News and Stories

A heat spike is taking place this week in California’s Salinas Valley, Santa Maria, and Oxnard regions. The abnormally high temperatures began on Sunday, May 25, and will persist through Saturday, May 30 when a slight chance of rain is forecast. Coastal highs will range from the low to upper 80s and inland temperatures will reach the upper 90s and low 100s in some areas. Temperatures will cool down by Monday, June 1, but are expected to climb above-normal levels again by the end of next week.

Crops such as broccoli, lettuces, strawberries, and tender leaf items will be the most impacted. The continuing hot, humid days and abnormally warm nights are expected to cause many quality and shelf-life issues over the next two weeks at least.

Lettuce Items

• Dehydration
• Growth cracks
• Internal burn
• Seeder
• Sun scald

Strawberries

• Bruising
• Decreased size
• Over-ripe berries
• Short shelf-life
• Soft texture

Tender Leaf Items (Arugula, Cilantro, Spring Mix, etc.)

• Dehydration
• Early breakdown
• Shortened shelf-life
• Yellowing leaves

Markon recommends ordering for quick turns and strictly maintaining the cold chain to maximize quality and shelf-life.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
                                                                                       
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