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

Refreshes by Josh Baker

• Recent summer thunderstorms have supplied much-needed rains over the Lancaster County area within the past week. Sunday’s downpours should get farmers back to near-normal levels as far as precipitation goes as we head into this week. We are expecting to be in a good weather pattern throughout the next several days, which is expected to cause minimal disruptions in regards to harvesting, production and market levels.

• For more detailed information on our locally-grown products, including an availability list, check out Locally Speaking, updated Wednesday afternoons.

Locally-grown Lancaster County sweet corn is the featured item of the month for July 2010 here at Kegel’s Produce. We also anticipate highlighting locally-grown Heirloom Tomatoes for August.

• We are in the midst of one of the best local growing seasons in recent memory as delicious sweet corn, squash, cantaloupes and squash are all readily available for next-day needs. In addition to local product, we also have numerous options available from through the United States, including several varieties of stonefruits, lettuces, potatoes and onions. Here is some more information on current hot-button items from through the produce industry:

• BERRIES: Strawberries coming from the west are having to survive a warm ride across the states to get here, so minor bruising and shorter than usual shelf lives may exist. Raspberries and blueberries are in good shape, and the current weather pattern is ideal in California for blackberry production. Both are arriving to us at good market levels and are readily available.

• TOMATOES: Tomatoes are available from all areas of the United States at the moment, including our personal favorite, locally-grown farms. Availability is excellent, and market levels are fair. The weather is the only minor issue as the heat has been pushing quality over the past three weeks or so. Kegel’s Produce has all types available, including both domestic and locally-grown varieties of romas, cherry, beefsteak slicers, yellow, grape and heirloom varieties.

• LEAF VEGETABLES: Recent weather in California has been exceptional for lettuce growth and quality. We currently have all types available, including green leaf, romaine, iceberg, spring mixes and many of the special varieties as well. In addition to lettuce, we also have baby leaf spinach available and many other veggies from the west, including broccoli and cauliflower.

• EASTERN FRUITS & VEGETABLES: This time of the year features all types of product from eastern areas of the United States. Currently tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers, eggplant, watermelons, kale, sweet potatoes, yams, bell peppers and cucumbers are all coming from this side of the Mississippi River. By doing this, Kegel’s Produce is able to find the most attractive market levels and keep rates as low as we possibly can. We also have a steady supply of locally-grown produce available from central Pennsylvania and slightly beyond.

• LOPES & MELONS: Cantaloupes are still slightly unstable, partially due to a small gap in supply while growing areas in California and the west transition. Fortunately, we are able to offer locally-grown cantaloupes this week, which are sized and taste better. Watermelons and honeydews are also available, and there are no major issues with either at the moment.

WEATHER THIS WEEK:

  • California: Another typical week in the west as temps are expected to be in the low 70’s with sunny skies and little to no chance of rain. Conditions could again be slightly warmer in So-Cal.

  • FLORIDA: Warm and humid with temperature in the lower 90’s and chances for thunderstorms.

  • LOCALLY: Temps in the mid-to upper 80’s all week w/sunny skies & minimal chances of pm storms.

- - Have a great week! - -