Citrus Shortage: What To Do?

[Chris Amirault]

Those of us in the US are dealing with the destruction of the majority of the California citrus crop. Today, stopping at the neighborhood mercado for my citrus fix, they were out of lemons and selling out the last of the limes. I drink a lot of sours and don't really want to settle into endless Negronis and Martinis, but, frankly, I'm not sure what to do save for cracking out the RealLemon.

What sorts of adaptations are you making to deal with this shortage?

[johnder]

I am preparing for the worst. Stocking up on limes and lemons for my fridge.

Right now I haven't seen any increase in my local Korean Market, Limes and Lemons are still 4 for a buck.

[Dave the Cook]

Prices are steady here in Atlanta, too, for the time being. It's not clear to me that there's actually going to be a shortage. More likely is a steep price increase. We export significant quantity of citrus to Japan. If those contracts are nullified by force majeur, what's left of the California crop could stay in the States. Mexico provides a lot of the winter citrus supply, as does Spain, and (prepare to cringe) Iran is a major lemon producer that might be tapped, if politics don't get in the way. If prices get high enough to cover transport, we'll probably be okay.

[eje]

I haven't seen much change at the Farmers' Market or Latin American groceries.

Heck, a little more than week ago lemons were 20 for a dollar at the grocery. Small lemons, it is true; but, quite juicy.

I expect the price increase will be seen most at the big grocery store chains and natural markets.

I can't wait to see a $2 lemon at Whole Foods.

I think the Central Valley, hardest hit by the freeze, sells mostly to volume markets. Juice manufacturers and such.

[ThinkingBartender]

You could always stock up on packets of powdered sour-mix!

*runs away*

[sadistick]

Buy in bulk...order off the net if you have to, and juice them then freeze in ice cube trays...

Unknown to many, citrus juices hold up really well when frozen.

[Splificator]

Do what they did on the frontier: use sour beer, or vinegar--or just drink whusky.

[hjshorter]

I might have to start drinking martinis with an olive instead of a twist.

Edited February 2, 2007 by hjshorter (log)

[Gifted Gourmet]

yuzu?

[mkayahara]

Maybe now's a good time to capitalize on the popularity of pomegranates?

[ludja]

Maybe now's a good time to capitalize on the popularity of pomegranates? 

←

or tamarind?

[rancho_gordo]

Before the prices really go insane, try our own Marlene Spieler's Pasta al Limone from the NYTimes this week. I am not going to eat anything else all winter!