The Orchard

Citrus tree branches with glossy green leaves, small open blossoms and freshly set tiny fruits

Life cycle of an orange tree

In our orange grove different insects and plants live together in perfect harmony and make it possible that year after year the life cycle of our fruit trees is repeated. Today we would like to exp...

Whole and halved oranges showing their juicy flesh, nestled among green orange leaves

Desde la huerta

Why buy fruit directly from the farmer — no middlemen, no excuses

There is a real difference between buying fruit at the supermarket and buying it directly from the farmer. Measurable facts: freshness, fair price for the producer, no post-harvest treatment. At th...

Orange peeled in a spiral with its rind unwound and a halved orange beside it, on a black background

Desde la huerta

Anatomy of an orange — what is inside and why it matters

When you peel an orange, you discover a system of natural engineering far more sophisticated than its round appearance suggests. Each part has a different nutritional profile. The parts of an orang...

Whole tangerines with deep orange, slightly dimpled skin, lined up side by side with stem ends facing up

Desde la huerta

Clemenules: the tangerine variety that made us famous

If you could only taste one tangerine in your life, it should be a Clemenules. Not because we say so — but because industry experts consider it one of the best varieties in the world. From Castelló...

Large white cumulus clouds building up in a blue sky, with a thinner layer of cloud above

Desde la huerta

Caribbean hurricanes and storms in Spain — how they affect Valencia’s citrus

Caribbean hurricanes reach Europe as extratropical storms. How they affect Valencia’s orange groves, what damage they cause and why climate change is making things worse.

Old black-and-white photo of women seated beside a heap of oranges and a man carrying a basket on his shoulder

Desde la huerta

Agricultural cooperatives — what they are, how they work and why they matter for citrus

Agricultural cooperatives allow farmers to market their produce collectively. What they are, how they work in citrus, their limits and why direct sales complement them.

Bumblebee resting on a yellow dandelion, with another open flower and a bud among green leaves

Desde la huerta

Bees and citrus — why without them there would be no oranges

Bees pollinate orange trees and are essential for the harvest. Why they are in danger, what they do for citrus and how sustainable farming protects them.

Close-up of a cut orange, with juicy deep orange segments radiating from its white centre

Desde la huerta

Spring weather and Valencia oranges: how spring defines the flavour

Spring weather in Valencia defines the flavour of oranges months before the harvest. Temperatures, rain and wind during flowering determine the quality and yield of the season.

Newly planted young citrus trees in rows with black mulch film on the ground, dry soil and trees behind

Desde la huerta

Cover crops in citrus groves — what they are, what they do and why we use them

Cover crops protect the soil, fix nitrogen and attract pollinators. How they work in Valencia’s orange groves and why healthy soil is the foundation of good citrus.

Small orange citrus fruits hanging from a leafy branch, with raindrops clinging to the skin

Desde la huerta

How does rainfall affect citrus?

September rains in Valencia can boost or ruin the citrus season. How Valencian farmers manage water so the fruit that reaches your door tastes its best.