Extreme heat across parts of the U.S. is raising quality concerns for citrus growers monitoring developing fruit. Ryan McCoon of Cultiva explained that high temperatures early in the season can cause damage based on where the fruit is staged in its development, with early-season heat being particularly problematic.
U.S. domestic citrus — primarily out of California and Florida — feeds a significant portion of retail and foodservice demand during the summer shoulder period. Heat stress at early fruit development stages can affect sizing, skin quality, and overall yield, potentially compressing already-tight domestic supply.
This is worth monitoring heading into the fall and winter citrus season — if early heat damage materializes, buyers may need to lean more heavily on Southern Hemisphere and imported citrus to cover gaps.