Relentless California Rains Complicate Organic Citrus Harvest

 While California is experiencing one of the coldest and rainiest winters in over 50 years, several of the state’s largest organic citrus producers are experiencing exceptional quality and flavor in their crops. 

The rain has impacted quality in all three of California’s primary organic citrus growing regions---- the San Joaquin/Central Valley region which has heavy production of oranges, mandarins, tangerines, lemons and some novelty crops; the desert region made up of predominantly lemons and grapefruit; and the Coastal Region with some novelty varietals including lemons and grapefruit.  Supplies coming out of the regions have been hindered by the rains, but overall quality has been exceptional.

Craig Morris, citrus category director for Homegrown Organic Farms, said the company has taken “great effort into making sure we don’t lose momentum.  We’ve had to adjust plans daily to take advantage of ideal harvesting windows.” He points to production in all three regions as what’s helped the company move through the challenges.  Homegrown is in the peak of their Cara Cara program and offering navels, lemons, and grapefruit.  Blood Oranges, Pumelo’s and Gold Nugget tangerines are equally bountiful.

Craig Morris, Citrus Category Director, Homegrown Organic Farms

As a result of the rain, quality defects are often only skin deep.  Don Mayfield, buyer for Organically Grown Company, said “We have a big advantage as our smaller footprint of organic retailers and food-coops are willing to take on more Choice grade as well as skin effected fruit-----especially if it has flavor which it does this season”.

Mayfield said OGC their relationships with smaller organic growers provides a diverse offering of premium quality fruit.   In addition to the Cara Cara’s variety, production is peaking for the popular Buck brand TDE’s. He said TDEs have suffered some outer cosmetic issues with slight thrip, scarring and rain related peel issues, but the fruit has outstanding flavor.

“Many of our customers favor diversity and flavor over perfection on the outside, and that creates an incredible support system for our growers in seasons like this,” Mayfield said.

Sheryl Kunkle of Circle K Products, growing in Temecula, California sees the benefits of rain far outweighing any downside in growing organic citrus items.  She said, “The rains are incredibly cleansing for the soils, especially with recent drought years.   Good, heavy doses of pure rainwater will flush out the harmful salt build-up that accumulates around the root zone.”  Flushed soils, she says, leads to healthier orchards that can absorb more nutrients.

Kunkle believes her hillside orchards have an advantage over those citrus items grown on flat parcels of land. She said her orchards received eight inches of rain in less than 24 hours last week, and had the orchards not been on hillsides, “the roots would be standing in water for too long, suffocating the trees.”

“Too much water taken on dilutes the sugar content” Kunkle said.  “In order to have optimal flavor and brix, it’s essential to wait for dry weather, when sugars are more concentrated, otherwise the fruit tastes watery.” 

Circle K is currently harvesting Gold Nugget, Pixie, Tango and seedless Kishu mandarins as well as Mineola tangelos and Star Ruby grapefruit. Kunkle expects promotable quantities with excellent flavor on all varieties, despite the rains.