For the Italian growers' organization Zuccarella, based in Basilicata, the 2021/2022 citrus harvest is about to begin. "We start next weekend with the extra early variety Clemenruby. That is about a week earlier than last season. The vast majority of the crops have an average size of Category I and Category II and the quantities are exceptional, despite the weather conditions. We expect to harvest around 1,000 tons of Clemenruby in a month," said commercial manager Luca Zuccarella.
"Despite the persisting warm weather in the south of Italy, we are seeing the first colored crops, due to a gradual drop in night temperatures. Each market has its own specific requirements and consumption habits. The larger and more pigmented clementines will be exported to Northern Europe, especially Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, while smaller clementines will be destined for the Ukrainian and Polish markets."
Luca Zuccarella
"More than 60% of the harvest will be stored in special cells equipped with an ethylene absorption system, so that a homogeneous and faster ripening can take place. Between 8 and 10 October 2021, the first Clemenruby fruits will be on shelves in Italy, with a medium-large caliber and a yellow-green color ."
"Thanks to some improvements made to the irrigation system, we have finally overcome the problem of skin cracking. Last year, 30-35% of the total Clemenruby crop was affected. This summer's heat has caused slight damage to some crops and these will be marketed as Category II. The clementine season will continue until the end of January, thanks to our extensive catalogue of varieties such as Caffin, Orogross, Spinoso, Corsica and the well-known Common clementine."
For more information:
OP Zuccarella Soc. Coop. Agr.
Via Parisi, 16 - Scanzano Jonico (MT)
+39 0835 418009
[email protected]
opzuccarella.it
facebook.opzuccarella.com