Lemons are yellow, oranges are orange...aren't they?

Well, not really no.

Depending on the weather and time of year, oranges and lemons will fully ripen on the tree but stay green. After harvesting, to satisfy our unnatural requirements for the “perfect” fruit, the citrus fruit is treated in a special chamber with ethylene gas for up to 14 hours. This destroys the green chlorophyll & changes the colour of the fruit. It’s called “de-greening.”

Before “de-greening” the fruit will be treated with a fungicide to prevent mould growth. This could be with any one of dozens of different fungicides depending on what is allowed in the country of import. The fruit will be dipped or sprayed or both.

Before gas colouring the fruit will also be dipped in another solution containing “2,4-D” to keep the “buttons” of the fruit green & natural looking.

After de-greening the fruit is sprayed or dipped with a Shellac, Polyurethane or Resin based wax. This keeps the fruit nice & shiny but more importantly, it will seal the fruit & prevent weight loss of at least 30%. Since the fruit is sold by weight this is important for supermarket profits.

All this is after the mind-boggling array of chemical sprays & fertilisers that are used on a regular basis through all stages of cultivation!

If you’ve ever wondered why a supermarket Lemon lasts for weeks and weeks in your fridge. Organic ones may go mouldy after a few days, now you know why!

As Nature Intended only sell certified, totally organic fruit & veg . It’s only available in the right season and sometimes we have trouble getting supplies, but it’s free from all chemical fertilisers, fungicides, pesticides & preservatives. It’s not been “waxed” or messed about with in any way so whilst it might not look perfect, it tastes absolutely delicious. You can even eat the skin, without fear of being poisoned. In fact, it’s just As Nature Intended!