For Love of…California Citrus

This post is part of a series about my favorite places and things that have made Los Angeles feel like my home for the past 2+ years.
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When we first moved into our apartment in Culver City a few years ago, the tangerine tree in the backyard was a major selling point. At the time, it was late February and the tree was bursting with fleshy, orange fruit. Allison and I were still shivering from the Massachusetts winter weather, so the idea of our own homegrown citrus was just short of a miracle.

The tangerine tree inspired many citrus cocktail creations in those first months–and lots of “oohs and aahs” from every non-Californian houseguest that we’ve had. Today, I’m still amazed and delighted when coworkers bring in bags full of grapefruits or lemons from their own backyards. “Please take them off my hands!”

Seriously, Los Angelenos, don’t take your backyard bounty for granted! Pick it, eat it, share it, and savor every tart juicy bite! Check out fallenfruit.org to learn more about the local mini-movement to take advantage of LA’s awesome fruit trees. And I will stir up one more tangertini before I go…