The Oranges I Wait for All Year Are Finally Back at Trader Joe's

Winter is citrus season, bringing vibrancy to not-so-sunny days. When my favorite citrus fruit comes into season in December—now in store at Trader Joe's—that's when things really brighten up. My citrus consumption increases tenfold.

Sumo Citrus is truly the fruit I can never get enough of. It’s not hard to find: The giant hybrid certainly stands out in the produce section. When I see this sweet, juicy fruit in stores, I’m always adding it to my cart.

What Is Sumo Citrus?

Sumo Citrus is not your average orange. According to Roger Smith, a Sumo Citrus Grower in Exeter, California, it’s a cross between a Satsuma, an orange, and a mandarin.

The majority of Sumo Citrus comes from the San Joaquin Valley in California. “The region offers the ideal environment for growing this fruit due to hot, dry conditions during the summer months, cool winter nights, and ample water supply for year-round irrigation,” says Smith. Once a tree is planted, it takes three years before it starts producing fruit.

In December, harvest season begins, typically lasting until early March. Fruit is handpicked, placed into small totes during harvest, and then inspected six times before it’s hand-packed, ultimately making its way to stores.

Why I Love Sumo Citrus

My love for this citrus fruit is all about flavor, texture, and ease of eating. Peeling an orange is not a favorite task of mine, but it’s not an issue with Sumo Citrus. The fruit has its signature appearance with a thicker skin and what’s called a “top knot.” This key feature allows you to easily break off the top, providing easy access for skin removal. Added bonus: Sumo Citrus doesn't have any seeds.

Once Sumo Citrus appears in stores, I'll often find them in two-pound or three-pound bags, or individually stocked on produce shelves, depending on the retailer. I regularly find them at Trader Joe’s, but they're also available at other stores, including Safeway, Target, Kroger, and Costco.

How to Eat Sumo Citrus

This fruit is the ultimate snack or dessert, so I love just eating it on its own. However, Sumo Cirtus would also shine brightly when paired with radicchio or a festive salad with beets, kale, and pistachios. I can also imagine the slices dipped in chocolate.

Whether you're snacking on them solo or adding them to pep up a dish, the season's best has arrived—so get ready to stock up on this juicy fruit.