I've ordered before during my husband's deployments (he thinks mail order produce is a frivolous purchase) and I will be ordering again, regardless :) In light of recent developments regarding commercial orange juice processing, I just can't continue to buy so much of it for my family.
The honeybells weren't as flavorful as in the past, but I'm very happy w/them. I plant a garden each year, and don't always get the same turnout w/the same plants, so variations are to be expected. The Page oranges completely blew me away! My daughter just loves clementines, so this box was a gift for her birthday. I thought the Pages would be a good choice, and they are AMAZING! If it was possible, we would order a bushel a month!!
I ordered on Jan. 13. I then received confirmation of my order, and an estimated shipping time of Jan. 24, I believe. Since her party is the 21st, I wanted to have these here in time, if at all possible. I called the Shop on the 17th, and spoke w/a very kind and helpful employee. She said the order was all set to ship on the 18th. I was thrilled to see the box arrive on the 19th, and so was my daughter!
I expected the 3/8 bushel to be a bit heavier, but completely understand that shipments do vary, and some things are based on weight, while other, trays. I actually looked up the different weights online, and was not misled by the company at all.
I will continue to shop here, and anyone reading this should, too! I'm no expert, but don't find it possible that a better orange can be had! The Pages are heavy, easy to peel, unbelievably full of juice, and so sweet. The honeybells are a lovely change of pace from anything store-bought.
I'd love to try more, and I'm sure I will, but I can't get those Pages off my mind :)
Comment
Jennifer, Many thanks for your kind review. We're very happy that you and your daughter enjoyed the Pages! I did notice your comment about commercial orange juice, though, and wanted to briefly address that concern. The issue was a trace amount of a material that is used for disease control in citrus many places around the world, and it was well below allowable amounts where it is used. The problem was that it's not registered to use in the USA, so there's no tolerance established. One of the juice processors caught it in a batch of juice they'd imported from Brazil, and voluntarily notified the Dept of Agriculture. They've established a testing program and other safeguards in response. None of the juice in question was ever used, and no juice on the shelves was or is affected. In reality, it's a tribute to our food safety systems in this country, rather than any kind of problem with commercial orange juice. That's why we have the safest food in the world. Many thanks, Pete.
Comment
I'd like to thank the owners for their integrity in the response they gave. They could've promoted themselves telling us how dangerous commercial products and said our safety was only guaranteed in local-grown products. But they didn't, they gave an honest explanation and a "thumbs up" to the commercial process. I still prefer local food over factory food any day, but I appreciate the honesty!