AU: First balanced citrus crop for years

Aussie growers are set to produce the first balanced crop since the drought years. This means good value, size and quality citrus. Around 510,000 tonnes are expected to be harvested this year, majority (75%) being oranges. Navel oranges are in season now and are destined for domestic and export markets including Japan, Hong Kong and USA. Mandarins are the next biggest citrus crop and also in peak season, followed by lemons, grapefruit and limes. Judith Damiani Citrus Australia CEO said that locally grown citrus is abundant in stores now. \"Everyone knows that citrus provides your daily need of Vitamin C – which is great for keeping your immune system in top shape during the cold and flu season. But your body needs to replenish Vitamin C every day, so you can treat yourself regularly to the sweet juicy taste of oranges and mandarins, or tangy twists with grapefruit, lemons and limes.\" Growers are producing exciting new varieties including red navels, red grapefruit and seedless lemons and mandarins. \"Our growing production of exciting red navels includes varieties that look like a normal navel orange from the outside but are reddish pink on the inside right through to blood red on the outside and inside. The red colour is the result of high concentrations of lycopene which is itself a powerful antioxidant associated with many health benefits,\" said Judith. These red navels have a taste that evokes notes of cherry, orange and raspberry. Red grapefruit are also sweeter and reputed to have similar colour and health benefits. The Australian citrus industry is celebrating peak harvest by handing out samples in Perth on Friday 20 July; and more fun activities planned in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in the following weeks. \"We invite everyone to help us celebrate over the next four to six weeks and rediscover the great taste and health benefits of Aussie citrus,\" Judith concluded. From: Fresh Plaza