News and Stories
UPDATE: Markon First Crop (MFC) Melons
May 24, 2018
MFC Cantaloupe Melons are available; MFC Honeydew Melons will begin shipping Thursday, May 31.
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The Arizona/California domestic season is off to a slow start due to cooler-than-normal temperatures
- Cantaloupes and honeydews must meet minimum sugar levels of 10 Brix prior to harvesting
- Cool weather slows the development of sugars
- The longer the melons sit on the vine, the larger they grow in size before meeting minimum sugar levels
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MFC Cantaloupes are available
- Supplies are adequate
- Sizes are dominated by 9- and 12-count melons; 15- and 18-count sizes are tight
- Overall quality is very good: sugar levels average 12 to 14 Brix
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Packer-label honeydews are being substituted due to extremely limited stocks; most suppliers are packing jumbo-size cartons
- Supplies are tight, but expected to ramp up next week as warmer weather is in the forecast
- The crop is dominated by 5-count melons; 6-, 8-, and 9-count sizes are scarce
- Low sugar levels and scarring issues are concerns
- Quality is fairly good: sugar levels average 10 to 11 Brix
- Triple-digit temperatures are forecast for Monday, May 28, which is ideal for melon growth
- Supplies will increase next week; prices will ease
- MFC Honeydew will be available by late next week
Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
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