HEAVY RAINS AFFECT CITRUS HARVEST

Heavy rain throughout California continues for yet another week. Citrus has certainly been affected with harvest coming to a halt on Clementines, Navels and upcoming Tango crop. The rain has made it cumbersome for the workers and tractors to get out on the muddy ground.  Standing on the wet soggy orchard floor also compacts the soil which is not good for the tree’s roots.  One of the biggest worries from a grower’s standpoint is that the rain will cause the citrus to be waterlogged which can cause molding, possible rind breakdown and a shorter shelf life. The tree takes in extra water making the fruit super hydrated and diluting the sugars. The grower needs to wait a few days for the dry weather to disperse the sugars again before picking. An additional concern is that if the fruit were to be picked when it is wet the oil from the workers hands would leave fingerprints and the pressure would cause the fruit to stay yellow instead of orange.

We are expecting rain throughout California for another 7-10 days. Side Hill Satsuma season is done. Thank you for making it a huge success!! Tangos have been pushed another week. Cara Cara’s, Navels, and Minneola’s remain tight.  Blood Oranges will return tomorrow in a limited way. Clementines are gapping.  Stay tuned for updates!