Cantaloupe Crop Update: Drought
By this point, just about everyone knows California has been experiencing a drought for the last few years. But, what you may not know is that California cantaloupes are considered one of the more water-wise summer crops grown in the state.
California cantaloupe farmers have long evolved from sprinkler, pipe and flood irrigation to other methods such as drip irrigation, which reduces water loss from unnecessary soil absorption or evaporation and makes water more directly available to the California cantaloupe plants. With the California drought continuing to prompt water saving practices across the state, it comes as a relief that California cantaloupes are a short-seasoned crop requiring less water than most other summer crops. On average, California cantaloupes grow for about 60-70 days in the heart of the season, which makes them a more favorable water-wise option.
Another interesting bit of information you may not have been aware of: about 500,000 acres of the southern desert region is provided with water from the All-American Canal which transports water from the Colorado River. This is good news for lovers of early-season cantaloupe since southern desert farmers are not as impacted by drought conditions as are producers in California’s central valley.
Over the years, California cantaloupe farmers have gone to great lengths to produce cantaloupe safely. Much research has gone into learning how to reduce contact between cantaloupe and water, which can carry pathogens. Hot, dry conditions of California cantaloupe growing areas are not conducive to moist conditions that can be problematic from a food safety standpoint. An unintended, but happy, side benefit of the California cantaloupe industry’s work toward the safest growing practices, is that these also conserve water.
If you take away only one thing from this information, please know that while it is very true that California farmers are struggling for every drop of water they can get, we are expecting a normal California cantaloupe crop this year. It’s still a bit early to tell the exact size of the cantaloupe volume at the moment, but never fear – there will most definitely be California cantaloupe in stores this season! We will keep you posted on crop supplies as the season progresses. Make sure to follow our Countdown to California Cantaloupe posts on social media for the latest and greatest news about your favorite fruit.
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**Countdown to California cantaloupe season UPDATE**
52 days to California cantaloupes!!
Our beloved California cantaloupe plants are growing fast! Currently in the fields of the southern desert region of the state, California cantaloupe farmers are allowing the bees to pollinate the cantaloupe plants. The bees are critical because what they do is they move throughout the field as the flowers open up and they transfer the pollen from the male to the female flower. This cross pollination allows the melon a better chance at setting on the vine and also influences the shape and the size of the cantaloupe. Most recent reports still show harvest is expected in early May.
Stay tuned for the next update!
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Be sure to take the California cantaloupe quiz for your chance to win $500 for groceries, and catch current updates as the California cantaloupe season gets closer – sign up for our CCAB e-newsletter. Even better, if you don’t already, “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for current updates and cantaloupe inspiration!
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All images courtesy of Five Crowns Marketing
