A Sanger citrus grower is taking a financial hit because of thieves targeting his orchard of Minneola Tangelos.
The grower has lost more than 2,500 pounds of fruit during three separate thefts. It’s taken place in his grove located along Hwy. 180.
The farmer says he typically ships his Minneola Tangelos overseas, but due to the recent port strike in southern California he has delayed harvesting his citrus. It’s common for roadside vendors to sell culls, which is rejected fruit deemed not suitable for shipment, but this usually doesn’t happen until later in the year. If you see someone selling tangelos along the road right now, consider it to be suspicious. This variety of fruit has a distinct nub on top and is a deeper orange color than most varieties of oranges being harvested at this time.
If you see anyone selling Minneola Tangelos on the roadside, please contact the Sheriff’s AG Office at (559) 600-8150 or email