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Dining

The Drive to Create Better Dining Experiences for Hospital Patients

Uncategorized, Healthy Food / July 21, 2021

Hospital food deserves to be memorable. Hospital patients and visitors often hate visiting hospitals for a number of reasons, but the cafeteria can help alleviate some of those negative impressions. Organizations should create dining experiences that satisfy people’s hunger and create a sense of comfortability during a patient’s stay. 

Peddler’s Son is one of Arizona’s premier wholesale food distributors. For over 30 years we’ve provided healthcare centers, schools, restaurants, and caterers with quality wholesale ingredients to elevate their menus and drive better dining experiences. But, how does one exactly invigorate the dining experience in a hospital? Read our article below to learn more.

Hospital Patients Need Food That Feeds AND Heals

Not only does food nourish our hunger, but it can play an important role in the healing process. It has the potential to heal our wounds, gain our strength back, and avoid nasty infections. According to Hospital & Health Networks Magazine, nutrition intervention can reduce avoidable readmissions by 28% and the patient’s overall stay. 

Incorporating menu items that work with people’s medical conditions is imperative. For instance, someone who is experiencing cardiovascular disease will need heart-healthy items. Somebody who lives with diabetes will need low-carb menu items. Additionally, post-surgery patients may need to be on a liquid diet. As a healthcare center, it is important to meet these needs.

Up Your Game with Home-Cooked Meals

Much like airplane food, hospital food is often associated with being of poor quality. But, it doesn’t have to be. As we mentioned, incorporating menu items that meet people’s medical conditions is important. Another element to that is adding fresh ingredients and delicious menu items that not only promote recovery but satisfy the soul. 

Instead of reheating items or bringing in frozen items, why not incorporate fresh fruits and veggies. We all know how fresh items can elevate a dish. Why shouldn’t you expect that from your hospital food? St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is reimagining the hospital dining experience by offering home-cooked meals that not only help treat patients but actually look and taste good.

Some of their menu items include:

  • Naan paratha
  • Enchiladas
  • Korean-style chicken stew

And much more

Collaborate With Your Hospital Patients and Staff

If you’re not sure where to begin on improving your cafeteria menu, it’s always good to get feedback from your community. Your staff will likely eat in the cafeteria for lunch and probably have some ideas on what items can be added to the menu. Additionally, hospital patients may have some feedback as well.

Work with dietitians and staff to brainstorm menu items that excite your community. They’ll be able to evaluate the healthiness and costs associated with adding them to your menu. Additionally, dietitians can act as a liaison between the hospital and patient dining staff to resolve any nutritional concerns.

Improve Hospital Patient Room Delivery Service

Another important aspect for patients in a hospital setting is the room delivery service. Hospital stays can be stressful and unpleasant, partially due to patients having no control of their schedule. That is why many facilities are incorporating exciting hotel-style room service programs to help alleviate some of the unease of scheduling. The option to have a more flexible way to order food on your own schedule helps facilitate patient satisfaction. 

Reimagine Hospital Food with Peddler’s Son

For over 25 years, Peddler’s Son has been one of Arizona’s top food distributors providing quality produce & provisions, service, and delivery. To serve the best food to your customers, you need the best ingredients and products. We work with a variety of schools, hospitals, and restaurants to ensure their meals meet the quality standards of their chefs and customers. Contact us today to learn how our products and services will enhance your dishes.

Cherry

It’s Cherry Season! Why and How to Add Them Into Your Diet

Uncategorized, Blog Post / June 3, 2021

Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits on the planet for their delicious, juicy flavor. We look forward to stone fruit season all year, and the cherry is one of the many reasons. But, a lot of people underestimate that they’re an excellent source of nutrition. So as you relax and enjoy the warmer weather, why not buy a bag from your local grocery store and take a bite into a summer favorite.

When they’re available, Peddler’s Son carries delicious cherries that restaurants, caterers, healthcare facilities, and schools can incorporate into their menus. We bring in quality produce from around the world to ensure your business is stocked with the best food in Arizona. 

