The grapefruit production is expected to drop partly because of last December's frost, analysts said. Grapefruit, covering 25,500 cultivated acres in the Valley, is the region's most important citrus crop. Only 8,500 acres are cultivated for oranges, state officials said. All is not bad news with the grapefruit harvest. Citrus experts say the fruit has shown a good sugar content early in the season, which is positive news for the future harvest.
Growers also hope to sell to companies that sell citrus as a holiday gift item.
Those distributors want the best-looking fruit to ship in elaborate packaging for customers. Growers receive a premium for fruit sold to gift companies because of the extra work involved. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement . We also have a Privacy Policy .