Looking for a sweet, juicy orange? How about a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed lemon or mandarin juice? If you love citrus fruits, you may have your own trees and are very interested in knowing when and how to harvest the best oranges, lemons, and mandarins.
In Spain, the citrus harvest season can vary depending on the fruit and the region, but generally extends from late autumn to spring.
Remember that domestic oranges and other citrus fruits are not harvested in the summer. Therefore, if you're going to buy them, they'll likely be from another country of origin. They'll be sold packaged in trays, nets, or boxes. Remember that the label "packaging" doesn't refer to the fruit's origin. You can find packaged oranges and other citrus fruits here, but they come from other countries.
The Spanish citrus harvest is one of the most important in the world, and here you can find the perfect tips for getting the tastiest and healthiest product. Ready to learn?
How to tell if citrus fruits are ripe?
We have to review the characteristics of the fruits such as color, weight, texture, aroma and flavor.
- Color: To determine the degree of ripeness in oranges, we need to look for an intense orange color, with a hint of green for mandarins and yellow for lemons.
- As for weight; When ripe, the fruit feels heavier for its size. If the fruit is too small, it needs more time on the branch. A fully ripe orange should have gained some weight.
- Ripe citrus fruits They should feel slightly elastic in their texture when gently squeezed. Avoid fruits that are too hard or too soft.
- The aroma of ripe citrus fruits we perceive it as being sweet near the stem.
- The taste of citrus fruits ripe ones feel sweet and juicy.
Techniques for proper harvesting
- You have to twist and pull the fruit easily, when it is ripe it should come off.
- If the fruit does not come off smoothly when pulled, you can use pruning shears to cut the stem to avoid damaging the branch.
- In the case of oranges, when they are ripe and look good, they fall to the ground on their own. This is a good sign that they are ripe.
- After harvesting, citrus fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
When to harvest oranges, lemons and tangerines?
The best time to harvest Spanish citrus fruits is during the winter months, which typically run from October to February in most Spanish fields. The exact time of year you harvest will depend on the variety of fruit:
Orange harvest
If the orange variety you grow is a navel variety, they are usually happy to be harvested between October and February. Most other orange varieties are ready for harvesting from October to June.
The best way to know when to pick a variety is by its flavor: If the fruit tastes a little sour and has lost its sweetness or color, it's probably ripe. harvest time.
Lemon Harvest
For most Spanish lemons, limes and grapefruits, their optimum flavour is reached in autumn, October and November, but you will have time to harvest them during the harvest period from September to April.
They may look ripe, but they still have a little green, and that's perfectly fine for picking. Keep an eye on the size until the last fruits are yellow or slightly orange.
Mandarin harvest
The best time to pick the best mandarins is from late autumn to mid-December. As with lemons, the fruit will still have a greenish tinge, but the size will be optimal. Also, the mandarin should separate slightly from the stem without effort.
However, you have the mandarin and clementine harvesting period from September to February and May. There is no mandarin or clementine harvest from June to August, nor from March to April.
How to harvest oranges, lemons and tangerines?
Knowing the right time to pick fruit is important, but not enough if you want your citrus fruits to reach their full potential. Take a few seconds to review the best practices to get the most out of your Spanish citrus harvest.
Recognize the fruit
The first step is to catalog what you have on your trees. This is especially important in the case of oranges, since There are different types of oranges with different harvest times. Once you've cataloged the different types of oranges on your trees, you'll be able to better plan your harvest.
Use the right equipment
You will need a few things to help you with the harvesting process, such as good quality scissors, a pair of long harvesting sticks and a ladder to help you with the highest branches.
Inspect the color of the fruit
In the case of lemons and tangerines, you should check the color of the fruit. The lemon should lose its greenish hue and give way to the classic yellow color. On the other hand, A ripe mandarin should be a deep orange color.
Harvest and store safely
Once you've determined that your citrus is ready to harvest, be very careful when cutting the fruit from the tree. Make sure to use the scissors at the correct angle to reduce the chance of tearing off the fruit and causing damage. And while working on the tree, pay special attention to a safe harvest.
After harvesting your oranges, lemons, and tangerines, it's important not to let them sit too long. The key to maintaining their freshness and flavor is to care for them promptly.
For storing citrus fruits, it is ideal to do so at room temperature between 13 and 16°C. for approximately one week, depending on its maturity.
However, for longer storage, it's important to place them in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer in perforated containers or bags so air can circulate.
Avoid using plastic bags because they can retain moisture and cause mold. You can freeze them to preserve them for longer, peeled and sliced, or freeze the juice.
The Spanish citrus harvest is always a great opportunity to make the most of your favorite fruits. The right time and appropriate harvesting techniques will allow you to enjoy the flavor and the health benefits of oranges, lemons and tangerines.
Always check that the fruit is the right weight, size, and color, and make sure you work safely on the tree. With these tips, you'll be enjoying the best of the Spanish harvest in no time.