The Mandarin Islands
Native Forest® Organic Mandarin Oranges are plump, juicy segments of indigenous mandarin oranges, organically grown on remote island in the pristine lake region of Zhejiang, China. The organic mandarin islands are located in the Thousand Island Lake, around 100 miles west of Hangzhou, the capital of the southern province Zhejiang. Most of these islands are owned by individual families who live on and care for them.
Organic Orchards
The story of these exceptional organic orchards begins with the resourcefulness of small family farmers. It all started when one family noticed wild mandarin trees thriving effortlessly in the natural environment. Inspired by their resilience, they began planting and cultivating more trees. Seeing their success, families on nearby islands followed suit, creating their own mandarin groves. As their orchards flourished, some families recognized the sustainable advantages and premium value of organic farming. They took the initiative to achieve international organic certification, ensuring their practices met the highest standards. Today, these five organic island orchards, certified since 2004, stand as a testament to the vision and dedication of these farming families, allowing us to savor the fruits of their labor.
Mandarin Orange Harvest
Farmers diligently remove and destroy any rotten or infected fruits, ensuring only the healthiest crops remain. They also carefully prune the trees to open up the canopy, allowing more sunlight and airflow to reach the leaves. This natural approach helps dry the foliage and significantly reduces the risk of disease. With pride, farmers nurture their thriving organic orchards, fostering both sustainability and prosperity of the region.
The Journey Begins
Each year, between October and December, the mandarins reach their peak—plump, ripe, and ready for harvest. During this time, farmers carefully pick the tree-ripened fruits and navigate small boats brimming with organic mandarins to the distant mainland. Once harvested, the mandarins are peeled, and their whole, juicy segments are gently packed in unsweetened organic juice. From there, they make their way to our certified organic canning facility. The result? Naturally sweet, irresistibly juicy mandarins your family will love. With every bite, you'll taste the exceptional quality and care that go into all Native Forest products.