Pummelos are currently in season and being shipped to Bee Sweet Citrus customers. The shipper/packer is based in Fowler, CA.
In addition to pummelos, Bee Sweet Citrus also has domestic lemons, Meyer lemons, grapefruit and Golden Gem grapefruit available for customers. California-grown Navel oranges and mandarins will be available this month as well.
“Our team has been harvesting pummelos out of the Central Valley for about three weeks now,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Harvesting and Grower Relations Randy Stucky. “Size structure has been slightly larger than last season, with excellent internal color and juice content.”
Scientifically referred to as Citrus maxima, pummelos are large green citrus fruits that can sometimes reach up to eight inches in diameter. The variety is native to Southeast Asia and is known for having thick rinds with bright reddish-pink internal hues. Often sweeter than most grapefruit varieties, pummelos can be eaten alone or used as an ingredient for various recipes.
“Most people are familiar with pummelos due to their large size and thick rind, but what truly makes them unique is their role in Asian communities,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “Pummelos symbolize good fortune, health and happiness, and many families consume them for good luck during the Lunar New Year.”
Bee Sweet Citrus recently shared that pummelos are now included in its premium variety line. The fruit’s bags, PLU stickers and cartons have been re-designed to celebrate their role in Asian communities, and the company can provide customers with various forms of point-of-sale material to complement the packaging.