Please read our weekly Market Refresh to catch up on product changes and buy fresher.

Refreshes by Josh Baker

Kegel's Produce would like to thank all of our customers for helping to make our sales of chocolate covered strawberries a smashing success yet again this year. We hope you all enjoyed the berries as much as we did making them, and we are already looking forward to February of 2012! March is a mere two weeks away, and it is also National Nutrition Month. A good way to eat healthy is to try any one of our many different fruits and vegetables. Give us a call today for more information.

As mentioned above, last week's freeze had depleted most of our growing regions in Mexico and Arizona. Below, we are highlighting major issues with many products affected by this weather event:

Iceberg, Romaine and Green Leaf Lettuces Act of God pricing has been declared on most lettuce items as growers are reporting that the freeze has caused blistering and peeling on all types of lettuce. When a head blisters and/or peels, that becomes black within a few days and ruins that head of lettuce. Of all types, Romaine Hearts and Green Leaf are the two most effective options as of now, but consumers can expect this outlook for at least the next three or four weeks.

Celery Quality of celery is not very good right now, and due to the freeze, availability is much the same. We are seeing extreme market levels on this commodity right now.

Zucchini & Yellow Squash, Green Peppers, Eggplant and Cucumbers Coastal and central Mexican squash growing areas have been described as anywhere from 50% to even complete losses. Reports indicate that the areas closest to the ocean were spared the most; because of this, the range in quality that now exists is quite wide. Market levels are being summed up as extreme on these products.

Tomatoes News is a little better on tomatoes, as growers are estimating losses near 70%. Because of this, supplies are going to be tight and market levels can be expected to remain high for at least the next three to five weeks.

On the other side of the coin, we do have a few products right now that are in great shape; both red and green seedless grapes are available at excellent value and quality. We are also seeing a constant supply of beautiful navel oranges. Red Delicious apples are arriving steadily from Washington state. Cantaloupes, honeydews, watermelons and pineapples are also a great buys right now.

WEATHER THIS WEEK:

• SoCAL/WEST ARIZONA: Next week's temperatures are expected to return to normal season averages with sun.


• CALIFORNIA COAST: Rain is expected next week, which could have slight impacts on harvesting schedules.


• ELSEWHERE: A warm-up is expected to eliminate half of the nation's current snow cover next week.

- - Have a great week! - -