“Artichoke supply is tight, but that is not uncommon this time of the year”, says Thomas Walsh with Underwood Ranches. The desert and Ventura County are the only two producing areas right now. Underwood Ranches only grows artichokes in Ventura County. “We are a seasonal shipper and production time for us roughly runs from November to April. After April, we are done for the season and Castroville in the Salinas Valley becomes the sole supplier of artichokes.” Once the artichoke capitol of the world comes into production, artichokes supplies will go up. The State of California produces 100% of all artichokes grown in the United States.
Underwood Ranches is in the unique position to grow artichokes during Castroville’s low season. Production in winter time however also comes with challenges. “Our main challenge is to avoid frost in the winter”, said Walsh. “This winter, we were really lucky as we only had three days of frost. We pruned the plants, took off the damaged chokes and the plants continued producing”, Walsh said.Demand for artichokes is increasing in the winter although typically, consumers associate artichokes with spring. Californians will eat artichokes 12 months a year if a consistent supply and quality is available.
Underwood Ranches is always working on new products. The company’s artichokes are mainly sold as a loose item on the shelf, but Underwood also has a Club-store pack that is sold to some of the main club stores in the country.For more information:
Thomas Walsh
Underwood Ranches
Tel: (+1) 805-389-7770