FRESNO, Calif. — It took just five nights of bitter cold to ruin nearly $1 billion in citrus and other produce, but some crops thrived in the frigid temperatures.

Peaches, cherries, apples and grapes are maturing nicely thanks to the ongoing chill, which helps trees and vines bloom properly to produce quality fruit.

"Any cold weather that we get is welcome," said John Warmerdam, who farms 1,300 acres of peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and grapes outside Hanford. "When you're talking to any citrus grower you do so with a bit of sympathy because you can relate to the position they're in. It's just a matter of time until Mother Nature gives you a bad hand."