Intrigue taste buds and set your menu apart with these distinctive fresh produce offerings.
We’ve developed an ever-changing lineup of chef-inspired fresh produce. Chef’s Produce Picks offers a variety of both stocked and specialty produce selected for flavor, trend appeal and seasonality.
Related: Featured Local ProduceStocked & Ready to Roll
Sage
Item #26448
1/ 8 oz
Fresh sage is an aromatic herb with soft, silvery green leaves and a warm, earthy flavor. Its bold fragrance and slightly peppery notes make it ideal for seasoning roasted vegetables, meats, and sauces. Used sparingly, fresh sage adds depth and a savory, comforting finish to a wide range of dishes.
Butternut SquashÂ
Item #26339
1/35 lb
Butternut squash is a deliciously sweet and nutty winter squash, with bright orange flesh. It’s naturally rich flavor and creamy texture makes it versatile in a wide variety of dishes. Whether caramelized in the oven, blended into soups, or cubed in grain bowls, this delicious squash will stand out in every dish, adding a comforting warmth that is perfect for the colder seasons.
Bosc Pears
Item #9691
1/120 ct
Recognizable by their warm cinnamon colored skin and elongated necks, bosc pears are a honey sweet fruit perfect for fall. Bosc pears are often enjoyed raw, but are also perfect for cooking. Their dense texture makes them bake and pouch well for delicious deserts. Their natural sweetness is easily enhanced with a variety of cooking methods.
Sweet Potato
Item #16015
1/40 lb
Sweet potatoes are a naturally sweet and nutrient rich root vegetable. This fall/winter favorite has a rich orange color and creamy texture that customers love. Sweet potatoes are perfect for roasting, mashing, or frying. This versatile veggie can pair perfectly with an elegant steak dinner or a casual burger!
Brussel Sprouts
Item #26674
1/ 25 lb
Brussel Sprouts are a small, dense, leafy green vegetable that resembles a small cabbage. They have a robust flavor that ranges from mildly sweet to pleasantly earthy when cooked. They pair beautifully with a sweet and savory sauce when roasted or pan-fried. They can also be prepared raw, often shaved thin and tossed into salads for a hearty green salad base. This cool weather favorite is a hit on fall & winter menus.
Thyme
Item #26326
1/8 oz
This fragrant, earthy herb with small, delicate leaves is known for it’s subtle peppery notes. Thyme adds depth to a variety of dishes, paring beautifully with roasted meats and poultry while also adding complexity to sauces and soups. This woody stemmed herb can be used whole to infuse flavor, or instead be stripped of it’s leaves to be sprinkled directly into recipes.
Beets
Item #7769
25 lb
Red beets are a deliciously earthy root vegetable known for their deep ruby color. They are tender when cooked, and can be roasted, boiled, or even pickled. Their rich earthy flavor and sweet finish adds a complex twist to a variety of dishes. Beets are also often used to naturally color dishes pink or red.
Vidalia Onions
Item #26132
1/40 LB
Sweet, mild, & delicate in flavor, Vidalia onions are delicious raw in dishes like salads and sandwiches, but also caramelize beautifully when cooked. Their natural sweetness makes then stand out in every preparation, whether grilled, roasted, sauteed, or sliced thinly on your favorite sub.
Peeled Shallots
Item #26310
4/1 gal
This labor saving option is a great mild relative to the onion. Shallots bring a subtle sweetness and complexity to dressings and sauces. When cooked, shallots become tender and slightly caramelized, highlighting that natural sweetness. Their versatility and elegance make them a staple both in home and professional kitchens. This item comes pre-peeled, a lifesaver during the busy summer season.
Cauliflower
Item #26087
1/12 ct
This versatile & nutrient rich vegetable is prized for it’s mild flavor and tender texture. Cauliflower has compact white florets that can be enjoyed raw, roasted, steamed, grilled, fried, or even mashed as a lighter alterative to potatoes and grains. Cauliflower pairs excellently with a variety of meats but also makes a great meat alternative for vegetarian eaters. It is a favorite great swap for fried wings or nuggets!
Baby Spinach
Item #26680
1/ 4 lb
Baby spinach is made up of young, tender leaves with a mild, fresh flavor and delicate texture. It works equally well served raw in salads or lightly cooked in sauteed dishes, soups, and pastas, Its versatility and vibrant green color make it a popular choice for both fresh and cooked menu applications.
Rainbow Baby Carrots
Item #13377
4/ 5 lb
Rainbow baby carrots are a colorful and nutritious variety of carrots that come in a range of colors including orange, yellow, purple, and red. They are smaller and more tender than regular carrots, with a slightly sweeter flavor. Rainbow baby carrots are great roasted with olive oil and herbs, adding a vibrant side to roasted chicken or beef. They can be included in salads for a pop of color and crunch, or served with hummus and other dips as a healthy snack.
