Ojai rolls out citrus-colored carpet to celebrate mandarin harvest

The harvest of the seedless citrus known as the Pixie is underway in Ojai and the community is rallying behind the beloved mandarin with a variety of flavorful and fun activities throughout the month.

“Our weather is perfectly suited to growing these late-season mandarins,” Lisa Brenneis, co-founder of Churchill Orchard, told me. Brenneis, one of the area’s more than 40 tangerine growers, started selling Pixies on Monday.

The town is rolling out the orange carpet to celebrate the harvest. Bowlfuls of free Pixies can be found in shops throughout the community, and several businesses are featuring specials showcasing the fruit.

Ojai, 15 miles north of Ventura, is about a 1 1/2-hour drive from Los Angeles. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

Azu restaurant is featuring Moon Valley Marmalade, a blend of blood oranges, ginger, vanilla bean and, of course, Pixies. Info: (805) 640-7987.

Throughout April, Bliss Frozen Yogurt will include Pixie among its flavors. Info: (805) 640-8000.

The Lavender Inn is tempting guests with lavender-Pixie muffins each morning. Sunday brunch features Pixie mimosas. Info: (805) 646-6635.

Info: Ojai Visitors Bureau or (888) 652-4669.

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