There is a 40 to 50 percent jump in California clementine and mandarin production this year compared to last, with a bulk of inventory coming from California’s Tulare and Kern counties.
“This year there is a bumper crop. All citrus varieties, by and large, are doing very well, for eating quality and sugar content,” says Chris Stambach of California Citrus Mutual, a trade association representing citrus producers. The U.S. represents the biggest demand for these small, seedless fruits, something he credits in part to different mandarin variety’s convenience factors.
“These are every mom’s dream. These citrus varieties are easy to peel and small enough that children can eat the whole thing,” he says, adding that it makes them easier to eat than the traditional navel oranges, which took a lot more effort. “I still love a good navel and eat more of those than anything, but for kids, clementines and mandarins are hard to beat.”
Growers spent much of December watching the thermometer to prepare for potential frost damage, but while temperatures dipped, severe frost damage never materialized.
“For a majority of the crop, the lower temperatures helped toughen up the rind and built up the flavor profile of the fruit,” Stambach says. Anticipated above normal rainfall should bring relief to drought-plagued California, but will slow harvest of all citrus varieties at times.
