Northern Chile has great potential as a producer of fresh pomegranates for export.
According to local press reports, the metropolitan region around the capital, as well as regions further north, are suited to the crop as they have a relatively dry climate and long, hot summers.
Agronomists report that pomegranates require comparatively little water - just 80 per cent of that used by table grapes. Trees are also resistant to drought and in extremely dry conditions will cease to produce fruit in order to ensure their survival.
The latest figures available are for 2007 and suggest that just 250 hectares are under production, although this figure is likely to have risen over the past two years. Exports are also rising steadily and Russia is the main market.
The principal variety is Wonderful, which crops late and has good yields, and some growers are also trialling Israeli varieties. The season runs through November, December and January, and complements availability in Europe from northern hemisphere sources.
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