The last few years, I have noticed that Citrus from Chile are inferior in taste to those from Australia, California, and Texas. I've tried Minneola Tangelos, tangerines, grapefruits, and every year it seems that the Chilean varieties just do not compare in taste. Now, I realize that this is a tiny sample size (2 grocery stores for about 4 years), but is there any reason for this, or is it just a personal taste preference?

I have been paying attention to the source of my clementines for yrs--The ones from Spain are best, some from CA have been good some pithy, ones from Morocco were not as good as Spain but better than ones from Chili.

Bottom line is climate makes a lot of difference in taste of citrus and some yrs will be better than others from the same place.

Also remember that citrus from southern-hemisphere Chile will be at their best approximately 6 months away from northern-hemisphere varieties. Northern-hemisphere supplies are at their scarcest (and therefore most expensive) in late summer. Just a guess - but I wouldn't be surprised if Chilean export growers try and take advantage of this by growing later maturing varieties and perhaps picking a little after their best season.