WEATHER STRESS DELAYS WINTER CITRUS VARIETALS

The California citrus season has been slow to start and the harvest of mandarin varieties such as the Tango and Page continue to be pushed back. Many years of drought as well as extreme hot weather during the growing season has stressed the trees, crippled crops volume and increased issues such as dry cell.  Then California was hit with extreme rainstorms that 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 dilute the flavor, cause molding, clear rot that shows up after being picked and packed and is identified by a soft watery spot in the rind, and an overall shorter shelf life.

Citrus Varietal Outlook

Tangos are forecast to be picked by early next week. Look for Algerian and TDE Mandarins, Mandarinquats and Nagamis to arrive later this week. The Daisy SL(seedless) Mandarin, Minneolas and Blood Oranges are eating great now!  The Daisy seedless (contains an average of 2 seeds per fruit) is finely textured and juicy, with a rich, sweet and distinctive flavor when mature. Its deep orange rind is smooth and thin and moderately easy to peel.

Stay tuned for updates as the winter citrus season continues to unfold. Download Earl’s Citrus Guide here.