Sunburst Orange Gift Packs

Medium Super Citrus Saver
18 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $21.95

Large Super Citrus Saver
24 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $29.95

Can ship anywhere in the US including Military Bases...........Send a little Sunshine to Support Our Troops.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.


Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Oranges – Some Fun Orange Facts

We all know that an orange is a delectable pulpy fruit that belongs to the genus Citrus, the other famous members of which are lemon, lime, and grapefruit. The scientific name of the sweet orange is Citrus sinensis, while the name of the bitter variety is Citrus aurantium. The orange is considered a hybrid, possibly between Citrus maxima (pomelo) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin).

The fruit is covered by a bright yellow to orange-colored skin, known as the epicarp, and a thick, spongy mesocarp that lies beneath the epicarp. The internal part is divided into several individual segments (10 or more) with thin, but tough skins, that hold together the actual juicy pulp. Inside the segments, you may also find seeds that are known as 'pips'. Oranges became famous throughout the world, when they emerged as a miraculous cure for the disease, scurvy. 

Here are some interesting facts that you may not know.

Because oranges do not spoil easily and are full of vitamin C during the years of world exploration sailors planted orange and other citrus trees along trade routes to prevent scurvy which is a disease that develops from a deficiency of vitamin C.

It is believed that Christopher Columbus was the first to bring orange seeds to America during his second voyage to the region in 1493.

How many towns or cities in the U.S.A. are named Orange? Technically, just five: 
Orange, California, Orange, Texas, Orange, Connecticut, Orange, Ohio and Orange, Virginia.. 

But there are also two Orange Cities - Orange City, Florida and Orange City, Iowa. 

Plus, there are some other cities with Orange in the name: Orange Beach, Alabama, Orange Cove, California, Port Orange, Florida, East Orange, New Jersey, Orange Grove, Texas, West Orange, Texas and Orange Park, Florida.

Around 85% of all oranges produced are used for juice, most of which come from Brazil.

There are now over 600 varieties of oranges worldwide.

Orange trees are domesticated so you are unlikely to find them growing naturally in the wild.

The white orange blossom is highly fragrant and has long been used in weddings as cake decoration, in bridal bouquets and in head wreaths. The blossom essence is an important component in the making of perfume and the petals can also be made into "orange blossom/flower water".

When you are looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends, a quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Citrus Prices Affected Overall and Increasing

Adverse weather has affected the US in California, Texas and Florida, but we aren’t the only ones where citrus crops are being hit.

Even from south of the border weather and other factors are effecting what we are paying at the store for many different citrus products. Lime prices increase 300% in less than a month is a headline from a Mexico news source.

The drop in production due to the weather and the difficulties being experienced by carriers in the state of Michoacan have caused the price of limes to increase by up to 300 percent in less than a month. A kilo currently costs 30 pesos.

In an interview, Sergio Ramírez Castañeda, president of the Mexican Lime Product System, warned that product prices could continue to increase in coming days because three of this season's major producing states (Colima, Guerrero and Oaxaca) has had delays and lost a portion of their harvest as a result of the weather.

He noted that Michoacan currently provides about 2,500 tons of limes per day, but that prices had increased considerably because of the scarce supply.

"We expect prices to be high for the rest of winter because Michoacán is the only state that hasn't been affected by the weather since it's not on the coastline," he said.

Rogelio Hernandez, a carrier of food in Michoacan, stated that carriers had been forced to take different routes for transporting their cargo because of the violence in the state and the narco-roadblocks. This, in turn, increases the time and costs of moving the product, as well as the likelihood of the products not arriving in the best conditions.

He also said that, despite the low temperatures, several truckloads of products had been lost in the last month making traders lose their income because they didn't reach their destinations.

When you are looking for Navel Oranges we hope you will always think of Sunburst Oranges.

When you are looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends, a quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Orange Marmalade Soufflé Recipe

This warm, sweet, luscious dessert contains no egg yolks or butter, but with its decadent flavor, you will never guess.

