Potato prices are at some of the highest levels in years. It all began almost a year ago. August is the final month of growth for spuds. During that month, a potato can gain as much as 50 percent of its weight. That makes August a make-or-break month for potatoes. Last year, the Pacific Northwest, where most of our spuds are grown, had record high temperatures during August. The heat stunted the growth of potatoes and caused a lot of misshapen spuds.
All season long, growers kept saying that we were going to be short. Their pack-out rates were around 50 percent. Pack-out is the percentage of potatoes that make it as No. 1 spuds, to be sold in supermarkets. Normal pack-out rates are around 80 to 85 percent. With a lower pack-out rate, you end up with a lot fewer potatoes to sell.
That's why we are seeing potato prices at around $1.29 per pound when they should be around 69 cents per pound. I don't expect prices to get much better this fall, when the new crop starts. There are about 7 percent to 9 percent fewer acres planted with potatoes this year. California is already harvesting new-crop Russets. The Northwest is also starting its harvest. Even at these higher prices, the potato is still one of the cheapest vegetables per pound.
Lychee nuts
Mexico, Florida
$4.99 - $5.99 a pound
Brighter colored fruit will be fresher. Best when served chilled.
Champagne grapes
Fresno
$3.49 - $3.99 a pound
These are bursting with sugar and flavor. Serve with grilled salmon.
Avocados
Southern California
$1.29 - $1.69 each
California growers are picking fast before Chile, New Zealand crops start.
Honeydew melons
San Joaquin Valley
49-59 cents a pound
A cooler than normal July means melons grew bigger without maturing.
