Israel pomegranate

The 2010/11 Israeli pomegranate harvest got underway last week, according to leading exporter Agrexco, making it the first Northern Hemisphere pomegranate on the market.

This sweet red variety of pomegranate, averaging 250g-350g and sold under the Carmel label, will be exclusively exported by Agrexco, the company said.

Product manager Bezalel Madmon revealed that the first pomegranates on the market would be those grown in the Dead Sea region, to be followed by pomegranates from all over the country.

He said that due to the meticulous cultivation methods employed by the growers, the first shipment would consist of “high premium fruit”.

Each fruit is covered with a paper bag, Mr Madmon explained, in order to protect it from pesticides and to prevent sun burn and damage caused by contact with leaves, branches and other fruit.

“The result is not only a better-looking fruit but also very healthy,” he said.

The Israeli pomegranate season is due to last until March 2011.