FLORIDA, ALABAMA, & GEORGIA - What news could be sweeter to hear than a heavy crop of Satsuma Mandarins coming to retail shelves? The Sweet Valley Citrus Region—also known as North Florida, South Alabama, and South Georgia—is reporting its Mandarins are maturing and will begin to ship about two weeks ahead of the 2021 season.
“The 2022 crop looks great,” exclaimed Kim Jones, current President of Cold Hardy Citrus Association. “Color break has been early; Brix is already testing as high as 11 which indicates exceptionally sweet, flavorful fruit; and we predict the volume to be higher than anticipated.”
This easy-to-peel, medium- to large-size, seedless Mandarin variety is always exceptionally fresh, sweet, and flavorful. All Sweet Valley Citrus is grown on local family farms, tree-ripened, and shipped daily from farmer-owned packing facilities. Satsuma labels grown in the area include grower brands such as Southern Sassies, Southern Juicys, and Cherokee Jewel. Non-branded packaged and bulk fruit is also available.
As noted in the release, the Sweet Valley Citrus Region represents a resurgence of Southern citrus groves and is a great success story for American agriculture. This area was not affected by recent storms, including Hurricane Ian.
“Satsumas are an early winter delight and consumer favorite for the holiday season,” said Mark Clikas, Vice President of the Cold Hardy Citrus Association. “We started shipping in early November, with full production available through December and possibly into January.”
This Sweet Valley region features special growing conditions that are perfect for other varieties of citrus too, such as Sweet Valley Cara Cara oranges, Tango, Kishu, and Shiranui Mandarins, which will be shipping from November to mid-January as well.
ANUK will keep an eye on the radar, so check back for the latest.
