The Salinas Valley in Monterey, California is the number one vegetable-producing region in the nation. During the summer months, 80% of the nation?s lettuce is produced here. In winter months, lettuce and salad production moves to Yuma, Arizona. Between these two regions, virtually all our salad greens are produced. Situated near the coast and bisected by the Salinas River, this valley enjoys special climatic conditions In the mornings there is always a fog that comes into the valley and keeps it cool, and it does not burn off until about 11:00 o?clock. The cool, foggy morning conditions are perfect for growing lettuce and other cool-season vegetables. John Steinbeck referred to it as ?the valley of the world;? and used it as the setting of his novel East of Eden.