Ingredients:
The whites from 8 eggs
½ cup sugar, plus extra sugar for the soufflé molds
A dash of salt
4 ounces of bitter sweet chocolate, 1 ounce shaved into slivers
½ teaspoon orange extract
½ cup Orange Marmalade
½ teaspoon Orange zest

Marmalade
2 cups unstrained, freshly squeezed orange juice (about 5 oranges)
Rind of 1½ Sunburst Oranges, cut into julienne strips
2 cups raw sugar

Directions:

Marmalade
Combine orange juice, rind, and 2¼ cups water in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and cook until rind is soft and liquid is reduced to 2 cups (45 minutes-1 hour). Add sugar, cook over low-medium heat until marmalade is thick and starting to catch on the base of the pan a little, stirring only if marmalade becomes too dark; this gives it a caramelised flavor (10-15 minutes). Set aside to cool, Makes about 2 cups. Marmalade will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Soufflé
Preheat oven to 350 F. Use non-stick cooking spray in 4 ovenproof ramekins and dust with sugar. Whisk egg whites in an electric mixer until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar, whisking continuously until glossy. Add ½ cup Orange Marmalade, fold until just combined, do not overwork. Spoon into ramekins, level tops with a spatula and run your finger around edge of ramekin to clean edges. Place on an oven tray and bake until risen and golden (5-10 minutes).

Heat to melting the chocolate in a double boiler to make sauce. Blend in the orange extract. Drizzle chocolate slowly over the soufflé and sprinkle chocolate slivers as a finishing touch.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Oranges – A Great Source of Healthy Dietary Fiber

Oranges are a popular part of breakfast, as well as any time nutritious snack. Part of what makes an orange so nutritious is its fiber content. A good source of fiber is defined as a food that provides between 2.5 g and 4.9 g of fiber in a serving, and Sunburst Oranges fall into this category.

Fiber in Oranges
A whole, raw, medium-sized orange weighing about 154 grams (approximately 5½ ounces) contains 3 grams of dietary fiber. This amount supplies 12 percent of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recommended daily allowance of fiber for an adult woman, and 7.8 percent of the RDA of fiber for a man. Larger oranges weighing approximately 184 grams (approximately 6¼ ounces), or a 1-cup serving of peeled orange segments, both provide between 4.3 and 4.4 grams. This much fiber would fulfill 17 percent of a woman's daily requirement and 11 percent of a man's requirement. The main type of fiber in citrus fruits, like oranges, is soluble fiber, which dissolves in water. This is the type of fiber associated with lowering cholesterol. Other sources of soluble fiber include oatmeal, barley and dried peas and beans.

Eat Sunburst Oranges raw to get the highest concentration of fiber. A 1 cup serving of canned oranges contains only half as much fiber as a 1 cup serving of raw oranges. Orange juice contains even less fiber per serving.

Insoluble Fiber
Oranges are also a good source of insoluble fiber, with each small, 96-gram orange containing 1.1 grams of insoluble fiber. Unlike soluble fiber, insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. Made up mostly of the lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose from plant cell walls, it passes through the digestive tract without being broken down. Eating plenty of insoluble fiber can help regulate your bowel movements by preventing constipation. It may also help lessen your risk of digestive diseases like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease and, possibly, colon cancer. 

Oranges contain about as much insoluble fiber per serving as cooked spinach, fresh carrots and raw blueberries.

Other Nutritional Benefits
A medium orange contains only 60 calories and has no fat or cholesterol. It provides 1 g of protein, 120 percent of your recommended vitamin C for the day, 10 percent of your folate, 8 percent of your thiamine, 6 percent of your vitamin A and calcium, 4 percent of your riboflavin, vitamin B-6 and magnesium, and 2 percent of your niacin and phosphorus.

When adding new or more sources of fiber to your diet do so slowly over a period of weeks to months to minimize the effects of the increased fiber may have on your lower GI tract.

