Cold Hardy Citrus Association (CHCA) growers predicted this year’s harvest would be favorable at the season’s start, and groves are producing beyond those early expectations.
“We are seeing good quality, bigger size and lots of volume left to pick on trees, especially for satsumas,” said CHCA President Kim Jones.
CHCA represents growers, handlers, shippers and allied businesses in North Florida, South Alabama and South Georgia. CHCA, established in 2017, created the Sweet Valley Citrus brand.
Availability and shipping for CHCA fruit should continue for another four to six weeks, Jones said. Retailers who already ordered this year will continue to enjoy a steady supply of fruit. Additionally, with a bumper crop available, the association said it’s not too late for other retailers to place orders.
“People love satsumas because they are sweet, seedless and easy-to-peel, making them perfect to eat at any time,” said Jones. “This year’s harvest is showing high Brix levels that equate to maximum sweetness.” The CHCA growing region enjoyed favorable growing conditions this spring and summer, with just enough rainfall and no adverse weather conditions, which has also had a positive impact on the fruit.
CHCA reported that in addition to the satsuma crop, Cara Cara oranges and Tango, Kishu and Shiranui mandarins are at peak quality and are continuing to ship now through January. “Trees are still producing beautiful fruit with plenty of time left for ripening on the tree as we head into cooler weather,” Jones said. “These are ideal conditions for nearly all cold-hardy citrus varietals, and we expect growers will keep delivering excellent quality all the way through to the end of the season.”
Sweet Valley Citrus states that its growers “epitomize the family farm. Our groves are measured in acres and tens of acres, not thousands of acres.”
Source: Sweet Valley Citrus
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