The Pacific Northwest rhubarb season is hitting its peak right now after the start was delayed. Suppliers say winter conditions had been good but some colder weather in the latter part of winter and into early spring caused the rhubarb season to be pushed back. However, recent warmer weather has brought on the crop nicely and supplies are currently steady.
"The rhubarb season has been going for a couple of weeks now," shared Jason Comella of Botsford & Goodfellow in Oregon. "We were having a normal winter up until February and then it turned very cold. As a result, this affected the growing season and harvest subsequently started about three weeks later than last year. However, since the season started, we have enjoyed warmer temperatures which has helped boost production."
Comella added that April and May represent the peak of the rhubarb season in the Northwest although the region continues to have supplies through the start of fall. "We are right in the middle of our peak season now," he said. "It slows down slightly in June but we still have volume up until September. At the moment, supplies are good and close to the long term average."
Holiday period boosted market
The beginning of the season was accompanied by a strong market as customers sought out new season crop out of the Northwest. Prices were reportedly good and this was helped by the Easter holiday pull. Suppliers say that demand has been strong all season long.
"Demand has been good especially with the Easter holiday falling on April 21, just as we started with decent volume," Comella observed. "We began with prices in the mid to high $30s, which is pretty good and we also had the demand to go with it. Buyers like to be the first with new season domestic rhubarb and as a result, demand has continued to be steady."
"A little bit more organic each year"
Botsford & Goodfellow is the sole agent of the Willamette Valley Rhubarb Association, which represents the majority of rhubarb production in Oregon, covering over 250 acres. The company summarizes that the start of the season has been very good, with hopes for the remainder of the season to stay that way.
"So far, it's been a good season," Comella said. "For rhubarb, we offer a 20lb box for conventional and a 15lb box for organic."
For more information:
Jason Comella
Botsford & Goodfellow, Inc.
Ph: +1 (503) 653-9930
[email protected]
www.botsfordgoodfellow.com