New varieties of eggplant planted in California have allowed growers to bring on production in the Central Valley earlier than previously possible. Combined with this year's accelerated season, harvesting could begin in the San Joaquin Valley almost two weeks sooner than normal.
“Out of California, the Central Valley is the primary producer of eggplant,” said Todd Hirasuna of Sunnyside Packing Company. “Typically, harvesting begins around the start of June, but, the last couple of years, harvesting has begun around the end of May.” Planting takes place mid-March, and Hirasuna said it takes about 80 days from when they transplant the crop to when they can harvest it. New varieties, along with warm spring weather, has shortened the time between planting and harvesting.
“Certain varieties we've stumbled across in the last couple of years have bumped us into a late-May start,” said Hirasuna. “With that, we've been able to shave a little time off, somewhere around 10 days.” Once harvesting gets underway, he expects volume similar to that from previous years.
“Eggplant is a stalwart of the summer in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Hirasuna. “Barring any unforeseen weather issues, we're anticipating good volume and good quality this season.”
For more information:
Sunnyside Packing Company
Todd Hirasuna
+1 559 896 7200