Tom Wilson Oranges at Andronico

[walker]

The only time I buy oranges is when Andronico gets the Wilson oranges from Riverside. They have a really intense orange flavor, best I've ever had. Try some before they run out. (I go to the one in SF, Funston/Irving but I assume the Berkeley ones have them, too.)

[walker]

It's 16 April 2012 -- I was told they probably would not get the Tom Wilson oranges this year but when I went to the store today, there they were -- they are near the checkstands. Bags only, $3.99.

They say they've had them for a week -- taste as good as ever to me!

[Melanie Wong]

Thank you for the annual heads up! After the recent closures of Andronico's branches, I was wondering where the remaining locations might be. Here's the link with addresses for the five remaining branches: 2 in Berkeley, Los Altos, San Anselmo, and San Francisco.
http://www.andronicos.com/locations.php

[gordon wing]

Just bought a big of Wilson Navel Oranges ........ I'm liking them! The aroma around the outside display at the Solano Ave. Andronico's was very enticing. They are very juicy, sweet with a nice acid finish. Thanks for the tip!

[walker]

These are the only oranges I crave; when available, I eat about one a day. Really incredible, intense orange taste.

[...tm...]

They're now 99 cents per pound or 2 4-pound bags for $6, at least at the University Ave. Berkeley Andronico's.

[Windy]

Thanks! Time to restock while they last.

[wolfe]

And hurry, I had my first one go moldy in the bag.

[PegS]

Thanks all. Stopped by the Telegraph Andronico's today and they still have lots!

[ML8000]

Anyone see Tom Wilson oranges at Andronico's this year?

[walker]

They are usually in toward the end of February; just to make sure, I just called the SF store:
415 661 3220 (and, I think I had to press "9" for produce)

A very nice fellow said to call back on Monday and ask for Chuck, that Chuck is talking to the distributor that day and will have a better idea. He admitted they are already getting the phone calls asking WHEN.

[Nina]

While we're waiting for the Tom Wilsons....my local Trader Joe's in San Mateo had bags of Sky Valley Heirloom Navel Oranges this week that were quite good.

[poot]

I went by and asked on Sunday: no Tom Wilson navels yet.

[walker]

I called today -- no go yet. They've been getting tons of calls!!

I tried those mentioned from TJ and they did not do a thing for me.

[lexdevil]

Bought a 4 lb. bag of Tom Wilsons at Andronicos (Telegraph) today. I knew they'd have them because I bought a 10 lb. bag of Twin Girls at the farmers market today. It seems inevitable that the Wilson oranges arrive when I already have a glut of oranges.

[kc72]

price?

[lexdevil]

$3.69 for the 4 lb. bag.

[walker]

Well, do they taste as good as ever?

[wolfe]

Yes, as of 3 minutes ago, thin skinned and juicy and just fine.

[Windy]

Or $1.49 a pound if you don't want 4 pounds. But trust me, you do. I'm eating my first one now and debating a second.

These are amazing navels--and this is coming from a Florida girl whose mother grew oranges.

[ML8000]

FYI: the Andronico's on University near Sacramento had them at $1.79 today for medium sized individual by the lb. The 4lb bags for $3.69 were still there, which were also listed as medium size. Not sure if the crop is small this year but usually there's a sale for .99¢/lb at some point. Oh well, they are excellent.

p.s. the hot deli and butcher counter were closed. The check-out clerk said for good. Business was way down. ETA: this applies only to the University and Sacto store, not other Andronicos.

[Windy]

That's a shame. I was just thinking today at the Andronico's on Irving and Fulton what a great resource it is for fresh meat.

[ML8000]

Sorry for the confusion, this is only this store (Uni and Sacto). I asked the clerk if the other stores are closing their deli's and he said NO.

BTW, if I recall, the hot deli sections are big, big revenue generators at the other stores. The one on Uni was small and old.