The Nutritional Benefits of the Cherry Fruit

While cherries may be small, they are packed with flavors and nutrients. All varieties of cherries are highly nutritious. According to Healthline, one cup of sweet, raw, pitted cherries contains:

  • Calories: 97
  • Protein: 2 grams
  • Carbs: 25 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Vitamin C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Potassium: 10% of the DV
  • Copper: 5% of the DV
  • Manganese: 5% of the DV

Additionally, the cherry is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Molecules conducted a study and found that they reduced inflammation in 11 out of 16 studies and oxidative stress in 8 out of 10 studies. It’s also been shown that increasing your intake of fruits is beneficial to one’s heart.

The cherry fruit is also an incredible resource for people seeking help in improving sleep quality. This may be attributed to the fruit’s high concentration of plant compounds. Not to mention cherries contain melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. A study was conducted that showed that subjects who drank cherry juice for 7 days experienced a significant increase in melatonin levels, resulting in better sleep quality.

Cherries Are Easy to Add to Your Diet

The cherry fruit is an incredibly versatile, delicious fruit that can be easily added to your diet. Both tart and sweet varieties pair well with many different foods. Plus, there are an array of products, like dried cherries, cherry powder, and juice to freshen up your recipes. The possibilities are endless, and you won’t regret adding these delicious flavors into your diet.

We Promise with a Cherry On Top, These Recipes Are Worth It

Looking for a dish that blends the flavors of sweet and spicy? Why not try this incredible Cherry Chutney recipe? All you need is 3 cups of pitted cherries, some bell peppers, ginger, cardamom, balsamic vinegar, and other basic ingredients. This recipe is perfect on grilled chicken or as a side to your favorite summer dish. 

What about the perfect summer salad? When you add cherries into this amazingly fresh recipe, you’ll never look at leafy salads the same again. All you need is a watermelon, 2 cups of cherries, blueberries, an English cucumber, feta cheese, mint leaves, and other easily obtainable ingredients. 

In the mood for dessert? Why not go with an American classic. The cherry pie is a summer staple that’s always a hit at dinner parties or backyard barbeques. Taste of Home has a delicious recipe that is bound to please your guests or your party of one.

These are just a few recipes that use cherries to enhance their flavors. It’s such a versatile fruit, we bet you can find countless other ways to incorporate it into your favorite dishes. 

Peddler’s Son is the Go-To Source for Quality Produce Distribution

At Peddler’s Son, we work with a variety of vendors to ensure they receive products that their customers want. Whether you are a local restaurant, healthcare food service provider, grocery store, or school, our team is committed to your food needs. Contact us today to learn what products and services we can provide you.

Produce

What to Expect in Your Produce Department This June

Uncategorized, Blog Post / June 3, 2021

With a majority of crops in good supply and quality, we anticipate a delicious start to the summer. However, there are a few items you should be aware of when ordering for your produce department. 

Peddler’s Son has over 30 years of experience providing grocery retailers, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and schools with wholesale produce. With 54,000 square feet of warehouse space and over 30 delivery trucks feeding all of Arizona, we’re the go-to source for produce distribution. Read our article below to learn what you can expect this month in your produce department.

Raspberries and Blackberries are Trending Down

The price for blackberries and raspberries are trending down right now due to low consumer demands. Supplies also remain tight due to the downswing of production in Mexico. Additionally, growers are continuing to report quality challenges that are impacting these items. We recommend that you carefully check the quality of these products before you sell these items.

Brussels Sprouts Supplies are Light

Brussels Sprouts supplies are very light right now, but with good availability on smaller size sprouts. The demand for these items remains average, but consumers must be cautious of the quality. 

Grapes Are In Bad Supply and Quality

The Import Grape season is coming to a close.  Mexico is experiencing heavy rains which are affecting these products. It’s causing issues on arrival and grape quality. Additionally, the excess rain and high temperatures are significantly impacting the shelf life of these products.

Peddler’s Son Excellence in Wholesale Produce 

Peddler’s Son has provided Arizona businesses with quality wholesale produce for over 30 years. We are committed to customer service, quality, and honest pricing to ensure our customers get the best products and provisions possible. As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor, we provide our services to everyone from the produce department to the hospital cafeteria. No matter your industry, Peddler’s Son is here for you! Contact us today and learn what a partnership with us can mean for your business.

Cross-docking

How Does Cross-Docking Get Me My Food On Time?

