Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for citrus that we know of in this area.
Not all areas of a state have citrus orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
In the U.S., Citrus such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, mandarins, satsumas, tangerines and the like, typically peak during winter and early Spring. See the season section for specific dates. It should be obvious that citrus are only grown in semi-tropical areas on the country (like Florida, southern Texas, southern California, etc.). In order to produce good local citrus, producers depend on ideal weather conditions, and no freezes.
Before you leave to go to the farm:
Most modern orange, grapefruit, mandarin or tangerine orchards have dwarf trees that are very close to the ground - my 3 year old finds it easy to pick citrus! (photo above and below)
The color can be anything from dark green, to yellow, pink, orange, bright red, dark red or even a combination. It all depends on the variety. And color is not really how you tell when a citrus fruit is ripe. The key will be to ask the farmer which are ripe.
Look for firm, bruise-free skin/peel/rind
Look for a heavy, solid feel to the fruit. heavier and more solid means juicier!
The dimples should have small, fine dimples on the peels
Watch out for soft, tender spots or wrinkled, folds in the rind.
The smell of the the fruit should be a strong, sweet citrusy smell.
The farmer/orchardist will also know what characteristics to look for in the particular varieties that he is growing.
Citrus ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the citrus out the outside of the tree will ripen first. Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking citrus directly from a tree is easy.. abut uniform orange color is not necessarily an indicator of a delicious, juicy orange. Notice the photo at right.
The best way to know if a citrus fruit is ripe is the smell and taste. Try one and you will know what to look for in appearance and smell with the others.
Keep in mind that these are typical, general dates. It can vary considerably upon weather, location, orchard and variety.
Navel oranges - November to June.
Valencia oranges - March to October.
Cara Cara oranges December to May.
Clementine oranges -October to December
Satsuma - October to January.
Pineapple sweet oranges - November to February.
In a refrigerator, citrus can last 2 or3 weeks.. Keep them in a bag that has holes for airflow, ie. they have a few holes in them . The airflow is important to prevent buildup of moisture or condensation which causes mold growth.
At room temperature, Citrus will keep for about a week.
The weight of the citrus fruit, and the number of fruit per bushel varies depending on the size of the fruit , their moisture content and variety. But, in general:
1 bushel = 48-72 oranges or 32-48 grapefruit.
3/4 bushel = 36-54 oranges or 24-36 grapefruit
1/2 bushel = 24-36 oranges or 16-24 grapefruit
Water bath canner with a jar rack
Pressure canners for gas, electric and induction stoves: Presto 23Qt or T-fal 22Qt
Canning scoop (this one is PERFECT)
Ball Blue book (most recent version)
Jars: 8oz canning jars for jams
Farm markets and roadside stands
Road trips and camping resources
Local Honey, apiaries, beekeepers
Consumer fraud and scams information
Home canning supplies at the best prices on the internet!
Maple Syrup Farms, sugarworks, maple syrup festivals
Environmental information and resources
Farms For Your Event for birthday parties, weddings, receptions, business meetings, retreats, etc.
Festivals - local fruit and vegetable festivals
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With this Presto 23 quart pressure canner and pressure cooker, you can "can" everything, fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, salsa, applesauce, pickles, even meats, soups, stews. Model 01781
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