[chocolatetartguy]

I was told that they would be replacing the deli counter with more prepackaged prepared foods. They are not carrying a couple Items I had been buying there for years: Vosko's fig yogurt, Nama Age "fried" tofu.

Evidently they have a new management team that used to work at Whole Foods and they are the cause of the changes which may not be for the better. I'm feeling that they need to embrace their West Berkeley roots and not turn it into another upscale grocery.

[ML8000]

Agree on that. Andronico's is the only grocery store in that area and serves a pretty large area. It would be a shame if it went upscale and out of character with the neighborhood. Maybe they're thinking they need to compete with Berkeley Bowl West.

[walker]

Irving/Funston

[josquared]

Saw them at the Solano Av Andronico's and picked up about a bag's worth. Saw a few bags outside and then boxes set up inside right as you enter if you wanted to pick your own. them

Decided to peel one once I got to my car. Can't say definitively that it's the best orange I had ever but it's a darn good one. Very juicy and a great, clean taste.

[lexdevil]

Back at Andronico's now. 4 lb. bags of small oranges for just under $3. Larger oranges loose for just under $1 per lb. Tasty as usual.

[walker]

I've been calling and they said they finally got them a week ago; everyone has been calling and nagging them!

I'm going to buy a bunch tomorrow -- they are on sale for .98 lb through this week -- not sure exactly when the price will go up. Produce guy said they are as great as ever.

[ML8000]

Thanks. I've been looking for them and was wondering.

[Nina]

Oh thank God! and thank you, lexdevil. I was afraid the Wilson orchard had been paved over or something.

[walker]

I went by the SF store today and the only Wilson oranges (very few) were from Friday. They thought they'd receive more Monday or today. They said to phone tomorrow (Wed). I bought a couple today, delicious. The 98 cent price (sale) is to go til March 29.

[PegS]

Thanks for recommending these. We were at the Telegraph Ave. Andronico's today they had them right by the door. My husband said they reminded him of the way oranges tasted when he was a kid, and they reminded me of the oranges I've eaten in Mexico. They're juicy and complex, with a nice zing to them. Really great.

[hong_kong_foodie]

Yep, I agree w everyone - these oranges are quite delicious with an incredible amount of juice. They are special in a way that Swanton strawberries are special - and I guess the latter becomes available in May?

[walker]

So, in May, where can I find the Swanton strawberries? Yes, the oranges are as great as ever. I buy a case and give a lot away to guys at work. (I guess that makes me the "Orange Fairy.")

[cakebaker]

At the farm stand in Davenport on highway 1...at farmer's markets including Berkeley's Tuesday and Saturday (I think) and the Marin market on Sundays.

[hong_kong_foodie]

And Whole Foods.

[wally]

Go to the Swanton Berry web site. They will give you the list of markets at which they sell in addition to their Davenport farm.

[martasiete]

wow -- never heard of these. I'll have to try them soon.

[gordon wing]

the Solano Ave branch of Andronico's had lots of sliced Wilson oranges out for tasting .... I have to admit that I was somewhat disappointed: good juice and lovely aroma / perfume from the 4lbs/$4.99 bag or $1.89 / lb .... but the finish was a bit tart. I ended up not buying them. I tried 3- 4 slices and not all from the same part of the orange. I'll try them again if I see them around. Yesterday on Clement Street at one of the Chinese grocers near Lee Hou I bought some navels for 59 cents a pound that were quite good, juicy and sweet.

[kumuki]

Are the Wilson oranges organic?

[walker]

I don't know; best to ask Andronico. All I know is that they are delicious.

[billibi]

Same with me. I look forward to these beauties every year. I haven't seen them elsewhere.

[peachblossom]

How do they compare with navels and big jim? What are the characteristsics of these oranges?

[walker]

It's a navel orange and just has the most intense orange taste. I don't know big jim. Just try one; everyone I give one to just loves it, a real treat. And healthy! Short season.

[zin1953]

They are absolutely stunning!