Why Moroccan citrus tastes the way it does
Citrus is one of the great strengths of Moroccan agriculture. The trees like mild winters and long bright summers, and the cool nights of autumn are what bring out the colour of the peel and the sweetness of the juice. A citrus fruit does not get sweeter once it has been picked, so the harvest is timed with care and done by hand, with clippers, so the peel is never torn.
The fruit, one family at a time
Oranges
- Navel oranges are seedless and easy to peel, the classic orange for eating fresh. They are at their best fresh rather than as juice, because their juice turns bitter soon after pressing.
- Blood oranges have red flesh and a berry-like flavour, and they are a winter speciality.
- Valencia oranges are the late-season orange, very juicy and loved for juice as much as for eating. They stay on the tree for many months, so the peel can turn slightly green again in warm weather while the fruit inside is perfectly ripe.
Clementines and mandarins
The easy-peel citrus, sweet and popular with families. They come early in the season, and the loose skin means they need gentle handling.
Lemons
Lemons are harvested over a long period of the year, with the best supply usually in the cooler months. They like a little more warmth than other citrus and do not enjoy cold storage.
How the season unfolds
| Fruit | Usual period |
|---|---|
| Clementines and mandarins | Autumn to winter |
| Navel oranges | Late autumn to spring |
| Blood oranges | Winter |
| Valencia oranges | Spring into early summer |
| Lemons | Much of the year, best in the cooler months |
Dates vary with the weather each year, so ask us what is available when you are ready to order.
Packing and keeping
Citrus is a hardy fruit and travels well when it is kept cool and the air can move around it, which is why ventilated packing matters. We can talk about mesh bags, cartons and trays, retail packs, or bulk for processing and foodservice, whatever fits the way you sell.
Read our guides to oranges and lemons, browse the citrus in our catalogue, or send us your request.
