my personal time, I spend as much time possible with my 1-year old nephew.
I started in 2013 as a repacker and quickly became an order checker. After four years, I became the sales assistant for the department. I am proud of where I am today. I am a mother of four beautiful boys. During our spare time, we enjoy playing at the park and board games.
  SERVICE | MEET OUR TEAM 9 | 9
New and Exciting! The Vidalia onion season ended early this year. We brought in a new California flat onion from Bako to fill the gap until Peruvian Sweet onions start. This product was new to Marano last year. — Tom
Microwaveable Idaho Baker Potatoes
Microwaveable Sweet Potatoes
GREEN GIANT POTATO PRODUCTS
SEE PAGE 13 for more details and how to order
4ct Baker Potato
Seasoned in the bag, microwaveable mini potatoes and mashers
GOOD TO KNOW October, November and December are the best months of the year for the potato department! Summer is a difficult time to source onions because of high heat, thin skin, and changing growing regions. We welcome the fall and winter months because storage onions prove to be more consistent with greater availability and quality. Potatoes and yams are in high demand for the holidays, and we expect that all of our main items will be readily available at great prices. Sweet potatoes are perhaps the most popular commodity during the fall and winter holidays. We anticipate quality to be amazing from our growers with exceptional pricing. Beginning in early fall, Idaho will be harvesting the 2021 potato crop. Because of the early frost in 2020, the seed potato yield may be effected.
our products
onions
potatoes
yams
rutabaga
fingerling potatoes
sweet potatoes
shallots
10 | Sourced | October - December 2020
grower spotlight: The Anthony Marano Company is proud of our partnership with Matthews Ridgeview Farms. Their reputation for integrity, quality, and customer service is well known, and their sweet potatoes are some of the best on the market!
About The Farms: The Matthews family has been growing sweet potatoes for over 100 years! Terris Matthews is a fourth generation sweet potato farmer and started his career with Matthews Brothers. However, after years in the family business, he and his wife Kim began Matthews Ridgeview Farms in 2006. Today, with 3,500 acres (2,100 acres of sweet potatoes), Matthews Ridgeview Farms are the largest growers/packers/shippers in the state of Arkansas! Matthews Ridgeview Farms are committed to supplying their customers and the end consumer with fresh, healthy, and safe produce. They are Global G.A.P. certified as a grower, packing facility, and for the storage and transportation of produce. Matthews Ridgeview Farms are certified by Oregon Tilth to handle organics. To order these amazing potatoes, contact the AMC Potato Department at potato@amarano.com.
product features: Delicious and Unique Varieties Multi-Pack Sizes Global GAP Certified
varieties offered: BULK SIZES: F I F T H G E N E R AT I O N S W E E T P O TAT O E S HOG WILD S W E E T P O TAT O E S PREMIER S W E E T P O TAT O E S
sweet potato facts George Washington was a sweet potato farmer. When stored in a dry, cool location, unwashed sweet potatoes can store well for weeks, or even months. Archaeologists have found prehistoric remnants of sweet potatoes in Polynesia thought to be from about 1000-1100 AD. What the difference? Sweet potatoes are from the morning glory plant family, they are actually a flower! Yams are drier, starchier, have white colored flesh, and are from the yam plant family. Yams are also larger than sweet potatoes.
R I V E R B O AT S T E A M E R S PETITE S W E E T P O TAT O E S
2LB, 3LB, 4LB, 5LB WHITE AND SWEET P O TAT O E S QUICK & CONVENIENT: PETITE SWEET F I F T H G E N E R AT I O N M I C R O WAVA B L E S W E E T P O TAT O
  SERVICE | GROWER SPOTLIGHT | 11
PROUD PARTNER
matthews ridgeview farms GROWING POTATOES FOR OVER 100 YEARS!
