Succulent Citrus

Next Paul tastes a mandarin that also has not yet been released. It was developed by the USDA and is currently known as USDA eighty-eight-two. "Deliciously sweet," pronounces Paul. And then to compare, he samples another mandarin known as ‘Yosemite Gold’, developed in Riverside. It’s mostly seedless, easy to peel and also delicious, according to Paul.

"This tree doesn’t even look like citrus to me," comments Paul at the next stop on the tour. "It looks like a small ornamental tree you might find in a landscape." Otilla identifies it as a ‘Myrtle Leaf’ citrus. "It’s grown for its form and abundance of colorful fruit," she says.

How does it taste? "Quite pleasant" is the verdict according to Paul.

Then there’s the ‘Dekopan’, a very new variety of citrus in the United States that features a "neck." And the taste? "It's the most uniquely flavored of all the fruits I’ve tasted today," states Paul. In Japan just one of these popular fruits can go for up to nine dollars!

Last on the citrus-tasting circuit, the pink-fleshed ‘Cara Cara’. It’s a naval orange first discovered growing in Venezuela. Its pink flesh comes from lycopene, a potent antioxident found in tomatoes.

Growing Citrus in Containers

So how do you grow your own citrus if you don’t live in zones 9 or 10? Containers! Even in cold northern climates you can grow many varieties of citrus in suitable containers.

Place your tree in the prepared container (figure A) and fill the remaining space with more potting mix; firm the soil so the tree is stable (figure B). Be careful not to plant the tree too deep: the easiest way to kill a tree is to plant it too deeply. Place ornamental pebbles on top of the soil if you like, to keep the soil from splashing when the tree is watered.