Ojai Citrus Is Something Special

It's that time of year again, as I wait patiently all year long for the height of citrus season. The farmers' markets are busting out every kind of citrus imaginable, and the colors are incredible. I feel healthy just looking at them. The greatest variety runs from January thru April. There are Cara Cara oranges, Page mandarins, Tahoe Gold, Gold Nugget, Daisy and Clementine tangerines, tangelos, cocktail grapefruits, lemons and limes and so much more.
I especially love the citrus from Friend's Ranches in Ojai. They're at the Hollywood farmers' market on Sundays and the Santa Monica farmers' market on Wednesdays. Their stand is so old school, and the variety is great as well. The citrus from Ojai never disappoints. I'm looking forward to the Ojai Pixie Tangerines, which should be showing up soon—they're seedless and incredibly sweet.

I’d have to say my all-time favorite is a Page tangerine, and the finest I ever had are from Churchill Orchard in Ojai. Unfortunately, they only sell mail order or at the Ojai farmers' market on Sundays, so I'll be heading up there next Sunday to load up. The tangerines are a very rich deep orange color—sweet and luscious and the perfect juice to use in a cocktail.
This is the time to make your marmalade, squeeze juice for your whiskey sour, cook with them or just eat them plain. Just get out and enjoy while the going's good.