If you’re reading this, you’re either a citrus lover or just keen to know how to pick fruit like a proper plaasboer. Either way, pull up a chair, grab a coffee (or a freshly squeezed orange juice), and let us give you the lowdown on how to spot the best oranges, lemons, and naartjies next time you stop at our padstal near Nelspruit.
Winter is citrus season, which means the farm is buzzing, the trees are heavy, and the padstal is packed with the good stuff. Here’s how to pick the top ones like a pro:
🍊 Oranges – Look, Lift, and Sniff
Let’s start with oranges, the fruits that keep us healthy all through winter. When making your selection, you can choose the cream of the crop by.
- Feeling the weight: A good orange should feel heavy in your hand. That’s not fat, it’s juice! The heavier, the juicier.
- Looking for smooth skin: Don’t go for rough, thick-skinned oranges. Look for smoother ones, they’re usually sweeter and easier to peel.
- Staying away from soft spots: Give it a gentle squeeze. If it’s too soft or has squishy spots, it might be on the wrong side of ripe.
- Doing a sniff test: Yep, stick your nose right up to it. A sweet citrusy smell = a great fruit!
🍋 Lemons – Bright and Firm, Just Like Ouma Likes It
Lemons aren’t just for tea and pancakes, they’re farm kitchen gold. This is how you can find the best:
- Do a colour check: The best lemons are bright yellow. If it’s too green, it’s still sulking. Too pale? It might’ve been sunburnt (it happens to the best of us).
- Go for a tight skin: A lemon with tight, slightly glossy skin will be juicier. Wrinkly or dry skin? Leave it for the compost pile.
- Choose a firm fruit: Give it a gentle squeeze. You want some firmness. Too soft, and it’s old news.
🍊 Naartjies – Sweet Little Pockets of Joy
Ah, the humble naartjie, a family favourite. It’s easy to peel, juicy as heck, and perfect for road trips, quick snacks or lunchboxes. When picking out your naartjies, you should:
- Feel the skin: You’re looking for loose skin but not saggy skin. That’s a naartjie that’s been sunning itself just right.
- Leave those that look dull: A duller skin often means more flavour.
- Weight check again: Light ones can be dry. Heavy = juicy, remember that.
Farmer’s Tip
If it smells good, feels heavy, and doesn’t have any dodgy bits, it’s a keeper.
And don’t be shy, ask us at the padstal! We’re always happy to hand you the juiciest picks or sneak you a sample.
So next time you swing by during winter, sniff around, squeeze gently, and take home a bag (or ten) of citrus that’ll make your kitchen feel like sunshine. Your marmalade, lemon cake, or early morning juice will thank you.
We hope to see you at the padstal this citrus season!