When you are looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends, a quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Simply Sunburst Gift Pack

12 California Sweet Navel Oranges packed in a gift box for $10.95 plus shipping charges (varies by destination) $10.95

Sunburst has over 70 years of experience in the Citrus Industry. As a grower, packer and servicer, We strive for perfection and satisfaction on every shipment from our home to yours. Our Citrus is grown in the richest soils of California in the San Joaquin Valley.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Oranges – Oranges Have A Very Long History

It looks like people have been enjoying oranges for more than five thousand years.  At Sunburst Oranges we understand why. Not only do they taste great, they are good for you.

The origin of the term orange is presumably the Dravidian languages, via the Sanskrit word for "orange tree", whose form has changed over time, after passing through numerous intermediate languages. The fruit is known as "Chinese apple" in several modern languages. Some examples are Dutch sinaasappel (literally, "China's apple") and appelsien, or Low German Apfelsine. 

In the English language, however, “Chinese apple” usually refers to the pomegranate, rather than the orange fruit.

The orange (specifically, the sweet orange) is the fruit of the citrus species Citrus × sinensis in the family Rutaceae. The fruit of the Citrus sinensis is called sweet orange to distinguish it from that of the Citrus aurantium, the bitter orange. The orange is a hybrid, possibly between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata), cultivated since ancient times.

Probably originating in Southeast Asia or India. Old manuscripts indicate oranges were already cultivated in China as far back as 2,500 BC. Arabo-phone peoples popularized sour citrus and oranges in Europe; Spaniards introduced the sweet orange to the American continent in the mid-1500s.

Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit, which can be eaten fresh or processed to obtain juice, and for the fragrant peel. They have been the most cultivated tree fruit in the world since 1987, and sweet oranges account for approximately 70% of the citrus production. In 2010, 68.3 million metric tons of oranges were grown worldwide, particularly in Brazil and in California and Florida.

All citrus trees belong to the single genus Citrus and remain almost entirely interfertile. This means that there is only one superspecies that includes grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges, and various other types and hybrids. As the interfertility of oranges and other citrus has produced numerous hybrids, bud unions, and cultivars, their taxonomy is fairly controversial, confusing or inconsistent.

Navel oranges are characterized by the growth of a second fruit at the apex, which protrudes slightly and resembles a human navel. They are primarily grown for human consumption for various reasons: their thicker skin make them easy to peel. Their widespread distribution and long growing season have made navel oranges very popular. In the United States, they are available from November to April, with peak supplies in January, February, and March. 

The fruit of any citrus tree is considered a hesperidium (a kind of modified berry) because it has numerous seeds, is fleshy and soft, derives from a single ovary and is covered by a rind originated by a rugged thickening of the ovary wall.

When you are looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends, a quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

First Quality Navel Oranges May Be In Short Supply

Perhaps we could use the old phrase – Get While The Gettin Is Good – to describe the purchasing of quality fresh Sunburst Navel Oranges. We currently have a good supply of 1st class navel oranges at our great prices.  But, as the demand goes up and time passes that could quickly change and we don’t want you to miss out.

Some recent information in the press about the 2014 supply of US produced oranges.

Freezing weather in California and another decline in projected production in Florida are putting a minor squeeze on the domestic U.S winter citrus deal. Meanwhile, rains in Texas have filled out the Lone Star State crop, which is making up for shorter supplies of smaller oranges from some of the West Coast.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture once again revised its Florida citrus forecast downward Jan. 10 in the wake of continuing damage from citrus greening disease, which is present in all Florida citrus-producing counties.

The forecast for the 2013-14 Florida orange crop now stands at 115 million boxes, down 5 percent from the December estimate, which had itself been revised down from early-season October projections.

The USDA’s estimate of the 2013-14 Florida grapefruit crop is now 16.5 million boxes, down 200,000 boxes from December.

Specialty fruit is now at 4.4 million boxes, also down 200,000 from the previous estimate. The yield for frozen concentrate orange juice (FCOJ) remained the same at 1.61 gallons per 90-pound box.

Citrus greening — also known as HLB or huanglongbing — is responsible for fruit drop that led to the lowered USDA estimates.

There is no cure for HLB, which is spread by a tiny insect, the Asian citrus psyllid. Infection of a single tree can wipe out an entire grove in two years.