Terris and Kim Matthews
these are some really ‘
12 | Sourced | October - December 2020
AMERICA’S FINEST CHEFS DEMAND CHIPPERBEC PROUD PARTNER
• Grown Specifically for: High Solids, Low Sugar, Low Moisture • US #1 Process Grade Potato • 2 3/4 Minimum Size
Chipperbec potatoes have been developed over 40 years by America’s most experienced potato farmers to meet the demands of today’s restaurant chefs. While Chipperbecs are the world's greatest frying and chipping potatoes, they are also a wonderful potato for mashing, potato salads, potato pancakes, and more.
The Chipperbec potato is a brand of a white potato variety, which has been commonly referred to as a “Kennebec” or “Kennebec-style” potato in recent years.
y ‘hot’ potatoes!
VERSATILITY | HOT PRODUCTS | 13 13
from
One Step and Done Delicious, seasoned in the bag, microwaveable mini potatoes.
Minute Mashers
Smash-in-bag fresh potatoes with chef inspired seasonings.
VARIETY
SIZE
UPC
One Step Petite Yellow Sesame Spice
12/1lb
605806003479
One Step Petite Yellow Toasted Onion
12/1lb
605806003486
One Step Petite Red Cajun
12/1lb
605806003493
One Step Petite Red Garlic Rosemary
12/1lb
605806003509
One Step Petite Roasted Pepper
12/1lb
605806003516
Minute Mashers Buttery Sea Salt and Pepper
12/1lb
605806003974
Minute Mashers Buttery Chive and Dill
12/1lb
605806003967
Minute Mashers Buttery Roasted Garlic
12/1lb
605806003981
Ask us about available displays to support your Green Giant Potato Program!
To order contact the AMC Potato Department at potato@amarano.com or 773.321.7560
14 | Sourced | October - December 2020
Get your
gotcha brand ™
citrus and avocados only at the Anthony Marano Company.
5
—Packaged fresh daily!— Conventional and USDA certified organic citrus and avocados are available in our exclusive, family friendly gotcha™ brand. Packaging created for both vertical and horizontal shelving orientations.
Get Me
! I’m pac k e d in the M i by a fa dwest m compan ily y.
e! M t e G great
I’m a gan ve tute ti subsdairy. for
avocados
grapefruit
lemons
  VERSATILITY | NEW & NOTEWORTHY | 15
ORANGES 150/4lb
UPC 042808002350
192/3lb
UPC 042808002329
75/8lb
UPC 042808002343
9/3lb
UPC 042808002329
LEMONS GRAPEFRUIT 192/3lb
UPC 042808002268
120/5lb
UPC 042808002251
75/8lb
UPC 042808002275
9/3lb
UPC 042808002268
5/5lb
UPC 042808002251
180/2lb
UPC 042808002299
12/2lb
UPC 042808002299
LIMES AVOCADO 14/5ct
180/2lb
UPC 042808002213
12/2lb
UPC 042808002213
UPC 042808002510
ORGANICS ORANGES
9/3lb
UPC 042808002473
LEMONS
12/2lb
UPC 042808002435
GRAPEFRUIT
9/3lb
UPC 042808002664
LIME
15/1lb
UPC 042808002497
AVOCADO
18/4ct
UPC 042808347840
For more information, or to place an order, contact your sales representative.
16 | Sourced | October - December 2020
QUALITY ASSURANCE Our daily operations follow SQF and the highest level of product safety standards in our industry.
