Citrus For Days

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

The humble orange finds its way into most fruit bowls at some stage during the year. We know it’s a powerhouse for immune boosting Vitamin C. But there’s so much more to citrus than many of us know. What better way to find out than with a farmer who grows 14 different varieties. And for a fruit that is usually purchased for its flesh, not its skin, why then is preventing blemishes such a big investment? To learn more, Michael Arnold from South Australia’s Pyap Produce joins me to discuss:

• Michael’s favourite place on the citrus orchard near Loxton in South Australia’s Riverland.
• The history of the family farm as Michael’s father used to be a dairy farmer and bought the place about 20 years ago.
• He is growing 7 types of oranges, 5 varieties of mandarins and 2 lemon varieties and, the advantage of having such depth in the orchard.
• Some of the varieties are not just orange in colour but red and pink and, Michael explains how we arrive at these different colours.
• Outside of colour, different varieties of citrus produce different vitamins, separate from the commonly known Vitamin C.
• Despite the fact that most of us throw away the peel of citrus, Michael shares why he has invested so heavily in technology to stop blemishes.
• Harvesting citrus is conducted by hand and the skill required to become a citrus picker.
• What Michael loves most about life on the land.
• Common misconceptions about citrus and his work
• The most unexpected thing to happen in the citrus business.
• Michael’s favorite way to eat his fruit.
• The ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

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South Australia’s Pyap Produce

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