Extreme heat continues to cause concern for the remaining acreage of row crop vegetables in the Arizona/California desert growing region. Markon inspectors have observed the effects of the heat in fresh samples and shelf-life retains during recent product cuttings, particularly in value-added romaine items (pictures attached).

With the sustained heat and a limited supply remaining, the quality and shelf-life of commodity and value-added items from the desert region will be challenged until production moves back to the Salinas Valley. Despite mitigation steps by growers, harvesters, and processing crews, it will not be possible to completely avoid the issues brought on by the extreme conditions. Ordering for quick turns is recommended, and, as always, cold chain management throughout the supply chain will be critical to maximizing quality and shelf-life.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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