A thorny proposition? Lemons are an interesting crop, Mauritson said: “They grow fast, have large thorns and can be harvested anywhere from two to six times a year, depending on the growing region. Coastal regions can harvest year-round.... Wherewe are, wewill harvest our lemons twice a year. Harvest can last up to fivemonths.” And the trees? Decades. “A typical lemon tree is productive for over 40 years, but we do have some groves that are still productive at over 70 years old.”
Main squeeze How did Mauritson end up growing lemons? “I was fortunate enough to meet my wife, Aubrey, in women’s studies of all places in the spring of 2006 at Fresno State,” he said. “My day job is working for her family at Kaweah Lemon Co. They have farmed lemons, navels, valencias and grapefruit in Lemon Cove since the early 1900s.” He and his wife also grow citrus fruit, olives and almonds on their own farm, ANB Ranches. Plus, he helps the rest of the family with winegrapes up north.
With a twist If the glass of water your server
This one’s for the kids Farming runs inMauritson’s blood, “and likemy ancestors, I don’t farm for me; I farm for the next generation,” he said. “I think that is what is really lost in a farmer’s story. It is easy to look at farmers as just landowners, but the process that takes place is risky and long term. It may take upwards of 10 years to reach return on investment.”
brought you had a slice of lemon in it, youmight have been looking at some of Mauritson’s handiwork. That has not been the case somuch lately, of course. “COVID has definitely had an effect on lemons, as restaurants and bars are typically a large purchaser,” he said, but “retailers and consumers have stepped up tomake up the difference because of the realized benefits—fromhealth to sanitizing.”
Kevin Hecteman khecteman@californiabountiful.com
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