Diverse Climates and Innovative Growing - ARRA in Israel

The ARRA varieties are produced in different growing areas in Israel with variable climates. Northern Israel is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, rainless summers and relatively short, mild to cool, rainy winters, while the Southern part of the country features hot semi-arid and hot desert climates. This distinct climate diversity arises due to Israel’s unique location between the subtropical aridity of the Sahara and Arabian deserts on one side, and the subtropical humidity of the Levant and Eastern Mediterranean on the other. The climate conditions are highly variable and modified locally by altitude, latitude, and proximity to the Mediterranean.

ARRA Honey Pop Harvest is on the GO

Salmor Grapes at the Jordan Valley with a semi-arid climate, are one of the first farms to harvest in Israel. They are currently harvesting the ARRA Honey Pop™, the earliest ARRA variety. Hen Solomon, the farm Owner, praises this variety for being so easy to grow and being sold very easily due to its excellent flavor, crunchiness, and creamy color- “everything the grower needs” in his words.

The high temperatures in the region enable early harvesting in the spring, so the economic return is high. In addition, high solar radiation has a positive effect on the quality of the crops and accelerates their growth. The low amount of rain and humidity leads to a low incidence of diseases, resulting in quality yield.

The special feature of ARRA Honey Pop in this area is the fact that they are cultivated in a greenhouse. The reason for growing in this method is to bring the harvest earlier to fill market demands for the spring holidays. In addition, this growing method has benefited the grower with a higher yield.

This innovative growing method requires more complex cultivation because it requires two pruning cycles a year. Accordingly, the first pruning takes place in the winter, around December, and then the fruit is harvested in April-May. After the harvest, the nylon is removed and the vineyard is pruned again and awakened, which is for the benefit of bunch initiation. This way, the vineyard receives fertility for the following season. Despite higher costs of additional treatments, this growing method benefits the growers greatly, as it results in better selling prices due to the early ripening. According to the grower, not all grape varieties are suitable for growing with this method, since it requires a very fertile yield that knows how to cope under nylon and undergo two pruning cycles. Hen Solomon says that the ARRA varieties are mostly suitable for this growing method and the results are lovely.

The Segev ROI farm also successful in advancing its harvest. Farm Owner, Dotan Klein, has expressed his great satisfaction with the exceptional yield and quality of produce.

See the footage below of ARRA Honey Pop on the vine, harvested and finally during packing: