Best Egyptian fresh citrus Varieties you can imported
Egypt has a long history of citrus cultivation and is home to many varieties of citrus fruit. Citrus is the leading fruit crop in Egypt, covering 29% of total fruit area.
The two most prominent citrus varieties are Navel oranges and Valencia oranges, but Egypt also produces mandarins, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits.
Navel Oranges: The Prized Citrus Export
Navel oranges make up 39% of Egypt's citrus cultivation and are the leading export. The Washington navel is the most popular navel orange variety.
Navel orange harvest starts in September, and the fruit is seedless, medium to large, with a rough, thick skin and rich, sweet flavor. The main production areas are in Lower Egypt, especially Behera, Gharbia, Qalyoubia, and Menoufia Governorates.
Valencia Oranges: A summer Citrus treat
Valencia oranges are the second most prominent citrus variety, covering 26% of citrus area. Valencia harvest lasts from March to July, providing Egypt with citrus exports during summer.
Valencia oranges have a round shape, soft, loose skin, and juicy, slightly acidic flesh. Valencia oranges grow well in reclaimed desert land, with Nubaria district producing the largest crop.
Mandarins: A Diverse, Seeded Citrus
Egypt grows many varieties of mandarins, including satsumas, clementines, Mediterranean mandarins, Kinnow, and honey mandarins like Murcott and Ponkan.
Mandarin cultivation covers 23% of citrus area and produces seedy, easy-to-peel citrus that ripen from December to March. The main mandarin areas are Nubaria, North Sinai, and Ismailia.
Lemons and Limes: A tart, juicy Citrus
Egypt primarily grows acid lemons, also called Egyptian limes. Lemons and limes cover 8% of citrus area.
The fruit is small, round, and tart, with a strong citrus flavor and high juice content. Lemons and limes ripen year-round and grow in Lower and Upper Egypt, especially in Nubaria, Sharkia, Fayoum, and New Valley districts.
Other Citrus: Minor but Valuable Crops
Egypt also produces kumquats, especially the round and oval varieties. Kumquats have an acidic yet sweet flavor and edible rind.
Grapefruit, pomelos, and sour oranges make up a tiny fraction of citrus production. Despite their small scale, these minor citrus crops diversify and boost the Egyptian citrus industry.
Conclusion
Egypt's citrus varieties produce prized, nutritious fruit with a long harvest season from September to July.
Careful selection of varieties that thrive in Egypt's hot climate and desert reclaimed land has allowed the country to become the world's sixth largest citrus producer.
With its diverse range of citrus fruits, Egypt continues to meet domestic demand while exporting high-quality citrus around the world.