California’s Salinas and Santa Maria growing regions will be experiencing a heat wave this week lasting through the Fourth of July weekend. Fields near the coastline will reach temperatures in the low 80s with inland fields reaching triple digits by the weekend. The extreme heat is forecast to ease on Tuesday, July 9. Product challenges caused by the hot weather include:
Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine
- Dehydration/decreased case weights
- Seeder/long core
- Sunscald
- Internal burn
- Growth cracks
- Weak tips
- Fringe burn
- Reduced shelf-life
Leafy Greens:
- Dehydration
- Bolting/seeder
- Brittle texture
- Tip burn
- Yellowing
- Reduced shelf-life
Broccoli/Cauliflower:
- Discoloration
- Brown bead
- Dehydration
- Yellowing
- Hollow core
- Reduced shelf-life
Strawberries:
- Dark color/over ripeness
- Soft fruit
- Small size
- Lower volume
- Increased bruising
- Reduced shelf-life
Markon inspectors are keeping a close eye on value-added items, strawberries, lettuces, leafy greens, and other row crops that are being harvested/processed throughout this week.
Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
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