WINTER CITRUS

Winter citrus has arrived in the warehouse with an early season burst of color, quality and variety. Orange , Lemons, Tangerines, Mandarins and Grapefruit are coming from several states and the first crops seem to be indicative of an excellent season. We are currently offering the following varieties:

•  Blood Oranges- Certainly the most popular variety of winter citrus, Blood Oranges have started a few weeks earlier than last year and with unusual early season color and flavor. Blood oranges were first cultivated in Sicily during the ninth and tenth centuries. They were brought to America in the 1930's by Italian and Spanish immigrants. Blood oranges are juicy, sweet and have a dark red interior and are slightly less acidic than regular table oranges. Normally, it will take a month or so into the season to achieve the desired color and flavor. The principal variety is the Moro variety and it grows inland from San Diego to Northern California during the season, which normally lasts from December through April. Blood oranges contain a natural pigment called anthocyanin that colors the flesh as well as the skin of the orange; however, skin color is not always indicative of flesh color. 20# case-$22.75 and by the pound •  Mandarins- Mandarins constitute the largest and most varied group of edible citrus . They are thought to have originated in China , where cultivation dates back several thousand years. Mandarins were first imported into the Mediterranean region from China through the port of Tangiers ; it was at this time that the name Tangerine became associated with Mandarins. The name tangerine has no botanical standing and the term is rarely used outside the US . The use of the word appears to have developed as a marketing term for various varieties of Mandarins, such as Fairchild and Dancy. To put it succinctly, a mandarin is a mandarin and so is a Tangerine. The Satsuma variety was developed in Japan in the 16 th century from Chinese Mandarin stock. During this time of year, dozens of small farms in around Placer County (Auburn-Penryn, Loomis and Newcastle ) are harvesting Satsuma Mandarins and we are currently purchasing these local Satsumas from two of these farms. Mandarins are cold-hardy citrus and tolerate near freezing temperatures. Satsumas are small in size, easy to peel, seedless and very sweet. The local Satsuma season is short, lasting from mid-November to mid-January. Also in stock, Clementine Mandarins ( California ). Clementines are small like Satsumas, seedless, sweet and juicy with a spicy aroma.

Satsuma Mandarins (local)-20#case-$22.75 and by the pound.

Clementine Mandarins-5# case-$8.75

Meyer Lemons- Like most citrus, Meyer lemons originated in China where they have been grown for several hundred years. Frank Meyer, a plant explorer for the U.S. department of agriculture, found then growing in Peking and introduced them to the United States in 1908. The Meyer is most likely a cross between a lemon and a mandarin. Meyers are grown in the Central Valley from Fresno to Sacramento as well as thousands of homeowner’s backyards. The season runs from November through April and is off to an excellent start. 10# case-$19.75
• Tangerines- As mentioned, Tangerines are mandarins and are the result of a cross between two varieties of mandarin. The Fairchild Tangerine is very popular and is the variety most often seen in Asian markets, especially around Chinese New Year. The Faichild has a bright exterior and interior with few seeds and a mild, tangy flavor. Other varieties such as Honey and Dancy will soon be in the market. FairchildTangerines-20# case-$17.75
• Oranges-‘Tis the season for California Navels. These oranges are sweet and juicy and will be in their prime right around Christmas time. Pick Navels that are heavy for their size and firm. The season runs from November through April. Juice oranges are Valencias from Mexico. Navel Oranges- 40# case (88 count)-$15.75 and by the pound. Valencia Juice Oranges-113 count-$16.75
• Grapefruit-The grapefruit is a cross between a pummelo and an orange and is the only major citrus variety to have not originated in Asia-it was ‘discovered’ growing in the West Indies around the 1700’s and made its way to Florida in the 1800’s. Texas has much to say about Grapefruit at this time of year. The Ruby Red and Rio Star varieties are of excellent quality with deep red flesh and outstanding flavor. As with oranges, the fruit should be heavy in size-an indication of high juice content. 40# case-$20.75 and by the pound.
• Kumquats-the smallest member of the citrus family, kumquats, like their larger relatives, originated in China. Resembling a tiny oval or round orange, kumquats are the easiest fruit to eat-after a quick rinse, just pop them in your mouth, skin, seeds and all. Kumquats are different from other citrus fruits in that the skin is sweet and the flesh is very tart. Look for firm fruit without blemishes. Kumquats are in season from November through March. Kumquats-10# case-$38.75 and by the pound.