Florida growers have come up with increasingly creative ways to combat HLB, from nutritional cocktails to coordinated spraying for the psyllid to keeping trees warm and only planting new stock that was raised wholly indoors.

Get your naturally grown California Sunburst Navel Oranges direct from our trees to your table.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Southwest Orange Mango Grilled Chicken Recipe

Ingredients – Serves Four – Adjust Accordingly

Marinade
1 clove garlic, minced, 1/4 jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and minced, 1 tablespoons finely grated fresh orange zest, 1 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder,  1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chile powder, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 8 ounces chicken breast tenderloins or strips, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chile powder, 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

Grilled Vegetables
1/2 sweet onion cut into 1/2-inch slices, 1/2 red bell pepper, quartered, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Orange Mayonnaise
1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Salsa
1 medium tomato, chopped, 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped, 1/2 jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and minced, 1 clove garlic, finely chopped, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 8 slices French bread, 1 mango - peeled, seeded, and sliced, 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese

Directions 
For the marinade: 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 jalapeno, orange zest, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl and stir until well combined. Place the chicken breast tenderloins in a large re-sealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken, seal, and shake the bag to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

For the salsa: Combine the tomato, 1 small onion, 1 jalapeno, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon chipotle pepper, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

To prepare the grilled vegetables, toss the onions and red peppers with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 clove garlic in a bowl; set aside.

For the orange mayonnaise: Whisk together the mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of orange juice; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.

Grill the marinated chicken on the prepared grill until no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, 8 to 10 minutes. Grill the red pepper and onions until tender and golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the grill. Slice the grilled pepper into thin strips.

Spread each slice of bread with 1 1/2 teaspoons of prepared orange mayonnaise. Layer half of the pieces of bread with sliced mango, 1 tablespoon prepared salsa, grilled chicken tenderloins, grilled peppers, grilled onions, and a slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Top off the sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread. Return the sandwiches to the grill, turning when the bottom is golden brown

Return the sandwiches to the grill and grill them until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes per side.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

The Perfect Fast Food Drive Thru

If I had my wish fast food wasn’t full of fattening, sugar-filled and a home for a day’s worth of salt. It would be even better if the healthier options weren’t so unreasonably priced and limited to relatively fewer options. Can I say it is about time to think fruits and veggies… especially Sunburst Navel Oranges.  

Sometimes we think of the phrase “get them while they are hot.”  Well with oranges it is get them while they are fresh!

You may be hard pressed to find a good quality fresh fruit at most fast food chains, but even when you do, the price may be higher than you’d want to pay. An orange at your fast food place may cost you more than a dollar.  You may be tempted by the Special Super Burger for just a dollar. Considering how far your dollar may go, you will get more virtual “food” with the high calorie hamburger than you will for your heart-healthy choices.

In a perfect world fresh produce stands or kiosks would dot the globe and be just as prevalent as your fast food shack at every corner. Didn’t have time to pack a healthy lunch or snack? It would be great if you could drive-through for some natural, pure healthy choices. There would be no concern about questionable items that look healthy on the outside but are still full of sugar and sodium, fat and calories.

An online order at Sunburst Oranges will get you a great quality and more importantly “healthy” alternative for lunch.

Your choices at these “mythical” produce stands would be just what nature intended, pure unadulterated sources of antioxidants and other heart-healthy nutrients – no high-processing, just the real deal.

Real whole fruits and vegetables or simple combinations that remain true to the natural heart-healthy quality of ingredients: Whole-food based snacks or entrees (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds) would contain flavoring from natural sources like lemons, herbs and spices. 

There would be portion controlled packages of whole nuts and fruit nut combinations, perhaps a smoothie bar.

Packaged heart-healthy snack items would be devoid of long ingredient lists and confusing labels. You wouldn’t have to consider whether a heart-healthy claim is in conflict with the fact it contains lots of added sugars, excess fat, real fiber or just filler.

All the above would, of course, come with reasonable prices.

Until our perfect thought process fun-healthy-food drive through opens think Sunburst Oranges.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Orange Gift Packs

Medium Super Citrus Saver
18 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $21.95

Large Super Citrus Saver
24 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $29.95

Can ship anywhere in the US including Military Bases...........Send a little Sunshine to Support Our Troops.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.


Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Oranges – The Life Cycle of an Orange Tree

Have you ever wondered about the life cycle of an orange tree?  Do you live where you can have citrus or fruit trees in your yard?

Orange trees can have fruit and flowers at the same time. It is not uncommon to see both white flowers and orange fruits decorating an orange tree (Citrus sinensis) throughout the year. Orange trees need full sun and grow in the warm climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. The life cycle of an orange fruit takes many months, but exactly how long depends on the variety.

Blooming Periods
With self-pollinating, but highly fragrant flowers, orange fruits start as flowers. The tree may have several blossoming periods between spring and fall. Bees, and other insects, jostle the flowers in search of nectar and fertilize the flowers. Orange trees are evergreen and produce a series of flushes of new leaves and flowers throughout the year, depending on the climate. Only a small proportion of flowers will produce fruit because the tree will drop many of its flowers or young oranges so it can support the ones it does keep.

Premature Drop
Tiny oranges may appear in large numbers in the early spring, but the tree will shed many of these smaller fruits at the end of spring. Producing too many fruits spreads the tree's energy too thinly -- it cannot generate quality fruits if it needs to support too many at one time. As a result, the tree uses a natural self-defense mechanism of dropping small and sickly fruits to save energy. This drop also reduces the overall weight on each limb so the branches are less likely to snap.

Development
Oranges take between five and 18 months to develop, depending on the plant. This growth period is often extended three or four months longer to allow for ripening on the tree. The keys to plump, sweet oranges are sun exposure and water. Your orange tree needs a minimum of six hours of sun every day with consistently moist, but never soggy, soil. The leaves absorb energy while busy roots absorb water to supply the fruit. Lack of proper sun or amount of water will lead to smaller oranges of poor quality.

Harvesting
After your oranges have grown to their full size, you can leave them on the tree to ripen for up to six months. They will continue to become sweeter on the tree but that process stops as soon as you pick them. Oranges do not continue to ripen off the tree. It is best to harvest your ripe fruits before the heat of summer arrives because the heat may harm the fruits and stress the entire tree.

When you are looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends, a quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Navel Oranges are from the San Joaquin Valley

Sunburst Oranges are very proud to be located in and be part of the agricultural culture of the San Joaquin valley. Our navel orange trees and ranch go back a hundred years. We thought you might enjoy learning more about the San Joaquin valley.

The San Joaquin Valley is the area of the Central Valley of California that lies south of the Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta in Stockton. Although most of the valley is rural, it does contain metropolitan statistical areas, meaning urban cities such Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, Turlock, Visalia, Porterville, Merced, and Hanford.

The San Joaquin Valley extends from the Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta in the north to the Tehachapi Mountains in the south, and from the various California coastal ranges (from the Diablo Range in the north to the Temblor Range in the south) in the west to the Sierra Nevada in the east. Unlike the Sacramento Valley, the river system for which the San Joaquin Valley is named does not extend very far along the valley. Most of the valley south of Fresno instead drains into Tulare Lake, which no longer exists continuously due to diversion of its sources.

The valley's primary river is the San Joaquin, which drains north through about half of the valley into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Kings, and Kern rivers are in the southern endorheic basin of the valley, all of which have been largely diverted for agricultural uses and are mostly dry in their lower reaches.

The San Joaquin Valley has hot, dry summers and cool rainy winters characterized by dense tule fog. Its rainy season runs from November through April, but further north the rainy season runs a bit longer.

By some estimates, federal restrictions on shallow well irrigation systems threaten the productivity of the San Joaquin Valley, which produces the majority of the 12.8% of the United States' agricultural production (as measured by dollar value) that comes from California. Grapes table, raisin, and to a lesser extent wine are perhaps the valley's highest-profile product, but equally (if not more) important are cotton, nuts, citrus, and vegetables.

Cattle and sheep ranching are also vitally important to the valley's economy. During recent years, dairy farming has greatly expanded in importance. As areas such as Chino and Corona have become absorbed into the suburban sprawl of Los Angeles, many dairy farmers have cashed out and moved their herds to Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties.

