Love is in the Limoneira air! We love being able to share with you all about the Limoneira Ranch, our favorite recipes, and so much more!

There is a hidden gem of biodiversity right beneath our feet at Limoneira! Did you know there are more unique species in a single shovel full of soil than can be found in the entire Amazon Rainforest? This incredible ecosystem is critical to growing fresh and healthy foods, and at Limoneira, we take great care to promote and protect biodiversity— above ground and below.

How do we achieve this? By growing more and spraying less.

While our primary crops are lemons and avocados, new fields are also planted with a rich variety of grasses and other non-harvested crops – a practice known as “cover cropping.” This variety of plants promotes the growth of fungi, bacteria, and other tiny organisms that all work together to form a mutually beneficial network within the soil. This diversity helps add nutrients to the soil, ward off would-be pests, and reduce weed growth, reducing the need for harsh chemical inputs.

Insects are vital to promoting biodiversity. We have performed hundreds of insect releases and planted over 400 “islands” of native flowers in order to restore natural biodiversity and habitats. Insects play a key role in pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control, helping us to further reduce our dependence on chemicals.

Limoneira is committed to providing the highest quality fruits and caring for our environment while we do so. Through these measures, along with many others, we strive not only to ensure our ability to continue growing healthy foods for many years to come, but to do our part to pass along a healthy planet for all.

For more information on our sustainable efforts, click here.

Presenting the lean mean (and environmentally clean!) grazing machines—the Limoneira sheep!

Limoneira has an adorable herd of Shetland sheep and a miniature ram. Last year the herd grew as the ewes gave birth to new lambs! The sheep’s primary role is to graze about the solar orchard. Sheep are a sustainable way to control vegetation without having to use harsh chemicals on the land to control weeds. Our sheep help Limoneira with its commitment to stewarding the land in a responsible and healthy way!

The filling for this super easy Lemon Cream Pie is incredibly simple: sweetened condensed milk + heavy whipping cream + lemon. It creates a sweet and creamy cloud-like mixture that I could just eat up with a spoon or in a pie crust! 👉 Get the recipe here.

Limoneira ⁠loves showcasing its beautiful ranches. This month we love on Yuma Arizona, the Sunniest City on Earth! Yuma gets sunshine and warm weather at least 91% of the year, making it prime citrus-growing land for our Arizona ranches. Generally, more sun on the trees leads to better fruit, which is why Limoneira grows only the highest quality citrus!

They say the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach! Show someone you care by preparing these delicious Chocolate Orange Heart Bites featuring our juicy Limoneira Navel Oranges. Navel oranges are full of antioxidants that are sure to keep your loved ones healthy!

This month our winner is Wendy Bundrow from Manson, Iowa! Congratulations Wendy! We hope you feel the Limoneira love. Thank you to all of you for being a part of our Limoneira family. Stay tuned for next month’s winner—it could be YOU!

And don't forget - The ZEST IS YET TO COME!