QUALITY ASSURANCE QUALITY ASSURANCE QUALITY ASSURANCE Our daily operations follow SQF and the highest level
Our daily operations follow SQF and the highest level
of product safety standards in our industry. product safety standards in our industry. Our ofdaily operations follow SQF and the highest level Dedicated Quality temperature Control and Food SQF of product safety standards in our industry. controlled facility Certified Safety Personnel
temperatureDAILY QUALITY SQF SQF MONITORED Daily quality controlled facility Certified CERTIFIED ASSESSMENTS AND CRITICAL CONTROL assessments and SHELF LIFE TESTING POINTS shelf LIFE testing
Dedicated Quality Control and Food SQF Certified Safety Personnel
temperature TEMPERATURE controlledFACILITY facility CONTROLLED SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
temperature 40,000 SQUARE FOOT PROCESSING CENTER SQF controlled facility Certified MONITORED MONITORED Daily quality
Dedicated Quality Control and Food Safety Personnel Daily quality
PREPARED in our new, state of the art facility. CRITICAL CONTROL POINTS
assessments and shelf LIFE testing
40,000 SQUARE FOOT PROCESSING CENTER
3000 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60608 773-321-7695 • info@marketcuts.com MONITORED
CRITICAL CONTROL POINTS
3000 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60608 773-321-7695 • info@marketcuts.com
CRITICAL CONTROL SUPPLY CHAIN POINTS MANAGEMENT
40,000 SQUARE FOOT PROCESSING CENTER
Daily quality assessments and shelf LIFE testing
3000 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60608 773-321-7695 • info@marketcuts.com
40,000 SQUARE FOOT PROCESSING CENTER
3000 South Ashland Avenue
assessments and shelf LIFE testing
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Dedicated Q Control an Safety Pers
SUPPLY C MANAGEM
VERSATILITY | ANNOUNCING MARKET CUTS | 17
FRESH CUT FRUITS & V E G E TA B L E S
Contact: David O’Brochta
Business Development Manager 773.321.7513 • davido@amarano.com
3000 S. Ashland Ave. • Chicago, Illinois 60608
QUALITY ASSURANCE QUALITY ASSURANCE dailyhighest operations Our daily operations follow SQF Our and the level follow SQF and the highest level product safety standards in our industry. of product safety standards in ourofindustry.
SQF Certified
MONITORED MONITORED CRITICALcontrol CONTROL critical Points POINTS
SQF temperature Certified facility controlled
Dedicated Quality temperature Control and Food controlled facility Safety Personnel
MONITORED Daily quality DEDICATED QUALITY Daily quality CRITICAL CONTROL assessments SUPPLY and CHAIN PERSONNEL assessmentsASSURANCE and POINTS shelf MANAGEMENT LIFE testing shelf LIFE testing
40,000 SQUARE FOOT PROCESSING CENTER 40,000 SQUARE FOOT PROCESSING CENTER
• SQF Certified Facility • Quality Product, Consistent Flavor
3000 South Ashland Avenue 3000 South Ashland Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60608 Chicago, Illinois 60608 773-321-7695 • info@marketcuts.com 773-321-7695 • info@marketcuts.com
• Freshest Source of Cut Produce in the Midwest
• Experienced Team Who Cares About Our Customer’s Success • Custom Blends and Pack Sizes Available • We Procure Produce From Hundreds of Growers Daily
Dedicated Quality Control and Food Safety Personnel
SUPPLY CHAIN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
18 | Sourced | October - December 2020
merchandising
tips, tricks B. s i n n e & treats! with D Merchandising can be one of the biggest influences on purchasing decisions. Here's how to display your produce in an appealing way and truly "WOW" your customers. The better it looks, the more it will sell. Understanding the psychology behind merchandising is one of the best ways to influence your success.
BEFORE
no!
boring laminated signage
no!
empty displays
KNOWLEDGE | MERCHANDISING TIPS & TRICKS | 19
Dennis says:
“set the tone” Fresh produce should be what customers see immediately when entering the store. Feature seasonal produce, popular items, or great values. The goal is for shoppers to put product in their carts as soon as they walk in the door.
• boost sales with point of purchase marketing Use colorful posters, offer recipe cards, or product information. Engage with your customer about the produce, and add value by telling them a story.
• keep well stocked displays When shoppers see a display with only a few items left, these items could be seen as “leftovers” with no value. Customers cannot buy what you do not display!
• cross merchandise Think about other items that you can display with your produce to maximize sales. For example, set cereal or dairy by your bananas (or vice versa), put blueberries near yogurt, or limes by beer.
• group merchandise Give the customer a reason for a cart. —Dennis B.
Put like items together in the same display. Holiday “go-to” produce like green beans, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower work well. Group multiple varieties of similar items together like sweet potatoes (red garnet, oriental, purple stokes, and traditional) or tomatoes (rounds, beefsteak, tomato on the vine, cherries, and grapes).
yes!
