Re: Our Grapefruit (was Ripe oranges)
K1MIZE@aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 9/15/99 11:13:47 PM EST, theryans@xtra.co.nz writes:
>
> << We have a cool-temperature-tolerant grapefruit (Morrison's Seedless),
> and we are "destructive testing" these fruits right now. They are
> already edible but still a trifle short of full-ripe. OTOH, it is
> carrying a large crop, so we are not at all worried by using up a few at
> this time. This kind of grapefruit is quite sweet when full-ripe and we
> eat them instead of (and like) oranges when they are ready >>
>
> I've never seen, nor even heard of that variety here in California,
Kurt
I think the reason you don't know this fruit might be that it is not
grown in many places outside NZ My book names it as C paradisi, but
then goes on to say it is thought to be a cross between a pummelo and a
sour orange. It was apparently introduced by an early Governor General
(Sir george Grey) and was originally known as the "Poor Man's Orange".
To raise its profile as a possible export crop it has also been known in
recent years by the more upmarket name of Goldfruit!!
As Tony mentioned it is exceptionally hardy and is the only citrus apart
from the Meyer lemon which suits the climate of our fairly cool garden
up in the hills.
The book also mentions that the true American grapefruit is not grown
here because the climate is just too cool and tends to produce
thick-skinned fruit with little juice and poor flavour.
Was fascinated by your description of all the fruits etc. which grow in
California - obviously a region of enormously rich potential. I had also
little idea of the size of your equally-rich population mix.
Although only on a tiny scale, I wouldn't be surprised if our people mix
is almost as rich as yours. Besides people of British, Irish or Maori
origin, we have enormous numbers of other Polynesians of several races.
(Auckland has been dubbed the largest Polynesian city on Earth !) We
also have a great many settlers from Holland, China, Italy, Greece,
Croatia and Norway, quite a few from India and in recent years small
contingents from such places as South Africa, Iran and Somalia. unlike
you, however, we would have virtually no Hispanics. We do even have a
few from your country, the best-known being the very genial and
well-liked head of our Met. service!!
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata,
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
