News and Stories

The Salinas Valley experienced excessive heat and humidity over the Labor Day weekend. Near the coast, temperatures reached the mid-90s and inland areas peaked in the mid-100s.   

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are limited; Markon Best Available (MBA) will be substituted as needed
• Expect to see elevated levels of dehydration, internal burn, mildew, seeder, sunburn, and wilting in lettuce and leafy green items

Broccoli and Cauliflower

• MFC Broccoli is limited
  • MBA will be substituted as needed
  • Expect hollow core and brown bead due to recent heat
• Markon Essentials Cauliflower is limited
• Packer label will be substituted as needed
• Increased levels of yellowing are predicted

Tender Leaf Items

• Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) tender leaf items are available
• Expect shortened shelf-life potential for the next 10 to 14 days
• RSS Wild Arugula will experience elevated levels of yellowing and premature breakdown
• RSS Triple-Washed Spinach issues include brittleness, mechanical damage, mildew, and small size  
• RSS Spring Mix problems include higher respiration rates, mildew, and premature yellowing

Value-Added Salads

• RSS value-added salads are available
• Some supplies are exhibiting above-normal density, which will cause chunks in finished packs
• Other heat-related issues such as internal burn and premature pinking may develop

The forecast calls for normal seasonal weather patterns over the next 10-14 days; Markon will continue to provide updates.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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