Between 1990 and 2004, 28,092 hectares of agricultural land was lost to urban development in the San Joaquin Valley. In an effort to confront the problem of urban sprawl, the eight Valley counties are participating in a "regional blueprint planning process" that may result in denser developments and more public transportation.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Navel Oranges For Valentine’s Day Fondue

As you know Valentine’s Day is just four weeks away and we hope you are planning a romantic evening with your significant other. One great addition to sitting around a nice fireplace is a chocolate fondue pot.  While there are many food items you can dip or drizzle chocolate on is Sunburst Navel Oranges.

Here is a great recipe for your chocolate sauce.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy Cream 

16 ounces of milk chocolate or one 12 ounce bag milk chocolate chips or about 2 cups. Some prefer the use of a bittersweet chocolate rather than the milk chocolate.

Dippers can be yellow pound cake cubes, Sunburst Navel Oranges, apple slices, pretzels and marshmallows – you can also consider biscotti and other store bought dippers. Some favorites are  baklava, coconut macaroons and ice cream filled cream puffs.

Directions

In 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat the heavy cream and chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth; remove from heat. Pour into fondue pot or chafing dish. This should be good for about fifteen minutes before the chocolate becomes to thick to dip.

Spear Dippers with fondue forks; dip into fondue or use the back of a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the food. 

To have a longer time to dip your food you need to keep your chocolate warm (only 110 degrees Fahrenheit) You can also put the pot over a candle using a warmer or chafing stand. This will keep it warm and liquid.

If you don’t want an open flame to warm your fondue you can consider an electric version. Yes, I know you have seen the two and three hundred dollar versions but you can find electric fondue pots on Amazon.com as low as $24.99 plus shipping.

To save a bit on calories you can substitute half and half for the heavy cream and leave out the yellow pound cake and other high calorie dippers. 

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500
http://sunburstoranges.com

Sunburst Navel Oranges Are Good For Your Skin

Do you want your skin to have a healthy youthful glow? Then you need to eat more Sunburst Navel Oranges or drink fresh juice made from them.

Did you know that Vitamin C may help you look younger?

Searching for a way to look young for your age? Hit the produce aisle, suggests new research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) - a survey that asks people to quantify how often they eat various foods researchers from Unilever linked consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods (such as oranges, tomatoes and strawberries) with youthful skin. "Our findings suggest that a higher intake of vitamin C from foods is associated with a lower risk of having wrinkled skin and age-related skin dryness in [middle-aged] women," says Maeve Cosgrove, Ph.D., who led the research.

Vitamin C's youthful effects on skin may be due to the great antioxidant properties of Sunburst Navel Oranges, which help protect against ultraviolet rays, and its role in keeping skin firm via collagen synthesis.

Free radicals are the by-products of your body’s energy metabolism process; they bang around your body causing damage to cells, tissues, and organs, contributing to early signs of aging as well as illness and disease.

But, while we can’t avoid the production of free radicals in our bodies, we can neutralize their damaging effects by eating a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients. Recently, researchers took note of two antioxidant nutrients from the citrus family: limonin and limonin glucoside. They found that the antioxidant properties of these two limonoid nutrients can reduce the risk of stroke, lower high blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.

Studies have also shown that certain aspects of limonoids have powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial effects as well. In a study published in 2010, researchers found that limonoids inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli), commonly found on certain foods and known to cause diarrhea, seizure, stroke, kidney damage or even death. Researchers are hopeful that this promising limonoid research could lead to a brand new therapy to combat strains of E.coli infections.

Your youthful bottom line is really very simple: Eating more vitamin-C rich foods, such as oranges, tomatoes, strawberries and broccoli, may be a secret to smoother and younger looking and feeling skin.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500
http://sunburstoranges.com

Simply Sunburst Gift Pack

12 California Sweet Navel Oranges packed in a gift box for $10.95 plus shipping charges (varies by destination) $10.95

Sunburst has over 70 years of experience in the Citrus Industry. As a grower, packer and servicer, We strive for perfection and satisfaction on every shipment from our home to yours. Our Citrus is grown in the richest soils of California in the San Joaquin Valley.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Great California Citrus Still Coming From Sunburst Navel Orange Crops

It has come to our attention that some of you are reading stories in the media about the very cold weather we had in this area several weeks ago. We just wanted to take a moment and set the record straight here at Sunburst Oranges about our crop of navel oranges.

