Rare Earth Oranges

For a few years, we have heard an interesting claim from people around the Chinese rare earth industry. The region around Ganzhou known for rare earth mines is the same that historically has produced some of the finest navel oranges in the country. It is widely accepted that this is not a coincidence. The rare earth under the mountains of Gannan (the collective name for Ganzhou and some of the area surrounding it), they tell us, is very the reason the oranges grow large, healthy, and sweet. We have also heard that the sweeter the oranges, the higher the likelihood the ore under that grove will be of higher rare earth content (sorry, no link for this juicy hearsay). Conversely, abandoned rare earth mines are considered prime areas for oranges.

Last week, we were surprised when Randy received a box of Gannan oranges from his boss. They had been talking a few days before about these high quality oranges, and it turned out Randy's boss had ordered a shipment. He generously shared one of those boxes with us.

They looked like regular oranges

Maybe they are thicker-skinned than others I have eaten, making them impossible to peel and eat by section, my preferred method.

I'm not sure if they are the sweetest or most delicious ever. They are quite good.

Perhaps the USGS should start exploring Florida's soil for rare earth.