The Spanish pomegranate season is just beginning, with growers in the Alicante area expected to harvest until the end of October.

Early variety Valenciana kicked off the season in the last few days of August and growers are reporting good quality fruit and good sizing so far, although reports in the Spanish press suggest that sizing could average out on the small side as the season progresses, due to lack of water.

Some growers expect their yields to be down 15 per cent due to the drought which is affecting the southern part of Spain, but fruit colour is good and the product is maturing slightly ahead of schedule.

The campaign is expected to run until January and for many growers the UK is a traditional market dating back over a century to the time when miners would enjoy the fruit to keep their lungs healthy

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