PRO*ACT Crop Update: Quality out of the desert still a challenge
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Quality out of the desert still a challenge
The last in a series of cold low-pressure systems moves out of California today. As the system moves to the east cold temperatures and gusty winds will continue into Friday when a strong high-pressure ridge is set to move over the region. In the desert regions warm temperatures will return this weekend as high pressure moves into the area, bringing warm and dry conditions into next week.
Quality in the desert regions continues to be a challenge with the hot temperatures last week affecting quality, texture and shelf life of current supplies. Insect pressure, tip and internal burn along with seeders are impacting the lettuce and leaf supplies. These late-season supplies will continue to show some premature pinking along the rib that is not seen during harvest and tends to show up during transit and storage. Processed items will continue to see an increase in discoloration and breakdown showing up in the bag affecting quality and shelf life.
In the Huron region of Central California harvests continue this week with generally good quality with the few shippers in the region. These supplies will typically have many small flies and gnats that impact the leaf lettuce stands, especially Romaine. These tiny pests are very difficult to remove at harvest as they tend to accumulate at the base of the plant.
The Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard regions will continue to increase harvests weekly as the recent storm systems move east. Current supplies have seen some mildew and soil disease issues in the recent cool moist conditions. Overall quality and supplies look to remain adequate as we complete the transition over the next couple of weeks.
With over 30 years in the produce industry, Tim Lynch started as an inspector and advanced into quality control and food safety. Beyond work, he's an avid sports fan, relishing in activities like boating, fishing, and diving. Originally from Hollywood, California, Tim attended Cal Poly SLO before making Marina his home since 1994.
