Blog: Make Mine Mountain Mandarins

Did you know that Placer County has a banana belt that is perfect for growing Owari Satsuma Mandarins?

Well probably, but it was another learning experience for me. The warm days and cool nights from Auburn to Loomis, Lincoln to Penryn and Newcastle are perfect to grow the sweet, seedless fruit.

In the 1880s Welsh settlers in Penryn planted the first mandarin trees. A very severe freeze eliminated most of the trees in this early time. The area went to growing other crops creating a thriving canning operation in Loomis. In the 1950s three longtime farmers including Ed Pilz planted more mandarins supplying the local customers. The Pilz family, farming since 1927, is one of the largest growers with 32 acres. Presently, Steve and Lisa Pilz run the ranch side by side and are committed to honoring their heritage and to preserve the land for the future.

There are now 65 growers to carry on the tradition of providing this tree-ripened fruit. They have joined together to form the Mountain Mandarins Growers Association and the weekend before Thanksgiving they have a very popular festival to welcome the new season. The event takes place at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn. Local growers are set up, proud to talk about their efforts and have 10 lb. orange mesh bags for purchase. It is said that they can sell out early so I was sure to grab mine, first thing. Some are expanding their venture with Mandarin Olive Oil, preserves and other value added products. My foodie heart was excited trying the various delicious Mandarin specialties including pumpkin pie with whipped cream, the glazed almonds and the chocolate dipped citrus.

It was rainy, that day, so past up on the Mandarin ice cream. They have started Orchard Days, with an opportunity to visit the various farms, taking place the first and third weekends in December. It is very similar to Apple Hill, but less traffic. The mandarin season begins in November ending in February with many of the farms open daily during this time and they love having visitors.

Information www.mountainmandarins.com

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NOTE: Recent study by USDA proved that Placer mandarins had up to six times as much synephrine as the same quantity of orange juice. This report made national news and has resulted in booming business for these small family farms.

My family loved those “cuties” and during this time of year, they have a place of honor in a big wooden bowl in the kitchen. That well-worn bowl is now filled with our local “sweeties” – Mountain Mandarins.