Why This Chinese Farmer Writes Love Letters on His Oranges
What is the story behind these oranges?
A farmer in China’s mountainous Zhejiang province hand-writes brief, poetic messages on the skin of his oranges before shipping them. The practice began as a personal gesture of connection, transforming a simple fruit into a unique gift of goodwill and shared humanity.
Where do these oranges come from?
They are grown in the fertile, misty hills of Zhejiang province. This region is renowned for its citrus, with specific microclimates that contribute to the fruit's quality.
How are they sourced?
The oranges come directly from the farmer's own groves. They are picked, sorted, and inscribed by hand at the source, ensuring a direct link from the orchard to the customer.
When are these oranges available for sale?
<
p>They are a seasonal product. The primary harvest and shipping window runs from late autumn through winter, typically from November to February.
What about availability outside this season?
Due to their fresh, non-processed nature, the inscribed oranges are not available outside the natural harvest season. Advance orders are often recommended.
What do they taste like? How sweet are they?
The variety used is known for its balanced, vibrant sweetness with low acidity. The flavor profile is intensely fragrant and juicy, with a sweetness that is pronounced but not cloying.
What are the key product characteristics?
Each orange is selected for its unblemished skin and ideal size for writing. The most defining feature is the handwritten message, applied with a natural, food-safe ink. The fruit itself is seedless, easy to peel, and notably juicy.
How are they packaged and shipped?
They are carefully packaged in protective, gift-style boxes to prevent bruising during international shipping. Each box contains a curated selection of inscribed oranges.
What is the price range?
As a handcrafted, premium gift item, they are priced higher than standard supermarket oranges. Prices vary based on order size and destination, but generally fall within the premium gift fruit category. Exact pricing is set by the individual retailers who carry them.