The Squeeze on Wonky Citrus

Nature's natural anecdote to cold weather chills is now ripe for the picking and set to be a staple in Wonky Boxes over the coming months. That's right, say hello to vibrant, juicy citrus fresh from the fields of Tairāwhiti Gisborne and the team at First Fresh.

First Fresh has been slinging quality citrus since 1989, when the company was formed to help Gizzy's smaller local growers band together under one unified label to take their top tier produce not just around New Zealand, but also to the world.

Read on as we peel back the layers on First Fresh and the resilience of our growers, plus explain the who’s who of the citrus world - the difference between tangelos and mandarins demystified! - so you can make the most of every wonky bite!

What's in store this Citrus Season?

Citrus loves the sun, which is why Gisborne (boasting an average of 2,219 bright sunshine hours per year) is THE hot-spot for these zesty fruits. However it's been a challenging past couple of years for growers, as Gisborne has experienced one of the wettest periods in its history, especially with Cyclone Gabrielle serving yet another devastating setback.

But now we're tickled orange to say that Gisborne's luck is changing! This year your favourite citrus is set to pack a juicy, flavourful punch due to the hot summer enjoyed on New Zealand's East Coast, paired with the perfect moisture balance. The warmer days and cooler nights of Autumn have also played their part to help bring out the vibrant oranges and yellows of new season Satsuma mandarins and lemons, getting them in the optimum state for harvest. Mandarins and lemons will keep our Wonky Boxes filled with Vitamin C until Navel Oranges are ready for harvest at the end of July.

_{What makes citrus 'wonky'?}

When citrus comes our way, there's a whole heap of factors that might be behind it! These include:

• Citrus scab - a disease caused by damp, cool weather. Although the fruit is unaffected and good as gold on the inside, the outside of the fruit can have rough skin and wart-like lesions.
• Sun, wind or hail damage causing blemishes
• Trees growing too many fruit, resulting in some being small and misshapen as the trees' love is being spread too thin

When imperfect citrus doesn’t come Wonky’s way, it can end up in juices or concentrates, but our ongoing partnership creates a reliable source of income for the growers’ grade 2 crop, creating more peace of mind for all.

_{What citrus is catapulting into Wonky Boxes this Winter?} 

First Fresh harvest citrus all year around, but the busiest time is from May - September. You can expect a few different First Fresh favourites in your upcoming Wonky deliveries: 

_{Meet Mandarins:}

These little balls of sunshine are nature's perfect snack – just peel, pop, and enjoy! With their vibrant color and refreshing flavor, mandarins are sure to bring a sweet ray of citrusy brightness to your day. They’re great for kids’ lunchboxes, or popping into salads. 

Get inspired: Roasted Carrot, Mandarin, Carrot Top Butter Beans 

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_{Tasty Tangelos:}

Get ready for a tangy twist on traditional citrus. Tangelos are a feisty fusion of tangerines and grapefruits, combining the best of both worlds into one delightful fruit. With their small segments, they may look similar to their mandarin mates, but they have a more sweet-tart flavor and are often larger. Perfect when you want a refreshingly juicy, tart bite!

Get inspired: Tangelo Curd Breakfast Parfait 

_{Orange-ya glad to have Navels?}

The classic navel orange – a true icon of the citrus world! With its sweet, juicy flesh and timeless appeal, the navel orange is a favorite for good reason. Whether enjoyed fresh out of hand, squeezed into juice, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, navels add a burst of sunshine to any occasion.

Get inspired: Whole Orange Cake

_{Squeeze the day with Lemons & Limes:}

When life gives you lemons (or limes), it's time to get creative in the kitchen! These tart and tangy citrus fruits are the ultimate flavor boosters, adding zing and zest to everything from savory dishes to sweet treats. Whether you're whipping up a lemon tart or adding a squeeze of lime to your favorite salsa, lemons and limes are here to help you squeeze the day for all it's worth!

Plot twist - One of New Zealand's favourite lemons, the Meyer lemon, isn't a true lemon, but a hybrid of an orange and a lemon, meaning it’s a little bit sweeter…we aren’t complaining!

Get inspired: 4 Ways with Wonky Lemons

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With every Wonky Box order, you're not just enjoying delicious fruits – you're supporting our community of Gisborne growers who pour their hearts into bringing these wonky treasures to your table. So thank you! Let's squeeze every last drop of goodness out of this citrus season.

You can count on our Fruit & Veg Boxes to include at least 3 pieces of fruit, but if you’re craving a serious citrus hit, try our new Fruit Only Box - brimming with 7 varieties of fruity finds (citrus and otherwise!)