Citrus was front and center stage at LREC's annual Fruit Display and Tasting last weekend, December 12-13. The popular holiday tradition attracted hundreds of growers and community members who braved wet conditions on the first day and chilly temperatures on the second day. Longtime fans and new citrus connoisseurs enjoyed samples from more than 100 varieties of lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges on display and participated in sample tasting to provide researchers with additional consumer feedback. New features for the public event this year included a children's activity simulating the fruit sizing and packing process, and an opportunity to take home a special tote bag filled with citrus for a $5 donation. UC researchers and Master Gardeners were on hand to answer questions from citrus growers and home gardeners.
LREC Business Manager Anita Hunt and son join in the citrus sampling.
Surrounded by citrus as far as the eyes could see, Elizabeth Grafton-Cardwell, LREC Director, announced the Conference Center Outdoor Enhancement Campaign. The fundraising campaign will support improvements in the outdoor area around the Conference Center to allow expansion of extension programs for industry growers and to create new outreach programs for the general public. Planned improvements include developing the roadways and parking area for better accessibility to events, developing citrus demonstration orchards for master gardener and homeowner training, and building an outdoor amphitheater to host more educational programs for school-aged children.
Parent and child learn about fruit sizing and packing through an engaging hands-on activity.