Southeastern satsumas ripening two weeks ahead of last season

A heavy crop of satsuma mandarins from the Sweet Valley Citrus region — a tri-state zone throughout north Florida, south Alabama and south Georgia, sharing unique soil and climate — are maturing and will begin shipping about two weeks ahead of the 2021 season.

The Sweet Valley Citrus brand was created by the Cold Hardy Citrus Association. Members include growers, handlers, shippers and allied businesses.

“The 2022 crop looks great,” Kim Jones, current president of Cold Hardy Citrus Association, said in a news release. “Color break has been early, brix is already testing as high as 11 which indicates exceptionally sweet, flavorful fruit, and we predict the volume to be higher than anticipated.”

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Satsumas are a seedless, medium- to large-size mandarin variety. While not always uniform in shape and color — some green tinge is normal — the fruit is typically easy to peel and flavorful.

The Sweet Valley Citrus Region represents a resurgence of Southern citrus groves and was not affected by recent storms, including Hurricane Ian, which had more of an impact on groves in southwestern Florida.

All Sweet Valley Citrus brand satsumas are grown on local family farms, tree-ripened, and shipped daily from farmer-owned packing facilities. Satsuma labels grown in the area include grower brands such as Southern Sassies, Southern Juicys and Cherokee Jewel.

“Satsumas are an early winter delight and consumer favorite for the holiday season,” Mark Clikas, vice president of the Cold Hardy Citrus Association, said in the release. “We started shipping in early November, with full production available through December and possibly into January.”

The special growing conditions in the Sweet Valley region are suitable for other varieties of citrus. Sweet Valley Cara oranges, along with Tango, Kishu and Shiranui mandarins, will be shipping November to mid-January as well.