So I have some not-ripe oranges. I don't know if they'll ripen in the basket. I don't know if they're early or late. Our tree is covered with blossoms as well as fruit. Is that how it's supposed to be? Seems like blossoms come first, then fruit. But this tree is out of whack, or at least in some other whack than that.
The clementine did not give fruit this past winter. However, right now it's absolutely snowy with blossoms, much earlier in the year than usual. Or later, depending what whack you're viewing from.
The bees don't care. They're gallivanting back and forth from one tree to the other, making sure our clementines have plenty of seeds and our sour oranges will one day be sweet.
20 comments:
Well, thanks so VERY much....
http://mainzdailyphoto.com/2013/04/07/cat-on-a-hot-tin-roof-1860/
They're probably a bit acid.
Dammit, I am so jealous, Petrea. My garden is full of blossom but I'll not be getting fruit of any kind for six months. What joy to live in such balmy climes.
The raccoons pick my low-hanging fruit, take one bit and spit it out. Your tree has had a good crop this year! A friend met some people in Fresno who owned orange orchards. They told her that growers have just changed to picking their navels (not the kind that get dust bunnies) later, as the longer they're on the tree, the sweeter they get. Seems a logical move. Citrus plants do bear blossom and ripening fruit at the same time. The fragrance on warm evenings is intoxicating, isn't it?
Sweet!
btw Yesterday, that might be the smallest library I've ever seen. hahahaha
Looks like the surface of a planet, JB.
I'm sure they are, Valladolid! Maybe I should leave them out for the raccoons.
Truly, Dive, after growing up near Chicago I feel blessed to live in warmer weather.
Bellis, we went for a walk last night and smelled orange blossoms and jasmine all over the neighborhood.
Birdman, the Little Free Libraries are worldwide and growing: http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/
There are 8 in Maine, one in South Portland.
Welcome, Linda!
Well, they sure look pretty in a basket or a bowl!
Have you tried one???
The juice might not be up to much, but you could probably doctor it with a bit of sugar or honey and still use it. I bet the zest is still fabulous, though. I have a tart recipe that calls for grinding up a whole lemon; it might work well with these oranges, so let me know if you'd like to have it.
Citrus usually cycle, having a heavy crop one year and not nearly as much fruit the next. And it's common for them to flower like mad when they still have some fruit ripening. I'm getting the same thing right now with my lime and Meyer lemon trees.
Little rat onramps, love it. I adore the picture too (also, looks like such a fun day for you and Adele from yday's post!)
They do look pretty, RamblingRound.
I have, Chieftess. Too tart for me.
Diana, thanks for the info. On the years we don't get much fruit, I miss those clementines.
As for zest, maybe you'd like to have some oranges?
Sweet! Your lovely photo would also make a nice painting.
They are perfect for marmalade. Or get some from Arlington Garden. http://www.arlingtongardeninpasadena.org/
Petrea, some citrus have all stages at once--blossoms, small fruit, ripe fruit, and some bear for 10-12 months out of the year. That's one of the reasons why I could never get the pictures of the 4 trees in the right seasonal order in school.
I know of a marmalade maven who might like to have them.
Well, they do look good in the basket.
Delightful photo! Bummer your oranges aren't sweet, but ask your neighbors who have orange trees, and maybe they have some maintenance advice. I bet with minimal effort you could get your tree to produce sweet and yummy oranges. I picked oranges from my mom's tree yesterday and had fresh-squeezed oj this morning. Heaven!
Ideas, marmalade, tart orange water, cookes, cranberry bread? We often have blossoms and fruit on our tree at the same time. Good choice your undoing rat onramps. We tend to have more squirrels than rats, but our son-in-law contends they are rats with more fur. Can't say as I disagree.
What about candying the peel? It's messy and a bit time consuming, but sooooooo delicious!
This is a great photo! Accompanying text is in my PB Top Ten List!
Candying. I might try that.
Margaret, Adele, thanks.
Katie, I want to know your mom's secret. Probably just let them stay on the tree longer!
Roberta, I suppose the rats can climb up the trunk. But I still needed to get under there and pull weeds.
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