Why don't we have bergamot all year round?

A bergamot, also known as tangerine or mandarin in different regions of Brazil, is a typically seasonal fruit. According to researcher Roberto Pedroso de Oliveira, from Embrapa Temperate Climate, the Brazilian harvest extends from March to October, with production peaks in June and July. Outside of this period, the supply is scarce, impacting consumption and prices. The absence of the fruit in the market throughout the year is not exclusively a climatic issue, but also a physiological one. "For a citrus plant to produce, it needs to form energy reserves, flower, set fruit, and develop maturation. This cycle takes 10 to 16 months, depending on the variety," explains the researcher. Brazilian citrus cultivation is sustained by a wide genetic diversity, which includes not only tangerines but also oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and various hybrids. This variety allows for adjusting cultivation according to the climate and market demands. "In Brazil, the basis of citrus ...