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Egypt’s artichoke calendar is built around the European winter: a fresh season that runs when EU artichoke production is dormant, plus a frozen supply that runs all year. For importers, that means fresh heads through the cold months and processing-grade frozen hearts and bottoms any time. This guide sets out the Egyptian artichoke export season and how to plan around it.
Quick answer: The Egyptian fresh artichoke export season runs from about November to April, peaking January to March — counter-seasonal to Europe. Frozen hearts and bottoms are produced during the season and shipped year-round from cold storage. (Fresh peaks January–March; exact windows shift year to year with planting and weather.)
Table of Contents
Fresh and frozen: two calendars
Fresh artichokes are picked and shipped within the winter window and are perishable, so timing matters. Frozen hearts and bottoms are produced from the same crop, IQF-frozen and stored at −18°C, then released across the year. Knowing which you are buying is the key to planning.
The Egyptian artichoke export calendar
| Month | Fresh heads | Frozen hearts/bottoms |
|---|---|---|
| Nov | Season opens | Available from storage |
| Jan–Mar | Peak supply & quality | Peak freezing season |
| Apr | Season winds down | Available from storage |
| May–Oct | Out of fresh season | Year-round from cold storage |
Why the timing matters for Europe
European artichoke production is dormant in deep winter, so from December through March there is demand with limited local supply. Egypt’s fresh heads fill that gap, making the country a reliable winter source for EU retail, alongside other winter origins. The big artichoke-consuming markets — Italy, Spain, France — anchor demand.
Frozen: a year-round business
Because IQF hearts and bottoms are held at −18°C, Egyptian processors ship them in any month to the EU and US processing, foodservice and retail industry. This year-round availability is a core part of Egypt’s artichoke trade.
Planning notes
- Fresh programs: target the January–March peak for best quality and volume.
- Frozen programs: order any month; align large volumes with the peak freezing season.
- Book early: the fresh window is in demand — confirm allocations ahead of peak.
Frequently asked questions
When are fresh Egyptian artichokes available?
Roughly November to April, peaking January-March – counter-seasonal to Europe.
Are frozen artichokes available year-round?
Yes – frozen hearts and bottoms are produced in season and shipped year-round from cold storage.
When is the peak season?
January to March for both fresh quality and freezing volume.
Why do EU buyers rely on Egyptian artichokes in winter?
European production is dormant in winter, so Egypt’s fresh heads fill the gap.
Do the fresh windows change year to year?
Yes – planting and weather shift the dates, so confirm the program window with your supplier.
How to cite this page
PEI Trade. “Egyptian Artichoke Export Season & Calendar.” peitrade.com, 2026. https://peitrade.com/egyptian-artichoke-export-season/
Sources
- CBI / USDA FAS — EU fresh and frozen artichoke import windows and demand.
- Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture; industry reporting — artichoke harvest timing and growing regions.
This page is part of our Egyptian Artichoke Export Guide hub.
Plan your Egyptian artichoke program with PEI Trade. Fresh winter heads and year-round frozen IQF hearts and bottoms, with full documentation and a tight cold chain. Contact: sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com