“We started shipping Peruvian W. Murcotts a week ago and they should enter California in the third week of July,” says Jim Cutsinger with International Citrus & Produce. “We source from the Northern part of Peru and this year’s quality is very good. Rainfall in the beginning of the growing season has resulted in bigger fruit sizing and the fruit is coloring up very nicely,” added Cutsinger.
Transition from W. Murcotts into Honey Murcotts
The W. Murcotts are shipped into the port of Long Beach, California. From there, the easy-peelers are distributed along the US West Coast and make their way into Canada as well. In August, International Citrus & Produce will transition into its Honey Murcott program. “They are sourced in Peru as well,” mentioned Cutsinger. “Honey Murcotts are much sweeter and contain a high juice level. W. Murcotts on the other hand, contain less seeds.” Citrus from Peru is available from late July until late October/early November.
9th season
In a few weeks, Cutsinger will go down to Peru to inspect the fruit and meet with the growers that he sources from every year. This is the 9th season the company is importing citrus from Peru. “During these years, we have witnessed production of W. Murcotts go up significantly due to an increase in planted acreage,” said Cutsinger.
“The most challenging part of importing citrus from Peru is the cold treatment that is required as part of the US phytosanitary regime,” declared Cutsinger. “Although citrus from Peru has a very long shelf-life, cold treatment affects the skin and reduces shelf life.”
For more information:
Jim Cutsinger
International Citrus & Produce
Tel: (+1) 650-342-4525