The Orchard

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.

Mandarins and lemons for the immune system — what the science says

Las mandarinas y los limones son verdaderos impulsores naturales de nuestro sistema inmunológico. Incorporar estas frutas a nuestra dieta diaria no solo nos ayuda a mantenernos saludables y llenos ...

Valencia’s huerta — what it is, why it matters and what it has to do with your oranges

Valencia’s huerta is one of Europe’s oldest working agricultural landscapes. Arab irrigation channels, the Water Tribunal and orange groves have shaped this cultural heritage for over a thousand ye...

Spring fatigue — what it is, why it happens and what an orange can do for you

Spring fatigue is temporary tiredness caused by the change of season. What causes it, how long it lasts and why the vitamin C in oranges helps reduce fatigue.

The clock change and summer time — why it exists, what effects it has and what happens to orange trees

Summer time puts clocks forward one hour in March. Why it exists, its health effects, the EU debate and how it affects Valencian farmers.

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.

Las Fallas de Valencia — what they are, why they burn and what they have to do with oranges

Las Fallas are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016. Ephemeral monuments, social satire and purifying fire in a neighbourhood festival that has shaped Valencian identity for centuries.

Lemon cake — easy recipe with real lemons

Os detallo la receta del bizcocho de limón más rico que he hecho hasta hora. Me encanta. Recibí rondas de aplausos en este bizcocho. Además, es una receta que está lista en muy poco tiempo. 15 minu...

Citrus caviar: what it is, how we grow it in Valencia and how to use it in the kitchen

Citrus caviar or finger lime is an Australian citrus we grow in our Valencia grove. Tiny vesicles that burst in your mouth with lime and grapefruit flavour. No post-harvest treatment.

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.