The Grapa team returned from the field days in Bakersfield California, full of meaningful experiences. Among the excitement and preparations, heavy concerns arose due to Tropical Storm Hilary, which loomed in the days preceding the event, tilting the balance towards the unknown. However last Sunday, as the forecast in the valley became clearer the violent storm would not hit but heavy amounts of rain were to be expected which indeed arrived.
Monday marked the start of the weeklong event and the rain had already ceased. However, due to Sunday’s major rainfall, the area was left too muddy for tours. In response, the team made the decision to relocate indoors for one day, where the varieties could be enjoyed.
Visitors from all over the world came to see the ARRA Varieties
With the ground dried up and the sun shining, the next five days were back to the rows. Our many valued visitors from all over the world were each guided in small groups by the territorial representatives.
Unique ARRA Varieties: Extended harvesting window and vibrant colors
Thanks to the hanging abilities of our very early and early varieties, we could significantly extend the harvesting window for ARRA Honey Pop™, ARRA Fire Kiss™ (ARD 42), ARRA Mystic Charm™ (ARD 41), and ARRA Sugar Drop™ until the end of August. This extension allowed us to showcase recently harvested bunches alongside those picked in mid-July and kept in cold storage, maintaining their fresh appearance and crispness most effectively.
As we reported in July, this year’s season in California started much later than usual so some varieties that were intended to be shown during the July Field Days were not yet ready. This was the case with ARRA Fire Crunch™ (ARD 35). Consequently, the August visitors also got to see this variety’s ripe bunches, with their unbeatable crunch and characteristic vibrant red colour.
The ARRA Red Factor took center stage in a momentous celebration, highlighting the stunning three new red varieties: ARRA Fire Kiss, ARRA Fire Crunch, and ARRA Cherry Crush™ (ARD 36). These grapes showcased a mesmerizing spectrum of red shades, ranging from the bright red of ARRA Fire Crunch to the deep cherry tones of ARRA Cherry Crush.
However, the spotlight was also shared with the new line of flavoured varieties that are also crunchy and suitable for mass-production. This unparalleled and unique selection was unveiled to the visitors, generating exceptional feedback.
Despite the storm, ARRA Varieties are resilient
With each passing day, it became increasingly evident that the grapes in the Joaquin Valley had endured significant damage due to the untimely rain. Consequently, the growers expected great losses. To read more about the California grape crop after Hilary, follow this link to Fresh Fruit Portal’s report.
However, amidst these unfortunate circumstances, a silver lining emerged – the situation presented an opportunity to showcase to visitors the remarkable resilience and tolerance of the ARRA grape varieties in the face of such adverse weather conditions.
In the footage below, Uzi, Grapa’s R&D Director will explain in detail with live examples.