Today, I appreciate the travails of Californian farmers, not just because the heater in my office is a little underperforming today, but because of this round-up on the frost’s effect out West.

The San Fransisco Gate Chronicle offers up how California’s record cold may freeze some items right off restaurant menus, but by and large chefs know how to cope with the seasonality of crops under shortage this winter. Here it suggests some professional fixes home cooks can imitate:

• Citrus vinaigrettes can be replaced by simple vinegars
• Lettuces can be replaced by sturdier varieties like chicories
• Grapefruit is another good alternative to the citrus shortage

Erstwhile, the LA Times reports on the ugly numbers:

Growers say they’ve lost 50% or more of crops including strawberries; vegetables such as peas and celery; and lettuces, herbs and other tender greens. As a result, consumers can expect to see shortages of these for at least the next several weeks and maybe beyond.

[…] By far the worst damage was suffered by citrus and avocado growers, and lemons, oranges, tangerines and grapefruit are likely to be in short supply for the rest of the winter.

Until our office heater kicks in, I’m going to feel like a Californian tomato.