The Orchard

Mandarins — from China to Valencia in three thousand years

Las mandarinas tienen su origen en China, y su nombre proviene de los burócratas "mandarines" que vestían trajes naranjas. Ricas en vitamina C, fibra y antioxidantes, refuerzan el sistema inmunitar...

World Paella Day — what authentic paella is and why Valencia defends it

Authentic Valencian paella has fixed ingredients: rice, green beans, garrón, chicken, rabbit and orange-wood fire. What it is, what it is not and why Valencia takes it seriously.

Valencian artichokes — Curiosities, health benefits and a classic recipe

Artichokes have a reputation problem. Everyone knows they're healthy, but nobody quite wants to deal with them. Too many leaves, too much work, too much mystery beneath that green armour. And yet, ...

Homemade orange ice cream — no-churn recipe with real oranges

Enjoy a refreshing orange ice cream, an easy and delicious recipe for summer. Perfect to beat the heat!

Home-made orange ice cream — no-churn recipe with real oranges

Orange ice cream without a machine, without fuss. Juice from Valencia oranges, cream, sugar and a freezer. That is all. Ingredients — Juice of 6-8 Valencia oranges (about 500 ml)— 200 ml whipping ...

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.

Hydration and sport — why orange juice works better than you think

Orange juice with water and salt makes an effective home-made isotonic drink. What happens when you dehydrate, the recipe with exact quantities and when to drink before, during and after.

World Oceans Day — what the sea has to do with your Valencia oranges

World Oceans Day falls on 8 June. Before you think this has nothing to do with a citrus shop, let us explain something: the Albufera of Valencia — the freshwater lake that feeds the rice paddies an...

Meteorological summer and astronomical summer — the difference and how it affects citrus

Meteorological summer starts on 1 June, astronomical summer at the solstice. What the difference is, what happens to orange trees in summer and why September matters.

Natura 2000 — what it is, what it protects in Valencia and what it has to do with citrus

Natura 2000 is the world’s largest network of protected areas. What it is, which sites it protects near Valencia and why sustainable farming helps conserve them.