Fifth-Generation Family Farm: Friend’s Ranch

Friend’s Ranch in Ojai, CA, is a regular supplier of Pixie tangerines for The FruitGuys. The Friend family and its descendants (now into its fifth generation of family farming) have been growing fruit in Ojai since the 1880s and tangerines since the 1920s—one of the first California farms to do so.

The family planted its first Pixie tangerine trees in the early 1970s, many of which still yield fruit today. Friend’s grows a total of 15 varieties of tangerines as well as blood oranges, Meyer lemons, Minneolas, and more. Friend’s Ranch citrus trees range in age from 1 to 90 years old.

Friend’s is a member of the Ojai Pixie Growers Association. Although not certified organic, they employ many organic growing practices, such as using compost, horse manure, and beneficial insects. The ranch is made up of five properties comprising 75 acres of citrus, over 18 of which are Ojai Pixies.

Pixie tangerines are naturally seedless and always delicious. One of the sweetest varieties of citrus, Pixies are the most popular fruit at Friend’s Ranch are a favorite among citrus lovers everywhere.   They hold well at room temperature and will keep in the fridge for at least two or three weeks.   Enjoy!