An abundance of oranges

Orange tree 2014

I wonder if the warm autumn has seen our abundant oranges drop earlier this year as most have now fallen. I seem to recall last year that I was able to pick them right up to the end of Spring and my memory of the last few seasons is that they sweeten more the longer they cling to the tree. They are a little bitter at the moment and a perfect kick in a glass of freshly squeezed to snap you awake on these chilly mornings. They have also been delicious when boiled and blitzed into an orange and almond cake, caramelised into a sticky dessert syrup and a creme caramel and then there are the sprightly jars of orange and lemon marmalade ready to join our amassing bounty for Open Garden 2014 – Sunday October 5 – save the date!