The citrus crop is so plentiful this year, it’s like having fresh orange juice on tap in the Teche Area. Theresa Theriot, public relations person with the New Iberia Farmers Market, said there is certainly a bumper crop this year.

“Farmers are telling me the branches of their trees are almost breaking with the weight of the oranges,” Theriot said.

“Almost all of our farmers (at the market) have oranges for sale and even those who normally just have crafts to sell are bringing oranges from their trees at home,” she said.

The oranges were plentiful at Red Boutte's booth at the Farmers Market on Tuesday. - BILL SMITH / THE DAILY IBERIAN Advertisement

Fruit lovers can pick up Louisiana citrus in local markets and groceries from now through February. The peak season comes during the holidays from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, said Ada Palermo, Iberia Parish extension agent with the LSU AgCenter.

“A real treat is a satsuma mandarin grown in Louisiana,” Palermo said. “Satsumas have a distinctive, sweet flavor and a loose skin that makes them easy to peel — especially for children. Early-season satsumas are usually green with a hint of yellow in the peel. Later varieties are orange. Whichever you choose, you’ll find a delightfully tasty fruit.”

Red Boutte of Loreauville said he has seven trees which are bearing right now and six that are too young. But he also agreed that the fruit is plentiful which makes it definitely a buyers market.

So to what does he attribute the good crop?

“The weather has a lot to do with it, but I think everybody is getting more education on how to culture (citrus fruits),” Boutte said.

The most widely available Louisiana-grown fruit, Palermo said, is the Washington navel orange, a seedless variety which began to ripen in November. The large Louisiana navel has a deep orange color and a thin skin. These oranges are easy to peel and really juicy.

“Along with navels and satsumas, local orchards also offer lemons, grapefruit and kumquats,” Palermo said. “So enjoy the entire spectrum of Louisiana citrus throughout the season.”

Bobby Fletcher, LSU AgCenter county agent in Lafourche Parish, said citrus growers in Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary parishes have an average of three acres to four acres in citrus. Their groves cover about 175 acres total with an average of 100 trees per acre. He said the mild weather this fall has produced a very good crop.

“Sales are good and quality is good,” Fletcher said.

“Local consumers should see plenty of fruit,” Palermo said. “Our market will continue to be a quality market.” He added that he doesn’t anticipate any dramatic changes in prices, and plenty of local fruit will be available in local markets.