Florida is about to start its bitter melon season. Growing of the exotic vegetable, which typically grows well in warm regions, is confined to the Homestead area in South Florida. Bitter melon are generally available year-round, with US suppliers also sourcing them from around Central America and the Caribbean. Only when the Florida season ends in late fall do supplies tighten up.
"We source our bitter melon from Honduras, the Dominican Republic and we also grow them in Florida," shared Cruz Castillo of Jalaram Produce based in Homestead. "The Florida season runs from late winter, early spring through to the end of fall. We have started picking a few bitter melon in some of our fields but the season is not quite ready yet. It will be another two weeks before it really gets going."
Prices usually drop once Florida enters the market
Growers note that Florida volume makes up a large amount of bitter melon supplies during the season. As a result, supplies are stronger and prices are generally weaker. This is expected to be the case again this year once commercial volume out of Florida begins.
"When the Florida season starts, we usually see a lot of production and the only time it slows down is at the end of the season," Castillo said. "Right now we are seeing prices of $21 on a 30lb box, which is slightly below the average. Once heavier volumes from Florida enter the market, prices tend to drop as low as $14."
He added that growing conditions have so far been satisfactory. "Everything looks fine so far, as long as there isn't a lot of rain. When there is too much rain, it can cause problems with harvesting and also quality issues."
Nationwide distribution, except to a couple of states
Jalaram Produce has a steady supply of bitter melon year-round. As a result, they are able to distribute across most of the United States. There are a couple of notable exceptions though, including Texas and California. "We distribute nationwide except to states with restrictions on Caribbean Fruit Fly," Castillo explained.
"Because people are drawn to the health benefits of bitter melon, demand is always high," he added. "We always ship in boxes of 19"x13"x12", with a net weight of 30lb."
For more information:
Cruz Castillo
Jalaram Produce
Ph: +1 (877) 525-2726
[email protected]
www.jalaramproduce.com