News and Stories

Abnormally hot weather over the last several months in the Arizona/California desert growing region are causing quality concerns in Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Romaine and Green Leaf products. Strong winds and temperatures in the low to mid-90s have resulted in premature pinking at the cut ends and ribs of green leaf and romaine heads.

The items most affected include:

• 92572 RSS ROMAINE W/T 2/5 LB
• 92553 RSS ROMAINE LEAF FILLETS 2/5 LB
• 92574 RSS ROMAINE HEARTS W/T 2/7.5 LB
• 91822 RSS GREEN LEAF W/T 2/5 LB
• 91813 RSS GREEN LEAF FILLETS 2/5 LB

Growers are taking the proper precautions to reduce premature pinking by harvesting earlier to avoid peak temperatures and reducing harvest-to-cool times.

The transition from the desert region to the Salinas Valley will be completed the week of April 18. For the next several weeks, some supplies will continue to be harvested in Yuma.

Ordering for quick turns is recommended; maintaining the cold chain throughout distribution is critical to maximizing the quality and shelf-life of commodity and value-added produce items.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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