All posts in Grove Update
A Look Inside the Groves – September 2019 Hale Groves Update
Our citrus expert is using a set of citrus calipers to measure our navels. They are currently averaging 2.75 inches which is right on track to start harvesting in November. We constantly monitor size and quality so we can plan the right time to harvest and pack a given crop.... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves – July 2019 Hale Groves Update
Looking down a row of our 25 year-old grapefruit you can see how we keep the trees pruned and the ground clean under the trees with grassed centers. This is part of our cultural care program. The trees are kept at a manageable size which aids in the harvesting and... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves ? June 2019 Hale Groves Update
The nice straight tree row is accomplished by hedging the trees each year. The hedging is done by a large ?hedging? machine with special high speed circular saw blades mounted vertically on booms cutting both sides as it travels down the tree rows. This maintains a manageable height and width... more
Read moreHow to buy mangos
Mangoes are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. This popular drupe is widely loved and enjoyed for its distinct sweetness. This ?king of fruits? is one of the most popular summer fruits and there are many tasty ways to enjoy it. Mango Facts So, what is... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves ? May 2019 Hale Groves Update
The classic navel on the bottom of a navel orange is actually a secondary fruit formed within the navel orange itself. Testing the navels with a refractometer to check the Brix/sugar in the fruit. We do this in the field to verify it meets our quality standards before packing. ... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves ? April 2019 Hale Groves Update
Picking one of our spring tangelos to test the sugar and acid levels. In this late maturing tangelo it?s important that we monitor the acid so we can harvest at the peak of maturity. This is when we reach the ideal sugar to acid ratio making for a delicious sweet... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves ? March 2019 Hale Groves Update
After testing hundreds of individual fruit, and spending dawn to dusk in the grove caring for trees, the harvest of our delectable Cara Cara oranges is finally here. In this tree, the beautiful fruit of our labor are displayed in astounding numbers. Deep in the grove, early morning light casts... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves ? February 2019 Hale Groves Update
It?s time for the annual Temple Orange harvest. These medium-sized oranges are a super-sweet hybrid of tangerine and orange. They are easy to peel, have few seeds, and are the perfect flavor and juiciness to enjoy out of hand. Abundant ripe Temple Oranges hang low on our trees in the... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves ? January 2019 Hale Groves Update
A thin skin makes Honeybells easy to peel, but also makes them far more delicate in the field. We cradle each individual Honeybell by hand and pick them by clipping the stem. This method is slower, but we do it to ensure that your Honeybells always arrive in perfect condition.... more
Read moreA Look Inside the Groves ? November 2018 Hale Groves Update
Citrus groves are unique in the world of farming in that they provide many areas of tree canopy not only from the citrus trees themselves, but from trees used as windbreaks. Here an egret uses a tree line as cover to take flight in an open area. A statuesque red... more
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