Uncategorized, Blog Post / June 21, 2021

When it comes to the transportation of fresh produce items, keeping a streamlined supply chain is top of mind. Getting food delivered from farms to customers in the least amount of time is essential to keep items fresh and prolong their shelf life. Cross-docking provides many benefits to companies and consumers when it comes to speed and productivity, but what exactly is this method and how does it help get you your food on time?

Below we explain how cross-docking works and why it is essential for fresh produce distribution.

What is Cross-Docking?

In simple terms, cross-docking is an efficient logistic procedure where inbound items from suppliers are received at a dedicated warehouse and immediately transferred to an outbound dock. 

The products can be transported through trucks or trailers and placed on the receiving side of the terminal dock. Once unloaded, they can be transferred to the outbound dock on the other side of the terminal by use of forklifts, conveyor belts, pallet trucks or other means.

After being loaded on the outbound dock, the products can then be transported to their end destination.

Benefits of Cross-Docking

There are many benefits of using the cross-docking method when it comes to fresh produce distribution. Cross-docking greatly reduces the amount of handling products receive during transportation, which minimizes the risk of misplacing, mislabeling, or misnumbering products. 

Additionally, cross-docking reduces the amount of time items are placed in storage making the handling of inventory easier and more efficient. 

Both of these benefits of reducing handling and storage time directly translate into more financial savings too. Having less manpower to monitor everything reduces labor and storage costs. 

Finally, cross-docking greatly reduces shipping times. By making storage time non-existent, minimizing handling, and transferring products immediately after receiving them means customers will get their produce at the right time.

Peddler’s Son Excellence in Wholesale Produce

 Peddler’s Son has provided Arizona businesses with quality wholesale produce for over 30 years. We are committed to customer service, quality, and honest pricing to ensure our customers get the best products and provisions possible. As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor, we provide our services to everyone from the produce department to the hospital cafeteria. No matter your industry, Peddler’s Son is here for you! Contact us today and learn what a partnership with us can mean for your business.

Herbs and Spices

7 Common Herbs and Spices With Incredible Health Benefits

Blog Post, Uncategorized / May 14, 2021

For centuries, herbs and spices have played an incredible role in the world’s history. Ancient Egyptians used them to preserve their deceased leaders through mummification. They were a hot commodity that several civilizations traded for goods, services, and gold. In the 1600s, the East India Trading Company became one of the most powerful trading companies in history by distributing and trading spices with countries in Europe and Asia.

Today, herbs and spices may not be quite as appreciated as they once were, but they still have an incredible influence on our lives. They hold extraordinary health benefits that help our bodies fight inflammation and other conditions, with some even improving brain function. As one of the leading produce distributors in Arizona, we’ve listed a few herbs and spices’ health benefits that you should know about. 

Cardamom Soothes Upset Stomachs

Cardamom is a spice made from the seeds of several plants in the Zingiberaceae family. It has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. Additionally, it is often used in baking in Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland. 

The cooling effects of cardamom can help relieve acidity and help in treating gastrointestinal issues like indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Not to mention it may have positive effects on people’s bad breath, depression, and sexual dysfunction. 

Cinnamon May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Cinnamon is more than just a coffee enhancer or delicious sweet treat. It’s an aromatic spice that is widely used in baking, beverages, and snack foods. It’s also an incredible spice that can help fight inflammation and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Probably the most apparent is its effects on our blood sugar levels. It’s capable of slowing down the breakdown of carbs in our digestive tract, and for diabetics, may improve insulin sensitivity. 

Turmeric Can Reduce Inflammation

Next time you devour a plate of curry, you might appreciate its spices’ anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, contains curcumin which is effective against inflammation. Almost every chronic disease involves some low-level inflammation, but incorporating turmeric more into your diet may significantly reduce its effect on your body. 

Holy Basil May Help Fight Infections and Enrich Your Immunity

This isn’t your normal basil, you won’t find it in Nonna’s marinara sauce or a hot bowl of pho. This leafy plant is native to Southeast Asia and has a rich history in Indian medicine. It’s been able to treat several ailments, such as eye diseases, ringworms, and upset stomachs.

