The citrus industry in Tunisia
Originating in South Asia East, the citrus fruits appeared very early in the Mediterranean. The Tunisian farmers were caught of passion for these shrubs with the gold fruits which marvelously acclimatized of course their soil.
The citrus fruits came from South-East Asia and appeared very early in the Mediterranean. The Tunisian farmers were caught of passion for these trees with a gold fruits which marvelously acclimatized with their soil.
More particularly adapted to the coastal and semi-continental regions of the country, where the harmful frosts of winter are exceptional, citrus fruit cultivation developed primarily in the the Cap Bon peninsula. In this area gathering all the favorable conditions (water resources, quality of the ground, qualified labor and sunning) were born rich savor fruits.
The southernmost part of the Cap Bon gathers the principal citrus fruits production centres: Nabeul, Menzel Bouzelfa, El Gobba, Niannou, Beni Khaled, Hammamet (very important center for the production of the lemon tree).
Main agrumicoles areas
Thedevelopment effort adopted since independence led to the increase in the commercial production and the improvement of its quality to satisfy the local market as well as that of export.
In addition to the application of traceability system, several tools guaranteeing the respect of the international quality standards such as HACCP method, Eurepgap referential and BRC, ISO etc, are also adopted.
The Tunisian production of citrus fruits lasts from October to May, providing fruits belonging to the various groups.
Group citrus fruits
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- Group fair oranges without pips: Fair Maltese woman.
- Group blood oranges without pip Maltese woman ½ Sanguine, Sakasli, Double fine, Tarocco.
- Group blood oranges Tardive: Valencia Late, Maltese Balerin.
- Group sweet oranges:Meski Ansli, Soft Maltese woman.
- Group Navel oranges:Thompson Navel, Washington Navel, New Hall, Navelina, Navel Late, Lane Late.
- Group clementines:Marisol, Caffin, Cassar, MA3, Hernandina.
- Group tangerines:Tangerines commun run, Nova, Minneola, Fortune, Ortanique
- Group lemons:Eureka, Lunari, Interdonato, Femminello, Monachello
- Group pomelos:Marsh seedless, Ruby, Ruby Star