Persian limes are available year-round from Jalisco, Mexico. “We have a packing facility in our main growing area in Jalisco, Mexico,” says Mayra Romero with Fresco Produce. If supplies from Jalisco are insufficient due to lack of quality or weather events, Fresco sources from the Veracruz and Tabasco areas that are adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico.
High quality this time of year
Jalisco limes have a thinner skin than limes from Veracruz and Tabasco. Summer temperatures affect Jalisco limes and as a result, their quality is at its best when it’s cooler outside. With lower temperatures, the Jalisco lime has a darker green skin than usual and they are always juicy because of the region where they are grown. Winter season limes are juicy and green, resulting in a really good quality. About three weeks ago, we started receiving really good quality from Jalisco,” mentioned Romero.
Depressed prices
Weather has played an important role during the past few growing seasons. Two years ago, supplies were very limited and prices for a 40 lb. box went up to $110/box. Last year, they were about $30/box. “This season, we did expect prices to go up to at least $25 to $30/box for the holidays,” admitted Romero. “Reason for it being that we’ve had a lot of rain and hail during the growing season and this time of the year production is traditionally low. However, so far prices haven’t gone up at all.” Currently, Persian limes run at $12-$13 per box.
“Usually, prices go up about two weeks prior to the holidays, but we are not seeing that effect this year,” mentioned Romero. “It is surprising as I thought supplies would be low due to the weather impact. Perhaps, there will be less availability in January, February and March instead.” Romero concludes by saying that the impact of weather is changing. “We used to have seasons very well determined, but now the weather has changed the seasons, thus market and production have changed throughout the year.”