Studies have shown that holy basil can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds while boosting certain immune cells in our blood. Additionally, the herb is linked to reducing blood sugar levels before and after meals, and may even treat anxiety. 

Boost Your Heart Health with Cocoa

While cocoa is one of the most delicious treats on the planet, it also has tremendous health benefits. The cocoa bean contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that promote heart health. Flavonoids have been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure to help keep the heart’s coronary arteries in top health. 

Rosemary Prevents Allergies and Congestion

One of the active ingredients found in rosemary is rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to suppress allergic reactions and nasal congestion. In 2004 a 21-day study was conducted which found 50 and 200 mg doses of rosmarinic acid were able to suppress the subjects’ allergy symptoms.  Additionally, they found the number of immune cells in nasal mucus decreased, reducing their overall congestion.

Spice Up Your Health with Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that is used to spice up a variety of dishes. But, it contains capsaicin, an ingredient that has been shown to reduce one’s appetite and increase fat burning. However, it’s important to note that people who are used to eating spicier food are more tolerant of the effects cayenne pepper provides.

Spice Up Your Menu and Health with Our Herbs and Spices

Peddler’s Son is one of the premier whole produce distributors in Arizona. We strive to deliver quality products to a range of industries, like those in healthcare, education, and catering. You may not know that we have our own line of herbs and spices to help make your food burst with flavor. Our products are minimally processed to maintain longer shelf life and quality flavor. Contact us today to learn more about our herbs and spices and produce wholesale delivery.

Produce

What to Expect in Your Produce Department in May

Uncategorized, Produce Alerts / April 30, 2021

With a majority of crops in good supply and quality, we anticipate many grocery stores will be stocked with beautiful and delicious fruits and vegetables. However, there are a few things you should be aware of when ordering for your produce department this month.

Peddler’s Son has over 30 years of experience providing grocery retailers, restaurants, healthcare providers, and educational institutions with wholesale produce. With 54,000 square feet of warehouse and over 30 trucks feeding all of Arizona, we’ve got our finger on the pulse of the produce market. Read our article below to learn what you should expect this month in your produce department. 

Berries Continue to Be Tight

The price for most berries is trending up this week. While growers are reporting higher production numbers, the demand is high due to the short supply of berries from previous weeks. Another thing to consider is the fact that weather is continuing to impact crops in certain areas, such as Florida, California, and Georgia. 

Cauliflower Supply is Not Looking Promising

When you order products for your produce department, don’t be surprised to see a limited inventory of cauliflower. Growers are reporting short supplies due to cooler temperatures in the Salinas Valley. Fortunately, the available cauliflower they do have is reported to be of good quality. 

Cucumber Prices are Trending Up

Production out of Mexico and Florida isn’t meeting demands, which means prices for cucumbers are trending up. Production is expected to ramp up in the next couple of weeks, so we may see prices trending down sometime before the end of May.

Red Grape Supply and Quality is Looking Dubious

Red grapes continue to perform lower than expected. The slow market has caused older inventory to be priced lower and quality to tank. While there are good quality grapes on the market, they come at a higher price tag. Green grapes remain in high supply and quality.

Limes Remain a Concern for Produce Buyers

Large portions of Mexico are experiencing significant amounts of rain, resulting in quality and supply issues. With Cinco de Mayo approaching, demand is increasing and costs will surely rise. Fortunately, our source expects lime supply and quality will become stable by the end of May.

Peddler’s Son Excellence in Wholesale Produce 

Peddler’s Son has provided Arizona businesses with quality wholesale produce for over 30 years. We are committed to customer service, quality, and honest pricing to ensure our customers get the best products and provisions possible. As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor, we provide our services to everyone from the produce department to the hospital cafeteria. No matter your industry, Peddler’s Son is here for you! Contact us today and learn what a partnership with us can mean for your business.

Wholesale

Wholesale vs. Retail: What’s the Difference?

Uncategorized / April 21, 2021

Wholesale and retail are words that are very common among consumers, while these words are often used, there can sometimes be confusion when knowing what each word means. As a wholesale food distributor, we explain the process of wholesale and retail and how each fits in the consumer journey. 

What is Wholesale?

