Harvest of the early pomegranate varieties has started in California. "It's always an exciting time of year when the first fruit is being picked," says David Anthony with Youngstown Distributors. "Demand for these early varieties is high because California fruit hasn't been available domestically for about nine months." In addition, Rosh Hashana, which will be celebrated on October 3rd this year, is a driver of demand. The early varieties like Early Wonderful are available this month and into the first half of October. By October 15, harvest of the main Wonderful variety will start with fresh whole pomegranates expected to be shipped until December 31.
For this year, Anthony expects a normal harvest. Summer heat didn't impact the fruit and after some good rainfall this past winter, water allocations were more normal this summer. Youngstown Distributors has been growing pomegranates in California's Central Valley for more than 50 years and knows the fruit has adapted to warm summers. However, water storage levels continue to be crucial.
Exports to the Pacific Rim
Fresh, whole pomegranates are shipped to any U.S. state as well as into Canada. "In addition, we've developed an export program with Australia and New Zealand being key markets," Anthony shared. The company also recently started conversations with customers in Japan and South Korea. Overseas shipments of the early varieties take place by air as the early fruit is a bit more sensitive compared to the main Wonderful variety. "The early varieties grow during the hotter part of the season and tend to have a shorter shelf-life," said Anthony. "The Wonderful variety on the other hand has a thicker skin, preventing dehydration. As a result, this variety has a longer shelf-life and can handle ocean voyages better." Any of the current exports to the Pacific Rim take place by air, but once the Wonderful variety ships, it will be via ocean transport. For Youngstown Distributors, about 15 percent of early pomegranates make their way overseas. Later in the season, exports account for about 20 percent of volume.
Arils extend the season
In addition to their fresh pomegranate offerings, the company is a year-round shipper of pomegranate arils, extracted at the Reedley, California facility. "Popularity of ready-to-eat arils has increased, and this season is shaping up to be bigger than ever." Not only are arils a very convenient and healthy product, they also provide the grower with an opportunity to extend the season. Fruit for arils can be held for a few months after the December harvest ends. Usually, arils from California-grown pomegranates are processed until February and by March, Youngstown switches to bringing in pomegranates from South America. "These will mostly be processed into arils, but part of the import crop will also be sold as whole fresh fruit," commented Anthony.
Another processing arm that has really taken off is the company's cold-pressed juice operation. "We offer a wide range of conventional and organic juices, including our popular cold-pressed pomegranate juice." The juice is sold under the company's own label, but also co-packed for several popular labels. While no heat is being used, the product still has a 90-day shelf-life and a very high nutritional value. "It's our goal to be an efficient full-service operation. The fresh and processed businesses combined allow us to use all by-products from the pomegranate."
Left: pomegranate arils. Right: cold-pressed pomegranate juice.
Atlanta
Youngstown Distributors will be exhibiting at the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit the team at booth B3369. Whole pomegranates, as well as arils and cold pressed juice will be available for attendees to enjoy.
For more information:
David Anthony
Youngstown Distributors
Tel: (+1) 559-638-2271
[email protected]
www.youngstownd.com