Variable yields noted for California’s central valley pomegranates

A late bloom resulted in variable pomegranate yields in California’s central valley, says Brian Forrest, sales representative with Youngstown Grape Distributors Inc., Reedley, Calif.

Youngstown is a fifth-generation, vertically integrated pomegranate farming, packing, fresh-cut and high-pressure processing juice company, Forrest said.

“The crop is definitely lighter than last year,” Forrest said. “The early varieties are lighter than the wonderfuls.” He noted the bloom was very late this year, and some blocks did not set normally with the  late bloom. “It is very inconsistent from block to block."

The company grows foothill, early wonderful and wonderful varieties, he said. 

The harvest window looks fairly normal, with harvest beginning for Youngstown in early September and finishing in late November. Availability of fresh pomegranates is anticipated through the end of the year, Forrest said.

“The high temps we have seen the last couple of weeks could push back some of the varieties and challenge their sizing,” Forrest said. “Additionally, we really need the nighttime temps to cool off, to help bring the color on.”

In general, the back end of the season may see a shorter supply because of reduced yields.

Forrest said there is no one typical consumer for pomegranates, but they often share a few  characteristics. Often, pomegranate buyers include health-conscious consumers looking for "super fruit" benefits, nostalgic consumers looking for something that reminds them of their childhood, or buyers who purchase pomegranates for religious celebrations.

Arils available

Youngstown has been packing and selling arils since 2008, and offers both organic and conventionally grown product.

“We offer the arils in 2-ounce, 4-ounce, 4.4-ounce and 8-ounce cups, along with a 2-pound bag and a 4-cup club pack,” Forrest said, noting that the 4-ounce cup is becoming the industry’s standard retail size.