AFTER
professionally printed themed signage
yes!
full displays
20 | Sourced | October - December 2020
top seasonal picks apples
hard squash
Sweet, tart, or crunchy. For snacking or cooking. We have all your favorites!
Pumpkins and gourds, plus a bevy of squash varieties. These fall and winter flavors are on shopping lists and menus all season long.
This is peak apple season!
Availability varies.
yams & sweet potatoes
A holiday season essential. Check out our profile of Matthews Ridgeview Farms (page 10) in this edition of Sourced.
green beans
cranberries
citrus
Fresh berries are a must have for the most delicious sauces, stuffings, and desserts. Best from October through December.
Domestic mandarins are available through the winter months. The peak season for oranges and grapefruit is October to February.
pears
brussels sprouts
pomegranates
Special fall and winter varieties currently available.
A must have holiday side dish.
It’s definitely the best time of the year for delicious pears!
Available throughout the year.
A healthy superfood, great for salads, dips, and juicing. A pretty pop of holiday color in punches and desserts.
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without this traditional side. Available througout the year.
Available through the end of the year.
  KNOWLEDGE | SEASONAL SELECTIONS | 21
seasonal chart LOCAL APPLES
SPECIALTY OCT
NOV
DEC
APPLES
OCT NOV
ORGANIC DEC
LOCAL
BRAEBURN
AMBROSIA
CABBAGE, GREEN
CORTLAND
ENVY
CABBAGE, RED
EMPIRE
IDA RED
LADY ALICE
JONAGOLD
OPAL
JONATHAN
PINATA
RED DELICIOUS
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
ROME
FRUITS & VEGETABLES BEETS, RED | MI BLUEBERRIES | MI
OCT
NOV
DEC
BEANS, KENTUCKY BEANS, PINTO CHERIMOYA
IL, IN, WI, OH, IA, MI
KALE, GREEN
IL, IN, WI, OH, IA, MI
PEPPERS, GREEN TOMATOES, CHERRY OCT NOV
DEC
WI, OH
TOMATOES, GRAPE WI, OH
SQUASH
WI, OH, IA, MI
SQUASH, YELLOW
IL, IN, WI, OH, IA, MI
CABBAGE, GREEN | IL, WI CELERY | MI
KUMQUATS
SPECIALTY
CELERY ROOT | IL
MANDARIN, STEM AND LEAF
APPLES, ARKANSAS BLACK
NUTS, BULK
APPLES, MITSU
ORANGES, BLOOD
SQUASH, DELICATA
HORSERADISH | IL ONION, RED | WI, IA, MI
ORANGES, HONEYBELL
ONION, YELLOW | WI, IA, MI
PEARS, ABATE FETEL
PARSNIPS | MI POTATOES, RUSSET | WI PUMPKINS | IL, WI, MI PUMPKIN, FAIRY TALE | WI SQUASH, HARD | MI RADISH, BLACK | IL TOMATOES, CHERRY IL, IN, MI
TOMATOES, GRAPE IL, IN, MI TOMATOES, ROMA | IL, IN, MI
PERSIMMONS PUMPKINS PUMELLO RAMBUTANS ORO BLANCO STARFRUIT
DEC
KALE, BLACK
ZUCCHINI
GRAPES, CONCORD | MI
NOV
IL, IN, WI, OH, IA, MI
HALLOWEEN ORNAMENTALS
DILL | IL
OCT
CHARDS
KIKU
HONEYCRISP
DEC
IL, IN, WI, OH, IA, MI
KANZI
GOLDEN DELICIOUS
NOV
IL, IN, WI, OH, IA, MI
JAZZ
FUJI
OCT
IL, IN, WI, OH, IA, MI
SQUASH, RED KURI TANGERINES, KISHU YAMS, JERSEY SWEET YAMS, PURPLE STOKES
22 | Sourced | October - December 2020
let’s celebrate 2020 12 15 1 26 1
OCT
COLUMBUS DAY
National Dessert Month Vegetarian Month
16 BOSS’S DAY
WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY
NOV 12
NATIONAL CRANBERRY DAY
DEC
ELECTION DAY
1
11
VETERAN’S DAY
ALL SAINT’S DAY WORLD VEGAN DAY
30
27
26
CYBER MONDAY
PRESIDENT’S DAY & BLACK FRIDAY
THANKSGIVING DAY
11
FIRST DAY OF CHANUKAH
3
18
25 26
CHRISTMAS DAY
CHRISTMAS EVE
31
HALLOWEEN
3
Daylight Savings Time Ends
NATIONAL APPLE PIE DAY
24
NATIONAL POTATO DAY
NATIONAL APPLE DAY
SWEETEST DAY
National Pepper Month Good Nutrition Month National Pomegranate Month World Vegan Month
NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY
21 27
17
NATIONAL MUSHROOM DAY
FIRST DAY OF KWANZAA
12
NATIONAL KIWI FRUIT DAY
LAST DAY OF CHANUKAH
31
NEW YEAR’S EVE
y s a e p y eas the
Retailer Tip: Found this guide helpful? Post it for your customers! Help them make informed shopping decisions and help them navigate your produce section. Cut along the dotted line
  KNOWLEDGE | SEASONAL SELECTIONS | 23
. guide to .
