The Florida season for bitter melon is slowly winding down as Fall arrives. Currently, supplies are still good while the warm weather remains, but it won't be long until commercial production stops and imports dominate bitter melon supply again. Weather conditions have been good with the lack of any problematic weather ensuring steady supplies."The Florida bitter melon season generally lasts from June until September," said Angela Wong of Double Green Wholesales in Homestead. "During the winter, we see imports from places like Mexico, Dominican Republic and Honduras. Weather conditions have been excellent in Florida, and supplies have been good. Overall volume is close to the long term average."
Market steady
Along with steady supplies comes a steady market, despite bitter melon demand being relatively flat at the moment. Although there has been some fluctuation, average prices have been typical for this time of year.
"Demand for bitter melon is steady and has not really grown notably," Wong noted. "There is a strong consumer base amongst the Asian population however. Prices are generally good and close to the long term average. Since the start of the season, prices have mostly been between $15 and $25, and as high as $35. At the moment, the market is good and looks set to stay that way for the next few weeks."
Florida product favored
Although the Florida season is short, Wong said that bitter melon tends to be favored from there mainly because it is fresher and not subject to long travel times.
"The Florida product is more fresh and therefore people prefer it," she explained. "Immediately after being picked at the farm, it goes straight into the box and then to a cooler before heading to the market. Imports are not as fresh and can sometimes sustain damage on the journey."
For more information:
Angela Wong
Double Green Wholesales, Inc.
Tel: +1 (305) 246-3341