Harvest has begun on Meyer lemons in California. “We just started last week with them and while it’s just the beginning of the season, we’re pleased with movement,” says Sandra Bertelli of Fruition Sales- Ripe to you®, which distributes the lemons domestically. “We anticipate sales getting a little stronger as the holidays approach and people start baking and being more involved in their kitchens.”

On volume, estimates on the volume of the Meyer lemon crop from California’s Central Valley are down somewhat this year. As for the timing of the season, it’s fairly consistent with historical timing. “Typically we go into April–we try to make it last through Easter though that depends on where Easter falls,” says Bertelli.

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Rain and harvest
Meanwhile, harvest is coming on as heavy rains are projected in the region this week and into next week. “That tends to keep us out of the field though it doesn’t really impact the fruit. You just can’t pick when it’s too cold or wet so there will be a drying out period depending on what happens,” she says, adding that she doesn’t anticipate a subsequent interruption in supply. “We are trying to pick ahead and do what we can in anticipation of our needs.”

As for consumption of Meyer lemons–a smaller, often sweeter lemon used often whole in baking and cooking–Bertelli says consumption of the fruit continues to grow. “I think you can attribute that to things like food television and people being more open to trying new recipes,” she says, adding that sales have also significantly shifted towards bagged fruit over bulk sales. “Our demographics have also changed across the country and that there is a lot more diversity and people willing to try something that they might not have used in the past.”

As for pricing, it is consistent with last year’s pricing.

For more information:
Sandra Bertelli
Fruition Sales- Ripe to you
Tel: +1 (559) 626-7917
[email protected]
https://ripetoyou.com/