hard squashes
ORNAMENTAL GOURDS Displays, crafts, and more. While these gourds aren’t very tasty, their presence signals the holidays are almost here!
SPAGHETTI SQUASH
KABOCHA Smooth, buttery texture, honey-like flavor. Drier and more dense than other squashes. Great for baking, steaming, or pureeing and adding to soups. When baked, the flesh of the spaghetti squash separates like spaghetti noodles. Mild flavor, can be prepared in both sweet and savory dishes. Great for roasting. Scrape out the strands and dress with butter or pasta sauce.
PUMPKIN
ACORN
Pie pumpkins (2-8 lbs) are best for cooking while larger pumpkins are used for decorations and carving. Pie pumpkins can be pureed and added to soups, breads or pancakes. Use for ravioli filling too! Great when roasted or steamed.
Sweet, mild, and firm flesh. High in fiber. Edible skin. Green, yellow and white varieties. Great for roasting, grilling, stuffing and baking.
BUTTERNUT
DELICATA
Sweet, nutty flavor, similar to a sweet potato. Dense and creamy, pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Easy to peel. Great for roasting and soups.
Creamy flavor and texture. Skin is edible. Great for roasting and stuffing.
24 | Sourced | October - December 2020
BOSC
…and a partridge in a pear tree WARREN
WARREN
ABATE FETEL
Exceptional flavor. Dessert pear, perfect for poaching and baking.
A gourmand variety. Slightly crisp, rich, and sweet. Asymmetric with natural brown russeting.
D’ANJOU D’ANJOU
COMICE
Mild flavor, firm texture. Sweet and juicy. Green and red varieties.
Fruity flavor and aroma, best when eaten raw.
BARTLETT Juiciest when eaten raw. Good for sauces and butters. Will lose shape when cooked.
ASIAN More apple than pear. Very crunchy, perfect for eating raw.
BOSC Good for cooking and poaching. Crisp with a strong aroma.
ABATE FATEL
COMICE
ASIAN
BARTLETT
KNOWLEDGE | PRODUCE GUIDES | 25
an apple a day
There are so many different kinds of apple varieties that if you ate a different kind every day, it would take more than 27 years to try them all!
GOLDEN DELICIOUS JONATHAN EMPIRE GALA Crisp snappy bite over a mellow sweetness. Great for fresh eating or cooking.
MCINTOSH Juicy white flesh, lightly tart flavor, and excellent aroma. Excellent in salads, applesauce, cider, and in pies.
Creamy, crisp, and juicy white flesh with a flavor that is sweet and tart at the same time. Eat fresh or use for candy making, caramel apples, or baking.
Used for fresh eating and cooking. Juicy flavor has a spicy tang.
BRAEBURN Rich, spicy-flavored, firm with a crisp bite. Ideal for pies and baking.
Firm and crisp with white flesh. Balanced between sweet and tart with notes of honey. Good for eating fresh or cooked with savory items like onions, cabbage, pork, and strong herbs.
