FLORIDA, ALABAMA, & GEORGIA - Supplies coming out of the Sweet Valley Citrus region are exceeding the high expectations set at the start of the season. Now halfway through, the Cold Hardy Citrus Association (CHCA) reports that Satsuma Mandarins and other cold hardy varieties are still in abundant supply.
“We are seeing good quality, bigger size, and lots of volume left to pick on trees, especially for Satsumas,” shared Kim Jones, current President of the CHCA. Jones continued, stating that this means availability and shipping should continue for another four to six weeks.
Retailers who already ordered this year, such as Whole Foods, Rouses Markets, Publix, and Aldi, will continue to see a steady supply and sales of some of the season’s most popular citrus varieties, a press release stated. And, with such a large bumper crop now available, it’s not too late for other retailers to still place orders.
“People love Satsumas because they are sweet, seedless, and easy to peel, making them perfect to eat at any time,” added Jones. “This year’s harvest is showing high brix levels that equate to maximum sweetness.”
The locally sourced advantage of these special seasonal varieties is part of the reason that consumers seek them out. The growing region in North Florida, and southern parts of Alabama and Georgia also enjoyed favorable growing conditions this spring and summer, with just enough rainfall and no adverse weather conditions.
In addition to the Satsuma crop, the CHCA has also advised that Cara Cara oranges, as well as Tango, Kishu, and Shiranui Mandarins are also at peak quality and will continue 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. 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,” said Jones.
Now get out there and load those shelves with fresh citrus!
