Superior Service + Consistent Quality = Unbeatable Value.
C&L Produce is a local family owned and operated wholesale produce company located in the well known Oakland produce market near Jack London Square. C&L has been a part of this historic produce market since operations began in 1949. Yes, this means we have been delivering fresh produce to the greater Bay Area for over 70 years! We provide the highest quality fruits and vegetables, along with a variety of other food service items such as dairy, artisan cheeses, tortillas, fresh juice, spices, grains, vinegar, micro greens and much more. Taking pride in our quality and service has allowed for three generations of superior family-operated services to benefit our Bay Area community.
Utilizing C & L for your produce needs has several unique benefits, some of which include custom cuts of fruits and vegetables, seasonal education through our weekly produce market reports, and individualized service as our valued customer. We continually strive to build lasting relationships with our customers by providing premium local produce at great prices with the best service available. Contact us today to learn more about what C & L can do for you!
What’s in Season?
As we approach the end of April, and the rains have disappeared for the time being, we are seeing the full bounty of what our local farm partners have to harvest. This time of year brings us beautiful sugar snap peas that are as sweet as candy, as well as the first harvest of English peas and fava beans– so tender and delicious. They are delightful eating them raw out of the pods or simply blanch them in salted water then sauté with a selection of local wild mushrooms and toss with some fresh gnocchi.
Local strawberries from Sun Valley Farms and field grown rhubarb from Oregon are in house and should surely be on your menus for spring. They are a perfect pair, both vibrant red in color, with the tartness from the rhubarb marrying with the sweetness of the local berries to make for an incredible experience on your palate.
Local Organic Asparagus coming from Durst Organic Growers are coming in a perfect medium size great for peeling and grilling or even poaching and of course served with a healthy mix of local wild foraged mushrooms!
Green almonds are also showing up in the markets. These are young almonds with a fuzzy light green shell with an off-white gelatinous center. Shaved on a mandolin thinly, they add a sweet lemony, nutty flavor and great texture to all types of dishes like crudo or seasonal salads. Pair these up with some pickled fiddlehead ferns tossed with grilled castelfranco, endive and escarole and a Meyer lemon rhubarb vinaigrette for a wonderful seasonal salad.
The spring favorite baby artichokes are here, so don’t miss out! Their petite size comes from being picked from the lower part of the plant. Baby artichokes are also easy to prepare, cook and eat because they haven’t developed the fuzzy portion of the choke in the center.
Ramps, also known as wild leeks are here!
Spring garlic and spring onions (both red and white) are continuing to run strong from Knoll, Coke and Happy Boy Farms.
Fava leaves, pea tendrils and Stinging Nettles are abundant. Both of these delicate greens puree up really great for different types of pesto for pasta and risotto.
For those of you who are interested in white asparagus, we have some coming in from France. These are about 3 to 4 pieces per lb and are not cheap…about $18 a lb. This is a pre-ordered item, more details will be sent out with next week’s mushroom offering with prices.
In the world of locally foraged gifts from mother nature, we are seeing…
Yellow Foot
Black Trumpets
Ramps…”wild leeks”
Morels
Fiddlehead Ferns
Specialty Items
Not only do we offer a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables here at C & L Produce, but also useful fresh food service items such as milk products, cheese, eggs, butter, nuts, legumes, grains, freshly squeezed juices, and tortillas for your convenience. Check out our Specialty Items section towards the bottom of the Fresh Produce page for more details on what we have to offer!
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Need your fruits or vegetables diced or sliced but don’t seem to have the time? Let C & L Produce take care of it for you! We can prepare your food items and deliver to your restaurant ready to use. For instance, popular fresh items we process include onions, lettuces, fruit salads, carrots, celery, and much more.
