News and Stories

Several major California growing regions will be experiencing a significant heat spike today through Sunday, September 3. Harvesting crews will start earlier in the morning, but production may still be curtailed when peak temperatures hit. Heat-related quality, supply, and shelf-life issues are to be expected for many row crop items.

Salinas Valley:

• Coastal areas are expecting low to mid-90s and inland regions could reach up to 104 degrees
• Some areas are as much as 24 degrees above seasonal averages
• Commodity and value-added broccoli, lettuces, strawberries, and tender leaf items are among the those that are most vulnerable to heat
• Specific concerns for lettuce/tender leaf items include dehydration, internal burn, bolting/seeder, and shortened shelf-life
• Strawberries will be more prone to bruising, smaller size, soft texture, and shortened shelf-life

Santa Maria/Ventura County:

• The Santa Maria areas will range from the low to mid-90s; Ventura County can expect temperatures in the upper 80s
• Strawberries will be affected in Santa Maria and cilantro will experience defects in Ventura County
• Expect bruising and soft texture in berries through at least next week
• Cilantro quality and shelf-life out of Ventura County will continue to suffer

The attached pictures illustrate some of the quality concerns that Markon inspectors are monitoring closely. Maintaining the cold chain is critical for maximizing quality and shelf-life. Ordering for quick turns is also recommended.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

John Galvez

Quality Assurance

markon.com

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