Rhubarb supplies, which remained unseasonably low throughout the spring, are seeing some improvement as summer heats up. “The plants have been producing better since June,” said Robert Schueller of Los Angeles based Melissa's Produce.
Rhubarb, which is currently coming out of Washington and Oregon, saw a lag in production from January through May as cooling trends impacted growing regions.
“Weather; particularly rain and lower temperatures, hurt some of the field crops this season,” explained Schueller.
The US rhubarb season runs March through September, and consumer demand is particularly strong at certain points of the season, according to Schueller.
“There’s a steady demand throughout the whole domestic season, but we see increase spikes on Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day weekends.”
According to the USDA, current rhubarb prices vary widely coming in at $35.00 to $48.00 per 20-pound carton. Schueller elaborated on those numbers.
“Currently, prices are high now because of high demand and a recent lack of volume. With higher volume coming through the next few months and demand decreasing, we expect prices to fall eventually.”
For more information:
Robert Schueller
Melissa's Produce
+1 800 588 1281