CORTLAND White flesh, sweeter than McIntosh. Great for baking. Used in desserts.
Did you know, the Cortland Apple is one of the only apple varieties that will not brown when cut? Very crisp and juicy with a sweet/ tart flavor. They’re great in salads, pies, cider, preserves, in fruit plates, and in decorative desserts.
JONAGOLD Crisp and juicy with shades of tart and sweet. Usually large and aromatic.
ROME
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Mild, sweet flavor. Most popular for baking.
RED DELICIOUS Best for fresh eating and snacks. Full-flavored sweet taste, yellowish flesh and crisp texture.
FUJI Sweet and tart with a low acid content. Stays crisp for weeks.
HONEYCRISP Excellent sweet flavor with a great bite. Use for fresh eating.
Sir Isaac Newton was an English mathematician and physicist who lived from 1642-1727. The legend is that
NEWTON DISCOVERED GRAVITY WHEN HE SAW A FALLING APPLE while thinking about the forces of nature.
26 | Sourced | October - December 2020
’ s d e r F f e h C
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R E N OR
who is chef fred? A graduate of the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, Chef Fred has 25 years experience at many exclusive Chicago eateries. Now he’s our very own Executive Chef at the Gramma Jo’s Cafe.
what he wants you to know “Eating food is nourishment to the body. Preparing it is nourishment for the soul.” — Chef Fred
KNOWLEDGE | CHEF FRED’S CORNER | 27
Chef Fred’s R E C I P E S
Squash Soup ingredients 1 large or 2 medium kabocha or butternut squash (try with pie pumpkin too) 4-5 medium apples, preferably braeburns, jonagold, or jonathans. (a sweet/tart selection)
2 large leeks, cut and washed 8-10 celery sticks 1 star anise 1 cinnamon stick, broken 1 stick butter 1 quart heavy cream (more or less can be used to taste)
chicken stock to cover veggies (about 2 quarts)
honey, salt, and pepper to taste
directions 1. Scoop out seeds and roast squash 2. Sauté apples (no need to peel them), leeks and celery in a pot over lowmedium heat in butter 5-10 minutes until leeks are soft and translucent. 3. Add squash and enough stock and heavy cream to cover. 4. Add star anise and cinnamon. 5. Cook for 30 minutes to blend flavors. 6. Puree in a food processor until smooth. 7. Adjust season with salt, pepper, and honey to taste. 8. Garnish with shaved or julienned apples. (Cooks Tip – If you used pumpkin in your soup, toast the seeds and add to garnish.)
Pomegranate and Star Anise Scented Poached Pears
Roasted Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprouts Hash
ingredients
ingredients
6-12 pears (6 large or 12 small size) Any pear will work for this wonderful recipe but Chef Fred recommends Forella for the best taste and results (a crisp pear works best).
1lb (about 3-4 pomegranates) pomegranate arils 1 quart white wine 2 cups sugar 2 quarts water
directions 1. Mix water, sugar, white wine, star anise and pomegranates. Bring to a boil in a non-reactive pot (non-aluminum). 2. Peel and scoop out bottom to core pear or slice in half and scoop out seeds if using a larger pear. 3. Turn temperature down to a simmer and add pears. Use clean, white towel or dinner plate to place on top of pears so that they stay submerged in liquid. 4. Cook until pears are just turning tender. Check pears starting at 10 minutes of cook time. 5. Remove pears and let cool. Strain liquid, use to store pears or serve right away! These pears are amazing served with ice cream or pound cake.
1lb bacon cut into large dices 1 large yellow onion, sliced 2 large sweet potatoes, diced and roasted 1.5-2lbs brussels sprouts, halved 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme salt and pepper to taste
directions 1. Cook bacon until medium soft. Remove bacon from fat. 2. Use bacon fat to caramelize onions. Pan fry slowly on low heat until brown. 3. Remove onions. 4. Toss brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes in bacon fat, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and roast in the oven until cooked. 5. Combine all ingredients and serve.
For more of Chef Fred’s Recipes visit anthonymarano.com/recipes
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3000 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
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