By Connie Gladding

January is the time to pick most of our citrus fruit from Navels, Satsumas, Key Limes, Grapefruit, etc. To be sure that your fruit is ready, pick a couple and taste

them. If they are nice and sweet, pick away, if not leave them on the tree a while longer. Citrus fruit will not ripen once picked.

Once picked, wash only when ready to eat. This keeps the natural wax on the fruit and will keep it from drying out.

If you have too much fruit consider giving it to charity. The UF/IFAS Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers will come to your house, harvest the fruit and give it to local charities.

Every year, the UF/IFAS Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers get their picking poles and baskets and go into the community to glean citrus for local charities. Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, anything will work; just as long as you have extra that you are willing to share, we are willing to come pick it and distribute it. If you are interested and a resident of Clay County, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Office at (904)284-6355 and we will have a Master Gardener contact you to schedule a date and time that works for you.

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