Citrus has one of the longest seasons of any export crop grown around Antalya. Oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit ripen in different months, and that spread lets the Mediterranean coast run an unbroken citrus calendar from October through May.
Harvest timing by variety
Satsuma mandarins are the first citrus of the season, picked in October, with thin skin that peels easily. Clementines follow in November-December. Washington Navel oranges are harvested December-February, Valencia oranges March-May with a longer shelf life. Lemons can be picked almost year-round, but the peak runs October-March.
Peel colour doesn’t always show ripeness
In citrus, peel colour and internal ripeness don’t always match — some varieties keep a greenish skin even when fully ripe, particularly in warmer climates. That’s why the harvest decision is made on brix (sugar) and acid ratio, not peel colour, measured in the field with a portable refractometer.
Wax coating and export processing
After washing, citrus is coated with a thin, food-grade wax. This slows natural moisture loss and extends shelf life — it isn’t cosmetic. The type and thickness of wax used depends on the target market’s food regulations, since some markets audit wax composition separately.
Packaging: mesh bags, cartons, individual fruit
Mandarins and clementines usually go out in mesh bags of 500 g to 2 kg for the consumer shelf. Oranges travel both in mesh and loose in cartons; wholesale prefers loose. Grapefruit is typically packed individually, layered so the peel surface stays undamaged.
Citrus has its own place in the cold chain
Citrus is less prone to chilling injury than tropical fruit, but held below 2 °C for long, the skin can pit. Most varieties travel at 4-8 °C — warmer than many vegetables, which needs separate planning in mixed loads.
Citrus export at Hatipoğlu Tarım
Our supply network in the Antalya region covers a wide citrus calendar, from satsuma mandarins to Valencia oranges. See which citrus is fresh this month, or get in touch to plan your season.
