JVI Imports Bridges Counter-Season Gap of Pomegranates
The rise of digital media has given businesses a unique opportunity to expand themselves in a wide range of ways. Not only can businesses meet and engage with their consumers directly on social media, but they are able to participate in social listening to stay atop of trends and consumer influences. Now, it would be crazy to talk about trends without acknowledging they are exactly that: a trend. Trends can be like a fad; they come and go the same as tides ebb and flow. Anyone remember the bell pepper sandwich trend from a few years ago? It spiked in popularity on TikTok but has since faded in frequency from our For You pages and Instagram feeds.
As we face more food conscious consumers in the market, one trend that has become a mainstay of the food industry are foods that are functional, healthy, and nutritious. It’s one of the reasons pomegranates rose in popularity and have stayed at the top.
Pomegranates are a heart-healthy fruit that also has beneficial fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Unfortunately, there’s a short domestic season for pomegranates within the US. The California season spans from August to November, with peak volumes hitting the Philadelphia region around mid-Fall. JVI Imports, the imports division of John Vena Inc., imports counter-season supplies to bridge the availability gap, effectively allowing pomegranates to be available nearly year-round.
Why JVI Imports’ Peruvian Pomegranates?
JVI Imports exclusively sources the ‘Wonderful’ variety out of Peru, which is one of the most popular pomegranate varieties around the world. This variety is loved for its large sizing, deep red coloring, and juicy arils. JVI Imports partner with some of the largest exporters in Peru to ensure consistent supplies throughout the season, which typically lasts until just about the start of the domestic season.
What do Peru Pomegranates Taste Like?
‘Wonderful’ pomegranates are sweet-tart in flavor with semi-soft arils.
How to Store Peru Pomegranates
For ‘Wonderful’ Peruvian pomegranates, the range of acceptable storage is 40-54°F with a relative humidity of 90-95%. When stored at optimal conditions, ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates may last up to 1 month.
How to Merchandise Peruvian Pomegranates
It’s always important to merchandise pomegranates with care. They may seem hardy, but they are actually very delicate. They are prone to bruising when handled roughly and are susceptible to chilling injury when exposed to temperatures below or at 41°F for extended periods of time.
How to use Peruvian Pomegranates in Foodservice
As we head into the next season, more and more menus will begin to highlight the best of Spring flavors. Consider incorporating pomegranate arils into Spring salads that feature other seasonal varieties, like cara cara oranges, eggplants, and more. Besides the arils, consider juicing the pomegranate to incorporate into brunch offerings and cocktails. Stay in tune with popular cocktails to add fun twists and add value to what consumers are already talking about.
Where to find JVI Imports’ Peruvian Pomegranates
Does a ‘Wonderful’ Peruvian pomegranate make sense within your business strategy? If the answer is yes, consider making your way out to the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market to check out the different pack sizes available by visiting John Vena Inc. in the F-Tower. If you’re not close to Philadelphia, you can always contact JVI to determine logistics.
