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Watsonville - Salinas:
We did receive some rain at the beginning of last week, and then again with some heavy showers over the weekend. Temperatures have been in the mid-low 60s, with nighttime lows in the high 30s – low 40s. Before the recent showers and frost, quality was good and fruit looked clean at 18-20 count, with new crops coming in with some dry calix here and there. The frost from the previous weeks has pushed back harvest a few weeks with much of our farms a few weeks behind. Quality in the fields is currently being assessed following the rain, wind and frost, but we do plan to potenitally harvest on one of our ranches the end of this week weather permitting.
Santa Maria:
Highs in this region have been steady in the upper 50s with nighttime lows in the 30s. We did experience showers last week in Santa Maria, with heavier showers through the weekend. The rest of this week should remain in the low 70s – high 60s, with nighttime lows in the low 40s. Despite warmer temperatures for the start of the week, we do anticipate more showers for the upcoming weekend Saturday through Monday. San Andreas looks decent with counts 16-18 – and fruit that is making the pack looks very nice. Our only concerns with this variety currently is minor tip damage from wind scarring from the cooler temperatures – but nothing we are overly concerned about. Monterey variety has had a more difficult time making the pack from the rain, wind and frost. Fronteras is 16-20 count, and our organic Portola under hoops looks good at 20-26 count with good color and shape. Organic Monterey is 18-20 count and on the smaller side, but this is typical of this variety at this stage and we foresee counts to improve. Labor is not an issue right now as harvest around town has been slow due to recent weather conditions. We anticipate a spike in production the last week of March to kick off the month of April.
Oxnard:
Weather was cool all last week in Oxnard, with some light showers at the beginning of the week that did not cause much damage. Temperatures have been in the high 50s- low 60s, with mornings in the mid-30s. More showers swept the region over the weekend, therefore moisture is on our radar at the beginning of this week. Gusty winds are blowing through Oxnard today, with a break in rain and wind the remainder starting tomorrow through the remainder of the week. The weekend could pose light showers, but should warm up with sunshine into the following week back into more seasonal-like temperatures. We have a lot of fruit but not all fruit is coloring up 100 percent - a week of warmer weather and no rainfall will quickly change this. Size is coming down in San Andreas in the high teens - low 20s. Fronteras is holding size at 14-16 count – we anticipate this remaining consistent through March. Most ranches around town are finishing up harvest around 1:30-2PM – most farms are waiting for weather to warm up again. Quality looks good despite weather conditions - we’re just seeing some moisture in the clamshells and in the furrows.
Mexico:
Zamora is seeing warm, sunny days in the mid 80s and lows in the low 50s. These temperatures remain steady into this week, with no chances of rain in the immediate forecast. Quality challenges include overripe and dry, small fruit from the wamer weather in this region. We are remaining vigilent on quality control to ensure packs only have the best fruit. Strawberry counts are typically 24-26, with the occasional 26-28. Maravatío has had relatively warm weather in the 70s-80s, with no rain predicted for this week. It did rain the week prior, and heat and humidity did affect crops under hoops. Quality-wise, conditions are similar to Zamora – with growers finishing up packing earlier in the day due to inconsistent quality in the fields. The main challenge has been overripe and small fruit. Despite recent hurdles, we do still have good quality fruit coming out of ranches with counts 22-24.
Los Reyes has been in the low 80s and will get up to the high 80s by the 15th of the month. Lows are in the mid-50s at night and will remain steady. We foresee no rain in sight with sunny days ahead. Quality is good, with some regression due to heat but defects are minimal - 6oz. counts are 30-33. Ziracuaretiro has experienced highs in the low 80s and will also increase in temperature by the 2nd week of March. Weather looks sunny and warm ahead with minimal quality issues. Raspberries look good with counts around 30 in 6oz. clamshells. Blueberries have minimal defects and numbers are expected to go down, with fruit to pick up again in the summer months.
Florida:
Florida continues to produce good strawberry volume – with its peak period currently taking place the next few weeks. Temperatures should remain in the high 70s – low 80s this week, with chances of rain for Wednesday and Sunday of this week. Quality is day by day, and varies due to some warmer days we have experienced that have left some fruit overripe. Counts are 18-24 among Florida Beauty and 12-14 for Sensation – mostly 12.
Blueberries:
Our Chilean season is slowing down but we still have good fruit underway. Oxnard blues are rebounding from previous weather hurdles in Oxnard, and Georgia blues are loaded for the season ahead.
For up-to-date weather conditions in all of our growing regions, click on the region below. Wunderground.com is our go-to weather resource for fast and reliable weather updates.
So… what makes strawberries such a hot commodity for restaurants and food chains? It’s not just their sweet, delicious flavor (although, it certainly doesn’t hurt!) but strawberries are also packed with nutritional value like vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants – making them the perfect pop of color to garnish both sweet and savory dishes, or to make up an entire dish themselves!
Heading into spring we’ll see strawberries make their way into weekend brunch bubbly, low calorie and nutrient-packed smoothies, as well as savory salads! Here’s a few ways we recommend serving up strawberries as we head into springtime:
1. Strawberry and Paprika Chicken Fajitas – because who doesn’t love a sweet and savory combo? Not to mention.. a flavor-packed dinner to pair with a tasty margarita or a cold brew!
2. Peanut Butter Berry Parfait – you’re not going to want to leave this one off the breakfast menu. This tastes like your childhood PB&J in a jar… we can’t think of anyone that wouldn’t salivate over this sweet and salty pairing.
3. Fresh Herb Berry Cocktail- 'Wow' guests with this scrumtiously sweet fresh herb berry cocktail. It's fresh, tangy and sweet, and the perfect addition to a weekend brunch for the gals!
This consumer recently moved from Santa Maria, California, and the thing she misses most about her hometown is the California Giant strawberries!
This H-E-B in San Antonio, Texas has 18oz. blues on deck!