Baby Green Leaf
Item #29171
2/1.5 lb
Grown right here in New England by Little Leaf Farms, this product is crispy, fresh, and delicious. Little Leaf Farms grows in sustainable green houses all year round, which means you can get your favorite local greens during every season! This perfectly crispy green is the perfect size for salads, no chopping of lettuce required! It also makes a great burger/sandwich topper with a vibrant color and strong crunch.
Baby Kale
Item #13439
1/3 lb
Kale, part of the cabbage family, has roots in the eastern Mediterranean, cultivated for over 4,000 years. Once mainly decorative in the U.S., it gained popularity in the ’90s for its nutritional value and superfood status. Baby kale, a robust green, pairs well in salads with baby arugula or adds a nutritious kick to pasta dishes and smoothies with Greek yogurt and Granny Smith apples.
Broccolini
Item #26192
3/ 2 lb
Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable, combining Chinese kale and broccoli. It boasts a sweeter, milder flavor compared to traditional broccoli, making it a versatile ingredient in various culinary applications. Both the stem and floret are entirely edible, ensuring zero waste and offering a 100% yield, maximizing efficiency and value for operators. Its tender texture and unique flavor profile make it suitable for a wide range of dishes, from stir-fries and salads to side dishes and garnishes.
Grape Tomato Medley
Item #11522
12/8 oz
Introduced in the 1990s, grape tomatoes have become popular for their higher sugar content and bite-sized shape. With an oblong grape-like appearance, they’re smaller than cherry tomatoes, featuring thicker skins and meatier flesh. These colorful gems are perfect for gazpacho, salads, pasta dishes, and signature bruschetta – just cut in half, season, and serve.
Specialty Produce, At Your Door Within Days
Kabocha Squash
Item #21949
1/40 lb
This Japanese winter squash has deep green skin and vibrant orange flesh. It offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor with nutty undertones, and a dense creamy texture when cooked. Kabocha squash is excellent for roasting, soups, and purees. This vegetable adds a warm touch to a variety of seasonal dishes.
Asian Pears
Item #4194
1/12 ct
Asian pears are crisp and juicy with a refreshing sweetness, often described as a cross between an apple’s crunch and a pear’s delicate flavor. Their golden, round shape and smooth skin make them as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for snacking fresh, slicing into salads, or pairing with cheeses, Asian pears add a light, refreshing touch to any dish.
Colored Cauliflower
Item #16080
1/6 ct
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable with a milk nutty flavor and tender texture. This multi-colored variety adds both aesthetic appeal and a pleasant hearty texture. The beautifully rainbow colored florets are often kept whole rather than mashed or riced like their single colored counterparts. But their versatility remains, whether steamed, sauteed, or roasted, colored cauliflower adds both delicious flavor and beautiful pop to dishes.
Fresh Cranberries
Item #26488
1/25 lb
Bright, tart, and jewel-red, cranberries are a seasonal favorite that bring both flavor and beauty to the table. These small, glossy berries are known for their crisp, tangy bite. Cranberries shine in sauces and baked goods. Cooking these delicious berries tames the tartness while maintaining a beautiful vibrant color and flavor. With their harvest season in the fall, they are a true symbol of the season and a staple in holiday cooking.
Escarole
Item #26429
1 bushel
This crisp leafy green has broad slightly curly leaves with a mildly bitter flavor. When cooked it becomes tender and mellow, making it ideal for soups, sautés and braised dishes. Its hearty texture holds up well to heat, while its fresh bitterness adds balance and depth to a variety of recipes.
Black Trumpet Mushrooms
Item #27514
1/1 lb
Easily identifiable by their striking funnel like shape, and black & brown hues, black-trumpet mushrooms are a unique mushroom option to add complexity to your cooking. Their smoky & earthy taste adds a distinct flavor to many dishes, often shining in creamy sauces or risottos. With a delicate texture, they are delicious when paired with heavier sauces & dishes, while also making a statement on their own if just sautéed in butter.
Micro Greens
Basil
Item #21947
8oz
Featuring a strong, pungent, often sweet smell; basil is a popular and versatile herb used in cuisines around the globe. Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is added at the last moment, as cooking can quickly degrade the flavor. Micro Basil is quite similar to full sized basil, with a slightly stronger flavor profile and delicate crunch. The greens resemble a “micro” version of a mature basil plant. Bruschetta of micro basil and grape tomato medley = wow factor!
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Item #26490
1/3 lb
Chanterelle mushrooms, distinguishable for their trumpet shapes and golden color, have a delicious earthy flavor and delicate texture. They fit well with both casual and fine dining cuisine. Toss with butter and cream to make a beautiful pasta sauce, or roast with your favorite meats for a delicious and elegant pairing.
Delicata Squash
Item #15835
1/40 lb
Delicata squash is a small, oblong winter squash with creamy yellow skin striped in green. The tender edible skin and sweet, nutty flesh make it one of the easiest squashes to prepare. Simply roast, sauté, or stuff for a naturally rich flavor that pairs beautifully with savory herbs and warm spices. Delicata squash is a seasonal favorite that brings both flavor and color to the table.
