It is citrus season, and I am so excited because my little one year old Meyer lemon tree has four lemons on it! They will be ready to pick soon. Our 40-year old orange tree is full and ready to harvest.
Growing up, my Grandparents had the best lemon tree in their back yard in San Jose. Because of the mild climate, this tree would produce fruit year round. They were the largest and juiciest lemons I have ever had. My Nana passed away 15 years ago and before my uncle and dad sold her house, I asked my uncle to pick me a few lemons for sentimental reasons. He brought me 12 grocery bags brimming to the top! I got out my juicer and juiced all those lemons (which took me a few days), working in batches, I put the lemon juice in ice cube trays and froze them to use in the future for recipes, in my water, etc. My lemon cubes lasted me two years!
Last year, my parents, husband and I took a quick trip to San Jose and swung by my grandparents' home. My dad wanted to see his childhood home again. The house has been remodeled and looks very different now, but the lemon tree is still there! It made us all feel good that the current residents were taking care of this wonderful, fruitful tree.
Check out all the lemons, limes, varieties or oranges available right now. So, what do you do if you or your neighbors have your own trees, and an overabundance of this citrus wonderfulness? If you live near me, call Harvest Sacramento. This project of Soil Born Farms is a collaborative effort of area residents, non-profits, community groups and businesses which harvest underutilized fruit and vegetables from backyards and small orchards and donate it to local food assistance agencies.