Posts Tagged “desert cantaloupes”
May marks one of the most exciting times of year at Legend Produce, as the company officially begins its domestic harvest of Origami cantaloupes in the Arizona desert, according to the company based in Scottsdale, AZ.
Following several months of imports, the arrival of this premium melon signals the return of fresh, U.S.-grown fruit—and this season is off to an outstanding start.
Fields are producing beautiful, high-quality melons with strong yields, vibrant appearance, and a flavor profile that is already turning heads across the industry.
Origami continues to set itself apart as a truly unique variety, delivering both early-season durability and exceptional eating quality.
Current harvests are measuring an impressive 15-16 Brix, offering the high sugar levels that translate into the bold sweetness consumers crave. Origami consistently delivers a balanced profile—rich aroma, smooth texture, and a clean, memorable finish that defines premium cantaloupe.
“There is no other variety on the market that performs like Origami this time of year,” Managing Member Barry Zwillinger explains. “We’ve seen other melons come in early with decent numbers, but they simply don’t match the flavor and aroma profile. Origami holds its integrity in the field and delivers the full eating experience customers expect. Year after year, retail data confirms it—consumers choose Origami, and our customers are asking for it by name.”
With production underway in Yuma, Arizona and California, Legend Produce is positioned to deliver a consistent, high-quality supply of Origami cantaloupes throughout the domestic season.
Cantaloupe shipments are shifting from Mexico to California and Arizona, while South American clementines will be arriving at US ports soon.
Desert cantaloupe shipments started in late April from Brawley, Calif., and from Yuma, Ariz. the first week of May. There also should be more loading opportunities with melons this season due to increased acreage and higher yields.
Yuma cantaloupe shipments have gotten one of its earliest starts, by 10 days to two weeks. A typical start date in recent years has been closer to May 20-25. Cantaloupe shipments from both from Yuma and Brawley should continue into late June.
Cantaloupe shipments from the Maricopa, AZ area are expected to kick off around May 18 and while the Westside district in the San Joaquin Valley of California should start around the 4th of July.
Imperial Valley cantaloupes and Coachella Valley vegetables and grapes – grossing about $4600 to Chicago.
Chilean Clementine Imports
The Chilean citrus industry has kicked off with the year’s first shipment of clementines to the U.S. market. Exports began recently with the shipping of about 170 tons aboard the ship MSC Federica from Valparaiso. Six containers are headed to the port of Philadelphia, and two containers are destined for Long Beach. The first Chilean clementines will reach the U.S. market any day now.
Chile starts harvesting clementines in northern Chile in late April, and then continues moving south, with late-season Mandarins harvested into September. Chile’s total clementine volume has grown by 50 percent between 2010 and 2014, with more than 50 percent of U.S. easy peeler imports between May and October coming from Chile.