Australian citrus is in high demand – so much so that worldwide frauds will claim their citrus as Australian-grown at the expense of wholesalers, retailers, workers and consumers. The little ‘Australia’ label on citrus stickers carries a lot of weight. So what makes our citrus the greatest and the sweetest of all citrus? It’s the climate and nutrients unique to the Australian land. It’s also the expertise of our farmers and distributors who’ve been growing and distributing citrus in Australia for generations. Here’s why Australian citrus is the sweetest.

Australian Citrus is in high demand

People just can’t get enough of juicy, vitamin-packed Australian citrus. Mandarins, oranges of all kinds, lemons and tangelos… we know how to grow them best. And the world’s taking notice! The variety of our Australian citrus is wicked – blood oranges or pink cara cara oranges anyone? It’s a world of discovery and there’s so much versatility. Citrus can be used in a variety of dishes and drinks. There’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds. Try cara cara curd or blood orange margaritas, the possibilities are endless with Aussie citrus. Citrus is healthy, unique and an exciting ingredient that can be incorporated into many recipes.

The climate and soil produce ideal Aussie citrus

Aussie citrus is in high demand from frauds and consumers alike because of its quality and sweetness. The Australian climate is what produces such amazing fruit. The warm to cool climate and the fertile soil of Australia are ideal for growing citrus, allowing the fruit to ripen and colour naturally on the tree. This results in fruit that is packed full of nutrients, sweeter and more flavourful than citrus grown in other parts of the world.

The Aussie sunlight makes for optimal citrus sweetness

Have you ever tasted an orange that was too sour or a lemon that was too dry? This happens when fruit doesn’t get the right amount of sun exposure. Citrus requires a lot of sunshine to ripen properly. But if it gets too much sun, fruit can become dry and bitter. With our sunny climate and mild temperatures, Australia provides just the right balance of sun and shade for citrus trees to thrive. The result? Juicy, flavourful fruits bursting with sweetness and tang.

Australian citrus farmers and distributors

Our growers carefully select the best varieties and plant them in the perfect climate in Australia to ensure that they grow to their full potential. Dracula Citrus^™ farmers in Australia take great care to ensure their citrus trees are healthy and well-maintained. They use the latest farming techniques and technology to ensure that the fruit is grown in the best possible conditions. This results in fruit that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Additionally, Australia has strict regulations on pesticide use, which means that our citrus is not only delicious but also safe to eat. After harvest, our citrus is hand-picked at peak ripeness, packed with care, and shipped off to destinations worldwide.

At Dracula Citrus^™ we’ve got a wicked way of sorting our fruit so our customers receive the best and freshest fruit as quickly as possible. We carefully manage the shipping logistics, ensuring the fruit stays fresh throughout the entire journey. Here’s how we do it… Our fruit is picked and transported to our dedicated packing houses where it is then washed, waxed, dried and graded by size. The wax gives the fruit its tempting shine!

Once graded, our citrus then goes through a stringent quality assessment. Twelve pieces of fruit are checked per second and photographed 150 times to detect blemishes and scars. Only the best fruit is sorted according to our customers specifications. A labelling machine then stickers every piece of fruit with a PLU No. and our logo. This is our symbol of Quality and Freshness. From here, the fruit moves to a final packing stage where 36 suction arms pick up the fruit and gently place it into a carton of Dracula branded goodness ready for shipment to our customers all over the world.

Testing for sweetness

When testing for sweetness, we’re generally lead by our taste buds. But did you know that there is a science behind testing sweetness in citrus fruits? In Australia, the sweetness or sugar content of citrus fruits is typically measured using a tool called a refractometer. A refractometer is a handheld device that measures the refractive index of a liquid, which is directly related to its sugar content. By measuring the sugar content with a refractometer, producers and researchers can assess the sweetness level of Australian citrus fruits and make informed decisions regarding harvesting, quality control, and consumer preferences.

In addition to using refractometers, another common method used in Australia to assess the sweetness level of citrus fruits is through Brix testing. Brix testing involves measuring the soluble solids, mainly sugars, in the fruit juice, providing further insights into the sweetness and overall quality of Australian citrus fruits.

The proof is in the sweetness!

The quality, freshness and nutrients can be tasted in the sweetness of Australian citrus. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just looking for something new to try, Aussie citrus is worth sinking your teeth into! With skilled growers and distributors working together to produce the best possible fruit, Dracula Citrus^™ delivers such perfect citrus to the world.

At Dracula Citrus^™, we take the best citrus from the top-growing regions around Australia and bring them together under one roof. That’s how we get the best variety and quality citrus with the sweetest flavour. Look out for Dracula Citrus^™ in your local supermarket.