Here is an except from a story in the Visalia Times-Delta newspaper (A Gannett Company) from January 8th 2014

Orange prices rise $2-$3 a box after cold weather

“Reports are still coming in as to the extent of the damage to the citrus crop in the Central Valley from the Dec. 4-10 freeze.

Growers note the cold hit early in the season, when about 75 percent of the state’s citrus crop was still on trees. Luckily fruit had a high sugar content for this early in the year, which is a plus in preserving the fruit in cold.

Still, in some areas of Tulare County, all fruit in mandarin groves was described as “toast,” whereas in many navel orange groves damage appeared more limited. The variability of crop loss reflected factors such as farm location, frost protection methods used, citrus variety and crop maturity.

Tulare County officials agreed that mandarins (tangerines) probably didn’t withstand the freeze very well. 

Citrus has been grown in the San Joaquin Valley for more than 100 years. The on-farm value of California-grown citrus fruit in 2012-13 totaled $1.5 billion.

In Fresno County, “The damage doesn’t seem widespread, but we are rejecting lots and bins that exceed the tolerance,” said Fred Rinder, Fresno County deputy agricultural commissioner. “Probably the most damage we’re seeing is in the cara cara navels and mandarins. Lemons are spotty and navels are hit and miss too.””

Their story is accurate, of course, for an overall look at our citrus industry. As you can see the local agricultural commissioners are monitoring the crops to protect the reputation of all California citrus

But, specifically here at Sunburst Oranges we want you to know we haven't changed (raised) our prices for our sweet and juicy navel oranges.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

When Were Navel Oranges First Introduced Into California?

Navel oranges are characterized by the growth of a second fruit at the apex, which protrudes slightly and resembles a human navel. They are primarily grown for human consumption for various reasons: their thicker skin make them easy to peel. 

Their widespread distribution and long growing season have made navel oranges very popular. In the United States, they are available from November to April, with peak supplies in January, February, and March.

According to a 1917 study by Palemon Dorsett, Archibald Dixon Shamel and Wilson Popenoe of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a single mutation in a Selecta orange tree planted on the grounds of a monastery near Bahia, Brazil, probably yielded the first navel orange between 1810 and 1820.

Nevertheless, a researcher at the University of California, Riverside, has suggested that the parent variety was more likely the Portuguese navel orange (Umbigo), described by Antoine Risso and Pierre Antoine Poiteau in their book Histoire naturelle des orangers ("Natural History of Orange Trees", 1818 – 1822). The mutation caused the orange to develop a second fruit at its base, opposite the stem, as a conjoined twin in a set of smaller segments embedded within the peel of the primary orange.

Navel oranges were introduced in Australia in 1824 and in Florida in 1835. In 1870, twelve cuttings of the original tree were transplanted to Riverside, California, where the fruit became known as "Washington". This cultivar was very successful, and rapidly spread to other countries. Because the mutation left the fruit seedless and, therefore, sterile, the only method to cultivate navel oranges was to graft cuttings onto other varieties of citrus trees. The California Citrus State Historic Park and the Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center preserve the history of navel oranges in Riverside.

Today, navel oranges continue to be propagated through cutting and grafting. This does not allow for the usual selective breeding methodologies, and so all navel oranges can be considered fruits from that single, nearly two-hundred-year-old tree: they have exactly the same genetic make-up as the original tree and are, therefore, clones. This case is similar to that of the common yellow seedless banana, the Cavendish. On rare occasions, however, further mutations have lead to new varieties.

Sunburst Navel Oranges come from the San Joaquin Valley where oranges have been growing since the late 1800s.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Orange Peels Can Make An Effective Cleaner

Are you interested in making your own natural, homemade cleaners?  Did you know that Sunburst Navel Orange Peels work great for that?

