Monday, January 20, 2020

Nansho Daidai, Taiwanica

Nancho Daidai sour orange

Citrus taiwanica

 'is a very hardy tree and an upright, vigorous grower with long, narrow leaves and huge spines. The fruit is large, oblate-spherical, and bright yellow. Over the years, Nansho Daidai has proven to be one of the hardiest evergreen citrus. A citrus pioneer in Montezuma, Georgia had a large Nansho Daidai that endured 0°F in 1985 without any noticeable leaf drop, and no loss of crop the next year. How much below zero this citrus can take is unknown, but it’s certainly a hardy variety. Fruit quality is only mediocre, though the fruit can be used as a lemon substitute and for making very good -ade type drinks. Hardy to 5°F easily. Flavor: Sour lemon, some off-flavors, fair quality.' (1)

Related to sour orange (2)(3)

 Depending on location and weather prior to cold events, hardy to about 5 degrees(4)

 30% of seed is zygotic

Eyeckr provided these fruit. Fruit is juicy, flavor is very similar to a bitter lemon, however when diluted and sugar added tastes like lemonade. Fruit is seedy, having 37 large seed. Large fruit, 116 gms, small fruit, 96 gms. Brix 11.9