kist Growers, Inc. “This new crop t navels should

kist Growers, Inc. “This new crop t navels should be in markets earlie than usual,” added Tompkins, “due t an early bloom and an extremely wan summer.”

Navel oranges, available in a wid range of sizes, are of excellent qualit and are sweeter than ever. Navels, th traditional Christmas oranges, are popular variety. They’re easy to pe< and are virtually seedless. Look fo them in local markets in early Noverr ber through April.

Ready to add western sunshine t winter menus and fresh fruit basket are plentiful supplies of California-Ar zona lemons. This year’s crop is e» pected to be slightly smaller than las year’s, with peak supplies on mediur sizes. “Because each lemon tree ha fewer lemons, individual lemons gre\ larger in size than normal,” explain Tompkins. “The appearance and qua! ity of this year’s crop is superb, an lemon prices should be good for cor sumers,” notes Tompkins.

Don’t forget to stock up on fresl tangerines, the easy-to-eat-and-seg ment, aromatic fruit. Many deliciou varieties will be available in the week ahead. Starting in early November Orlando tangelos will be the first avail able, followed by Minneolas in mid De ^ cember. Tangelos, a cross between i tangerine and grapefruit, are usually larger in size than the other tangerim varieties. Kinnow Mandarins, ligh orange in color with smooth skins, ar expected in markets the first part o January.

Tis is also the season to load up 01 excellent supplies of westem-growi grapefruit, available in both ruby ant white varieties. Predicted to be ii larger supplies than last year, thi year’s crop is. of superior quality ant appearance. The fruit will range fror small to medium sizes, with mediur sizes peaking after the holidays.

Thus far, the citrus canker ha been found in citrus nurseries in Flor ida only, not in commercial citru groves. As a major marketer of onl; California-Arizona citrus, Sunkis