The California Valencia shipments are ending, while the California Navel season started on a limited basis in mid October, according to a recent press release by Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Valencia
- California Valencia supplies are expected to ship through late October
- Current stocks are dominated by 56- and 72-count sizes; choice-grade fruit is most plentiful
- Small-size fruit (113- to 138-count oranges) will be extremely limited for the rest of the Valencia season
- Sugar levels range from 13 to 15 Brix; high sugar levels such as this typically result in a shorter shelf-life
Navel
- Limited California Navel harvesting began last week; volume will ramp up over the next three to four weeks
- Stocks will be dominated by 88- and 113-count sizes; fancy grade fruit is most prevalent
- Sugar levels range from 10 to 12 Brix
- This early variety fruit requires gassing for 72+ hours
- Expect prices for small sizes to inch down as Navel yields increase