I love fruit. And this is the time of year that I am able to pick the fruit from our trees that lasts us for the winter. We usually have large juicy navels, grapefruit, tangerines and lemons bigger than softballs.
Navel oranges are my favorite. I can pick them off my backyard tree. The only problem is, sometimes I eat too many.
This year I have been able to go and pick some delicious fruit off the trees at some of our rental houses, after I ask the tenant's first, of course. They are glad that I take it.
In years gone by, my daughters and I have taken all the fruit off the trees and passed bags and bags and bags of it out at school to teachers and parents and friends. Some years we were blessed with over 50-60 full bags of fruit. We picked every piece and none went to waste. We even took some over to the local elder care facilities.
This year though, I have no navels... look at my tree... I am so disappointed...
It is so barren.
In 2004 we suffered losses with Hurricanes Jean and Frances. Many around us did. Many lost their fruit trees and many of the trees went into shock and were badly damaged. We lost a grapefruit tree at a rental house.
In our backyard, we had no navels for the next 2 years. Then, last year there were our gorgeous navels again. We didn't have as many as usual, but we had a bunch and they were delicious. But, for some reason, this year again, we are without navels. I will have to talk to my friend that can tell me what my tree needs.
Our tangarine trees and lemons trees are beautifully stocked with fruit. And, again all of that fruit will be eaten or distributed. Many of the lemons that we cannot use quickly enough are squeezed into ice cube trays and frozen, and then put into plastic baggies. That way we can use them in drinks. For us it works out beautifully!
that for you
Navels are good but have you tried Honeybells? Look for them in January.
I have a feeling Sandy that you have become a target of a navel destroyer. Call the Coast Guard!
That's why I need to move to Florida. I would love to be able to pick fruit off the trees in my backyard.
Hi Richard, Yes, I have tried honeybells. They are also delicious. You're right! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Fred, Happy Sunday morning to you too! You crack me up! You're so funny sometimes! Thanks for the hearty laugh this beautiful morning! Have a wonderful day!
Hi Justin, It is certainly one of the great advantages of being here in Florida. We can grow our own citrus (well usually) and it's delicious! Have a wonderful day!
Sandy, no Navels? We have noticed that the oak trees in Maryland this year have very few acorns on them. I wish we could grow citrus in this area.
Hi Sandy
I bought some navels yesterday and they are outstanding this year.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
Hi Rich, I had no navels on my tree this year. I was really disappointed, because they are typically so big and juicy. I love the citrus that we are typically able to grow here.
Hi Lou, I may just have to go and buy some this year. I'm glad to hear they are delicious. I used to go up to Harvey's Groves about 15 minutes from here and buy them each year and they were great. May have to make a trip there. Hope you are well.
I wonder if it's because of the drought this past year. I've been getting my OJ from Orchid Island this year.......sweet stuff!
Wow that is too bad. I guess the years without let you appreciate the plentiful years that much more. You really do seem to make good use everything, and that definitely means work. Waste not want not as momma used to say. Here's hoping next year will be fruitful!
Hi Colleen, I haven't heard that others have had the same problem around here. I'll have to really check around and find out. I know many were afffected by the drought, weren't they? Good point. Interesting...I'll have to see. Thanks for your input and for stopping by!
Hey Maggie, I'll have to check with my other tenants and see if there are any trees full. My broker has 2 delicious grapefruit trees - the best fruit you'll ever eat. I'll have to see if I can run over and grab some bags full off of his trees. I'll keep looking for some navels.
Maggie, I've noticed that a lot of citrus trees this year don't seem to be doing too good. I guess we just did not have enough rain. Oh yes, I'm one of those too who will not hesitate to pick someone else's fruit... with permission of course!
Hi Silvia, Hmmm....I hadn't heard how well others trees had done this season. I hate to hear that rain was the problem in so many areas. My tenants are glad when I take the fruit off the trees - they don't have to pick it up off the ground after it rots.