"The drop in temperatures in recent weeks and the temperature difference between day and night have helped give the fruit a good colouration. Despite the adverse temperatures this spring, we anticipate a campaign with good quality for both varieties, with plenty of sizes 8 and 10," he adds.
According to José Bellver, the Wonderful is a larger pomegranate than the Smith, with a weight of between 400 and 500 grams. It is a large fruit, very appealing to the eye because of its bright red colour and with a more bittersweet flavour compared to that of traditional Mollar pomegranates.
"Mollar pomegranates, which are traditionally planted in the area of Elche, are known for their sweet taste, although their colour is duller. They are widely consumed in Spain and France; however, we have observed a growing interest for Wonderful pomegranates in markets in central and northern Europe. Consumer trends favour very red pomegranates, such as this variety, so its prices are more interesting."
The Valencian company ships the Wonderful variety mostly to the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
According to the producer, there is much interest in pomegranates among Valencians farmers, who continue diversifying with alternatives to citrus fruits. "We could say that the production of pomegranates has increased by 10 to 20% in the province of Valencia in two years. It is worth noting that Valencia has never been a pomegranate producing region, as the crop has traditionally been planted more in Alicante. For now, it is a profitable crop for its growers."
"We hope we will have a good campaign. Our production of Wonderful and Mollar pomegranates will total 250 tonnes," concludes José Bellver.
For more information:
José Bellver
+34 600 57 58 08
L’Agües&Yagua
Miguel Camarelles
+34 639 603905
info@lyfruits.com
info.lyfruits@gmail.com
www.lyfruits.com