Once summer starts, demand for exotic fruits increases and this time of year, they can be found at most retailers. “We offer mangosteen, rambutan, and jackfruit and they are all in season from May through November,” says Rebecca Garcia with Origin Fresh in Texas. Another key product for the company is Jicama. All these products thrive in tropical or semi-tropical climates. That’s where they do best. The company’s mangosteen, rambutan, and jackfruit are grown in Chiapas, Mexico while jicamas are grown in Nayarit and Morelos. “Due to the hot weather all around the country, summer is the best time for all these commodities,” Garcia said.
Waxed jicama
“Jicama is available pretty much all year round, from January through November. While we see a small gap in December, production starts right up again in January,” she commented. From July through November, stored jicama is available from Santiago Ixcuincla, Nayarit. From the beginning of November into December and the first part of January, fresh crop jicama is available from Morelos, followed by a fresh crop from La Paz, Baja California until March. Between March and June, fresh crop is harvested in Santiago Ixcuincla, Nayarit. “We are the only company here in Texas bringing in waxed jicama for our customers,” added Garcia. “The wax acts as a protection for the product’s skin and increases its shelf life by days.”
Asian population
Consumption of these exotic items can’t compare to mainstream produce varieties like limes, or tomatoes. “However, in recent years, we have witnessed consumer interest and demand increase significantly. Demand has gone up by 25 percent in the past three years,” Garcia said. In terms of demographics, the Asian population in the US is the main consumer of these exotic items. However, Origin Fresh has seen a consumption expansion among the Latin, Indian, and American population groups as well. “The rise in popularity of rare exotic items is pretty notable, now that retailers all around the US are opening their doors to these products. Rare exotics can be found at most stores nowadays.”
It is Origin Fresh’s goal to make these exotic fruits better known and available throughout the United States within the coming years. “Not only are they tasty and pretty to look at, fruits like these are loaded with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. If incorporated in a daily diet, they will contribute to improved health.”
Origin Fresh facility in Edinburg, Texas.
For more information:
Rebecca Garcia
Origin Fresh
Tel: (+1) 956-374-1152
[email protected]
www.origin-fresh.com