It’s the time of year that you always should have Sunburst Navel oranges around.

Here’s one way to use the peels rather than tossing them.

Juice about 3 to 4 oranges or save the peels when eating them.

Put empty rinds into a quart jar. 

Cover with white vinegar.

Seal jar well!

Invert the jar once a day.

Allow to sit for about 2 weeks.

After 2 weeks, strain out the liquid, which will smell clean and citrusy. Really, it will. There’s no other way to describe it – the bite of smelling straight vinegar is gone, and the orange smell is heavenly.

The citrus infused liquid will help cut the grease when cleaning and be a good substitute for those commercial cleaners that try to harness the natural cleaning power of oranges and then adulterate it with a bunch of other junk.

You will find that you can reuse the Sunburst orange rinds for making two to three more batches of cleaning solution. 

For overall cleaning you should mix in a ratio of anywhere from 1:1 to 8:1 with water in a spray bottle and clean anything, from counters to floors to toilets, with it.  Keep in mind that the vinegar and orange solution is NOT recommended for wood floors, granite, or marble.

Don’t forget that you can use the orange rinds to clean and refresh you garbage disposal after the last batch of orange cleaning solution.  
http://sunburstoranges.blogspot.com/2013/12/freshen-up-your-garbage-disposal-with.html

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

FDA Food Labeling For Sunburst Navel Oranges

Consumers have been conditioned to look at the nutrition information on the packaging of their favorite products to help them make good buying decisions.  It is a bit hard to include that on each Sunburst Navel Orange we sell.  Just in case you would like to know.   Here is what our Nutrition Facts Label contains.

Food Labeling Background

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for assuring that foods sold in the United States are safe, wholesome and properly labeled. This applies to foods produced domestically, as well as foods from foreign countries. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act are the Federal laws governing food products under FDA's jurisdiction.

The FDA receives many questions from manufacturers, distributors, and importers about the proper labeling of their food products. This guidance is a summary of the required statements that must appear on food labels under these laws and their regulations. To help minimize legal action and delays, it is recommended that manufacturers and importers become fully informed about the applicable laws and regulations before offering foods for distribution in the United States.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Orange Gift Packs

Medium Super Citrus Saver
18 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $21.95

Large Super Citrus Saver
24 California Sweet Navel Oranges delivered to your door at no additional shipping costs. $29.95

Can ship anywhere in the US including Military Bases...........Send a little Sunshine to Support Our Troops.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.


Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500

Sunburst Orange Basics with a Steak and Salad Recipe

They are in season and at their peak between December and April. Since oranges keep well in cold storage, they can be found in supermarkets throughout the year.

The most common variety of orange is the navel orange, so named because the blossom end often resembles a navel. The skin of a ripe navel orange ranges in color from deep orange to yellow-green. In a grocery store make sure you choose fruit that's heavy for its size and free of soft spots.

Your fresh shipped Sunburst Oranges can be stored at room temperature for several days or in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.

Steak, Watercress, and Sunburst Orange Salad Recipe (Serves 2)
This version is a modified Martha Stewart recipe

An easy Dijon vinaigrette does double duty as steak marinade and salad dressing in this satisfying main-course salad. Juicy fresh Sunburst oranges and roasted cashews provide a palate-pleasing contrast of textures and flavors. 

Ingredients
2 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon Sunburst Honey
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ shallot, sliced thinly
3 Sunburst navel oranges, peeled and sliced
1 large bunch of watercress, stemmed and pulled into bite sized pieces
12 ounces beef rib-eye steak
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, oil, honey, salt and pepper. Set ½ of the dressing aside. Leave the rest in the bowl.

Season steak generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
Grill cook steak over medium high heat until medium rare (Internal temperature 130° - 135° F)
Transfer to cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice steak thinly, across the grain.

In the large bowl with ½ of the dressing on the bottom, add watercress, Sunburst orange slices and shallots. Toss to coat. Add more dressing as desired.

Serve by dividing salad evenly on two plates, top with steak slices.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We have the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Packing Co.
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-783-0500