Leafy Greens

Leafy Greens

Thurs, Jan. 30th, 2025

Dear Ole Tyme Customers:

Cold Temperatures Impacting Growth & Supply

  • Cold weather in the Southwestern desert regions is expected to continue through the week, with a warming trend beginning next week.
  • Very low temperatures are slowing plant growth, potentially leading to future supply shortages.

Leafy Greens Quality Concerns

  • Leafy greens will show defects like wind and fringe burn, feathering, epidermal peeling, blistering, and discoloration.
  • Lighter color, smaller head sizes, and lower carton weights are expected as growers trim damaged outer leaves.

Processing Challenges

  • Extreme cold weakens plant texture, leading to higher mechanical damage and bruising during harvesting and processing.
  • Processed leafy greens, especially spinach, tender leaf, and spring mix, will have increased discoloration, breakdown, and reduced shelf life.

Iceberg Lettuce Issues

  • Iceberg lettuce is showing significant frost damage, with fringe burn and peeling on outer leaves.
  • Crews are leaving extra protective leaves on liner lettuce, which may discolor during transit but can be trimmed off to reveal quality heads underneath.
  • Customers should be informed to prevent unnecessary complaints.

Shelf Life & Inventory Management

  • Rotating stock is crucial as many crops, especially processed items, will have shorter shelf lives and quality challenges in the near term.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Sales Representative.

Thanks,

Ole Tyme Produce

“The produce purchased from Ole Tyme Produce is always fresh and expertly packaged. We—and our recipients—appreciate the high quality and variety of produce.”

Kristen Wild

Chief Executive Officer, Operation Food Search

“From the driver to the CEO they bend over backwards to meet your needs. One of the best vendors of any type we have. Highly recommend them.”

Scott Walker

President/CEO, LifeWiseSTL

“In these days of large corporations, it's nice to partner with a local family business. Their name says it all, Ole Tyme Produce, reminding you that their family grown business provides the kind of service you reminisce about from the past with quality grown and delivered products. Over 25 years we have come to count on their outstanding customer service, quality products, and their hospitality driven staff which has helped us grow our successful business. We appreciate their partnership, and we look forward to working together for many years to come.”

Gordon M

Owner/Operator, The Original Pancake House

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