News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Lemons and Oranges are sporadic; packer label is being substituted as needed. High humidity, strong winds, and high temperatures have caused quality concerns in California lemon and orange crops. As is typical for this time of year, fruit is exhibiting cosmetic defects and weaker-than-normal texture. Markon recommends ordering for quick turns and keeping fruit at the low end of the temperature range (36-37 degrees for transportation and 40-42 degrees for storage).

California Lemons

• MFC and ESS Lemons are sporadic; packer label is being substituted as needed
• California’s Southern Coast is the primary growing region from June to September
• The coastal growing region experiences more challenges compared to the San Joaquin Valley and Arizona/California Desert areas
• High humidity and strong winds cause more bruising and scarring
• Occasional internal issues that are undetectable at shipping points are not uncommon; currently there is no technology to detect internal issues in packing facilities
• Overall quality has decreased due to these conditions
• Markon recommends ordering a higher grade if possible (fancy grade for choice and choice grade for standard)
• Packer label Chilean and Mexican lemons are available as substitutes

California Oranges

• MFC and ESS Valencia Oranges are sporadic; packer label is being substituted as needed
• California’s San Joaquin Valley is the primary growing region year-round
• Sustained, triple-digit temperatures have decreased quality and shortened the shelf-life of the current Valencia crop
• Texture is softer than normal
• Signs of stem aging and occasional breakdown that are not present at time of shipping are being reported upon arrival
• Some green color is common during the summer months, but high temperatures have increased the amount of re-greening
• This phenomenon occurs during the ripening process; warm weather causes rinds to re-absorb chlorophyll
• The increased chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color, results in a green tint starting near the stem end
• Despite the green color, fruit is still fully ripe, sweet, and juicy
• Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Packer label Chilean and South African Navels are available as substitutes

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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