Homegrown Winter Citrus

I've unexpectedly become a fan of growing citrus in our garden. One of the reasons why is that I'm able to have fresh lemons at my fingertips year-round (thanks to the Eureka lemon that can bloom, produce, and ripen all at the same time). Hubby is able to take a couple of lemons off the tree whenever he wants to make up a great vinaigrette or some pan-sauteed lemon chicken.

Eureka lemons
(January 2009)

I've also become a passionate fan of my little Kinnow Mandarin tree. The fruit ripens in winter beginning in December. The fruit will stay sweet and good on the tree for weeks so I enjoy going out and picking one or two for each of us as a treat. When it's nice outside, I like to sit outside to eat my little orb of sweetness.

Kinnow Mandarins
(January 2009)

Our collection of citrus has grown in the last 6 months with the addition of a blood orange, a summer orange, a navel orange, and a Valencia. I am hoping that they too will become favorites.