Wholesale can be best described as a person or company that sells products in bulk to other businesses. Since wholesalers sell their products in larger quantities, these are often priced at a cheaper cost. The more you buy, the cheaper the order tends to be. You might have heard of the term B2B or B2C before. In this case, B2B refers to wholesale because these are business-to-business transactions. Wholesalers do not sell products to the end-user or customer.

What is Retail?

Retail on the other hand is described as a company that sells directly to consumers, the end-user. The retail business buys certain products or goods from wholesalers and acts as a sort of middleman between wholesalers and consumers. These transactions are also usually in much smaller quantities than those of wholesale transactions. Retailers are considered B2C, business-to-consumer transactions, and are at the end of the supply chain. 

Differences Between Wholesale and Retail

The main difference between wholesale and retail is that wholesalers sell to other companies while retailers sell directly to consumers. Additionally, wholesale transactions are usually in much higher quantities, while retail transactions are generally smaller. 

Peddler’s Son – Trusted Wholesale Delivery

Here at Peddler’s Son, we are a wholesale company that partners with many industries such as restaurants, schools and universities, healthcare facilities, government agencies, hospitality and catering companies. For example, we hold a valuable relationship with our retail partner, AJ’s Fine Foods, while also partnering with fellow wholesalers like  Mama Lola’s Tortillas. No matter the industry or business type, Peddler’s Son is here to bring quality produce and provisions to your business and help it grow. Contact us today to learn more!

January 2021 Fresh Produce

January 2021 Fresh Produce Distribution Recap

Produce Alerts, Uncategorized / March 24, 2021

January 2021 weather issues were the main obstacle when it came to fresh produce according to National Produce Consultants. Throughout the month of January, 14 fresh produce items were on alert, with ten of those items being impacted by either cool weather or hurricanes. 

Bananas, cantaloupe, celery, corn, and asparagus were the fresh produce items on alert all month long. Hurricanes affecting Central America impacted the production of bananas and cantaloupe. Florida was still trying to recover from a rough couple of months of hurricanes and cold weather, impacting not only corn production but also its quality. Parsley, the only fresh produce commodity on alert all month, was not impacted by weather. It was simply under pressure and behind schedule. 

The production of asparagus was in a transition period in Mexico from Baja to Caborca. While Culiacan, a new growing region in Mexico, eased off the pressure tomatoes were facing for a couple of weeks in January due to Florida still recovering. Raspberries were heavily impacted by cold weather in Mexico, resulting in increased prices and lower availability.

Other fresh produce items impacted by cold weather included red leaf, squash, strawberries, and honeydew. Honeydew sizes were one of the results of cold weather and sizing concerns were also present in mushrooms. Although the busiest time of the year for mushrooms is over, they’re still facing supply reduction and COVID-19 related problems. Finally, the market for green beans has stabilized after the holiday period and are now seeing good supply and demand.

Fresh Produce Watch

Items Affected By Hurricanes

Bananas – Cantaloupe – Corn – Tomatoes 

Items Affected By Cool Weather

Celery – Honeydew – Raspberries – Strawberries – Red Leaf – Squash

Other Issues

Parsley (Behind Schedule) – Asparagus (Transition) – Mushrooms (Sizing) – Green Beans (Supply Shortage)

To view the full reports click here.

What to Expect At Your Local Fresh Produce in February

Unfortunately, weather issues are expected to continue during the month of February. With a lot of regions suffering from cooler temperatures, both quality and supply issues will continue to be present for strawberries, squash, celery, and corn. 

Raspberries are expected to see an increase in price as they also continue to suffer from cold weather in Mexico. The situation with bananas will remain the same for the foreseeable future as both productions in Mexico and Ecuador recover. Supplies for cantaloupe will be on the lower side until production in the growing region of Zapaca in Guatemala returns. 

On the other hand, as Guatemala recovers from recent hurricanes, honeydew production will see relief come from Honduras, which will help Florida keep the market stable. Asparagus’ transition from Baja to Caborca will also end in the coming weeks, which will help bring the cost down and production up. 

Peddler’s Son Is Here For You

As a family-owned wholesale produce distributor since 1988, Peddler’s Son is here to help your business grow. We provide exceptional customer service through transparency and integrity while building valuable relationships with Arizona organizations with the best quality products. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a customer.

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