On 5/1/2016 10:17 AM, Janet wrote:

> I can't understand why Julie finds shortages of fresh undamaged
> produce in Bothell when California and Florida are on her US doorstep,
> and Mexico the Caribbean and South America next door?
>
> Janet UK
>

Many possible reasons. South America is days away by ship, hours by
plane, bur storms and severe weather can disrupt the normal flow of
product. Produce is seasonal, of course, and at times prime produce is
just not available if that particular item is done in one region, not
ready for harvest in the next. The righ combination of weather and crop
timing can cause a temporary shortage of high quality perrishable product.

There was even a comment about bananas. I've noticed in our stores they
seem to be taking up a lot of space and the price is low. Evidently
there is a sudden large harvest and they have to be moved out before
they rot. An entire side of one aisle was loaded with bananas, at least
four times the normal space.

Watch the prices and availability and you can tell what the climate is
in different parts of the world. Last week there was a lot of asparagus
from Mexico at a good price. Problem is, it is not nearly as good as
the local stuff that will be in the market in 6 weeks or so. Some thing
just don't ship and store al that well.