The Arizona/California desert growing region recorded freezing temperatures and heavy lettuce ice on five of the last six days. Temperatures will warm up gradually this week but lettuce ice will still be possible in cold-prone areas through Tuesday, January 16.

Markon inspectors are already seeing the effects from this extended cold snap in lettuce and some tender leaf items. Many of the issues listed below will worsen in the coming days and may linger for three weeks or longer.

• Dehydration and/or loss of vibrancy
• Decreased case weights for commodity lettuce items
• Epidermal blister and peeling
• Reduced shelf-life potential
• Slowed plant growth
• Yellowing leaves/discoloration

Harvesting and processing crews will work to remove damaged leaves but cannot eliminate them completely from finished packs.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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