News and Stories

Temperatures are expected to rise into the high 80s/low 90s in the warmest areas of the Salinas Valley Sunday, June 19 through Wednesday, June 22. Weather should cool slightly to the low 80s by Thursday, June 23 and persist for the next 7 to 10 days. Coastal areas are expecting lower temperatures (in the high 70s) during this time.

Prices will steady to slightly lower for most commodity items into early next week despite the hot weather, but Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Romaine Hearts are expected to meet trigger levels by Monday, June 23 due to strong demand and limited supplies.

Below are some of the potential quality issues expected early next week:

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leafy Greens, and Lettuces:

• Fringe burn
• Growth cracking
• Hollow core
• Increased mildew
• Insect pressure
• Ribby texture and/or twisting
• Shortened shelf-life
• Yellow/brown bead

Strawberries:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Reduced shelf-life
• Small size
• Soft texture

Value-Added Salads and Tender Leaf Items:

• Brittle texture
• Dehydration
• Higher respiration rates
• Mechanical damage
• Shortened shelf-life

Markon inspectors are working with suppliers to select the best lots available for Markon orders. Maintaining the cold chain is critical to maximizing the quality and shelf-life of commodity and value-added produce items. Markon will continue to report on prices, supply levels, and quality as more information becomes available.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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