Spain: Valenciana pomegranate harvest kicks off

"This year's pomegranates have a surprisingly good colour," she points out. "This is due to the mild temperatures recorded this summer combined with the cool nights of recent days, which have allowed for a progressive maturation that will result in fruit of a very high quality, both in terms of appearance and taste. At present, the sugar levels range from between 13 and 15 degrees Brix and their acidity is therefore negligible," she affirms.

The only drawback to this campaign, according to the expert, is the severe lack of rainfall this spring and summer, "which has taken a toll on the calibre of the pomegranates. Thus, this year's fruit will generally be smaller. We are in an area where lack of water is the biggest handicap for agriculture."

The lack of large sizes will be the biggest obstacle to the fruit's marketing in its export destinations, where, according to Susi Bonet, they often demand large calibres, except for markets such as the UK. "We export 50% of our Valencia pomegranates to European markets such as the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK, where the variety is highly appreciated because of its sweetness."

Spanish pomegranates are now entering a market in which they will have to compete with Israeli pomegranates, whose campaign starts earlier with no lack of large calibres, although with different varieties; redder and with a sourer taste. At the same time, Turkey is also about to start harvesting.

The Elche-based cooperative harvested the first Acco pomegranates last week; it is an earlier variety than the Valencia, with a more intense external and internal colour, but a sourer flavour. "We still have some volumes of this variety, about 200,000 kilos, since we started planting it a few years ago. In the future, as more young plantations become productive, we will have greater availability."