Figs
Item #26154
12/8 oz
Lusciously sweet and honeyed, figs are a unique fruit with a tender, jammy interior and delicate edible skin. Their flavor is rich and complex, often described as a blend of berry, honey, and floral notes. Fresh figs add elegance to cheese boards, salads, desserts, & sauces. With their beautiful color and luxurious taste, figs bring a touch of indulgence to any plate.
Candy Stripe Beets
Item #26703
1/25 lb
This variety of beet is named for the candy cane like stripped appearance, offering many colorful candy like layers when pealed and sliced. Candy Stripe Beets are great when shaved and used in raw preparations, pickled or used as a vegetable style carpaccio; visually stunning with flavor to match.
Romanesco
Item #23376
1/12 CT
Romanesco is a striking vegetable known for its bright green color and naturally fractal florets. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a crisp tender texture that falls between cauliflower and broccoli. Excellent roasted, steamed, or sauteed, Romanesco holds its shape well and adds both visual interest and fresh flavor to the plate.
King Oyster Mushrooms
Item #24978
1/5 LB
King oyster mushrooms are the largest of the oyster mushroom family, unlike other oyster mushrooms, their stalks are not tough and woody, thus making them entirely edible. King oysters pair well with most seafood, steak, pork and poultry. Try browning King oysters in a mixture of butter and truffle oil… finish with a sprinkle of truffle salt and a few arugula leaves.
Parsnip
Item #26472
1/20 lb
A close relative to carrots and parsley with a distinctive look of a cream-colored carrot with the top leaves resembling that of flat leaf parsley. This tuberous vegetable is sometimes left in the soil over winter and harvested the following spring (“spring dug parsnips”) which adds great sweetness due to frost. Parsnips are suitable in many of the same preparations as carrots, but are exceptional when pureed, battered and used as winter fries or grilled adding a Smokey char.
Rainbow Carrots
Item #11410
12/2 lb or 6/2 lb
Rainbow carrots are enjoyed around the world, including the Mediterranean and Asia, but they are still a relative novelty in the United States. Featuring subtle flavor variations and rich color these vibrant root veggies are a distinct way to add fresh appeal to your menu. Rainbow carrots add a colorful pop to all dishes using traditional carrots. Makes a great addition to house made giardiniera, crudités or as simple seared multi colored carrot medallions.
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Item #26430
1/10 LB
Rainbow chard is Swiss chard that pops with color; red, yellow, pink and white among the more typical of the palette. Large, leafy greens with a some what thick and colorful stock making each leaf ideal for multiple applications. Add Chard to pasta dishes, use blanched leaves as a substitution for Nori (seaweed sheets), use chard stocks in place of celery in wing presentations or simply sauté with garlic as a side vegetable.
Micro Greens
Mixed
Item #9708
8oz
Microgreens are vegetable greens, smaller than “baby greens” that are harvested after sprouting as shoots. They are used as a visual and flavor component to enhance both the attractiveness and taste of dishes with their delicate textures and distinctive flavors. Micro greens are considered a specialty genre of greens that are good for garnishing salads, soups, plates, and sandwiches.
Tri-color Fingerling Potatoes
Item #10794
1/20 lb
Stubby and finger-shaped, fingerlings are potato varieties that naturally grow small and narrow. They are fully mature when harvested and should not be confused with new potatoes. Our Tri-color fingerling potatoes feature three of the world’s most popular varieties: the yellow-skinned Russian Banana, the pink-skinned and yellow fleshed French Fingerling, and the Purple Peruvian.
Black Garlic, Peeled
Item #22541
1 lb
Black garlic is the product achieved from a natural fermentation that happens within a 4 week process of controlled heat and humidity, rendering the garlic black, sticky and sweet. I like to refer to black garlic as Garlic Gummies; just like garlic candy. This high end product can be use in many preparations; both sweet & savory. Great for sauces, aioli, vinaigrettes, and even in ice cream. A little bit goes a long (awesome) way.
When to Place Specialty Produce Orders
Please order by 3:00 PM
Monday for Wednesday
Tuesday for Thursday
Wednesday for Friday
Thursday for Monday
Friday for Tuesday
Additional Resources
Ken’s Compliments
A family-owned business producing some of the best sauces and dressings available to foodservice professionals today. Ken’s is the perfect, craveable compliment to your fresh salads and produce.
10 Tips for Managing Seasonal Menus
Seasonal ingredients and menu items have become more popular along with the local food movement, which goes right to the heart of the kind of sustainability commitment that today’s customers are looking for.
Local Produce
We’ve partnered with some of the best farms in New England to bring you a diverse selection of produce that meets the high standards of restaurant owners, chefs, and kitchen staff.
Recipes
Browse our recipe center with a “vegetable” search – highlighting recipes that will put some serious pop behind your produce. Follow the directions or deviate with your own signature touches!