Look for asparagus and strawberries

Asparagus and strawberries are the two best buys of the week.

The Mexican asparagus crop is in full swing but it is not large this year. Expect plenty of this vegetable for another two weeks.

The best strawberries are from Florida, but Mexico is also sending us this fruit.

Prices for both these foods are low in supermarkets. Raspberries from California or Mexico are another good fruit buy.

Salad foods are in better shape, including leaf lettuce. English cucumbers from Ontario and Mexico are a good buy. The news that the big Quebec greenhouse tomato producer Serres du St- Laurent, brand name Savoura, has gone bankrupt has jolted the produce industry. Shoppers will continue to be offered these excellent tomatoes while other companies in Quebec and Ontario consider buying the company.

The reasons for the bankruptcy are easy to see if you shop in supermarkets.

We are regularly offered tomatoes from other companies and from Mexico and this competition, plus a lack of Quebec government support, and a long period of unfavourable exchange rates with the U. S. has cut into sales and profits. One sure bet is the Savoura name will continue, but with a new owner.

Celery is cheap, from either Florida or California. New potatoes from Florida have come down in price. There are more green beans on the market, but you still need to check crispness before you buy, especially in plastic- covered packages. Brussels sprouts are a good buy among green vegetables.

Seedless grapes from Chile continue to be good. The most plentiful are green Thompsons and red Flames. Citrus fruit including navel oranges from California and Spain and Florida grapefruit are good buys.