The citrus season was officially launched at the Adelaide Central Market on May 15 with a 'squeeze off' between two Adelaide celebrities.
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5AA presenter Stacey Lee showed off her juicing prowess to make a glass of OJ in the fastest time to take out the title over Adelaide Produce Market brand ambassador and Masterchef Australia All Stars winner Callum Hann.
As part of the season launch, market visitors were also treated to one of Mr Hann's delicious creations - orange with lemon curd, ricotta and chocolate crumble - made from new season produce.
Primary Minister Clare Scriven officially launched the season, encouraging market attendees to 'pick a local, pick SA'.
The season has kicked off a little earlier this year, due to a warmer than average autumn.
Citrus SA Mark Doecke said it had a great season for growers.
"The last 12 months have been excellent for growing citrus," he said.
The mild summer helped conditions along, and fruit being produced at the moment is proving exceptionally tasty, juicy and sweet.
Picking started a few weeks ago and will amp up in earnest shortly - with the exceptional day time weather proving good for pickers who are usually braving the chilly, wet weather at this time of year.
With supply ramping up, Mr Doecke said consumers will still have to wait a bit longer for one of the most popular new season varieties - blood oranges - which will start coming through from mid July.
Paula Thompson
Paula Thompson is ACM's National Machinery and Ag Tech writer. She has been an agricultural journalist for more than 20 years. Prior to her current role, she was a reporter with the Stock Journal, covering livestock markets and the grains industry.
Paula Thompson is ACM's National Machinery and Ag Tech writer. She has been an agricultural journalist for more than 20 years. Prior to her current role, she was a reporter with the Stock Journal, covering livestock markets and the grains industry.
