Citrus Bowl

When people talk about the Citrus Bowl, a regional term tied to South Africa’s major citrus-growing areas, especially in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo. Also known as the Citrus Belt, it’s not just a geographic label—it’s a living economy built on orchards, harvest festivals, and outdoor life that thrives year-round. This isn’t some distant farming zone. It’s where families wake up to the smell of blooming orange trees, where weekend road trips lead to pick-your-own groves, and where local markets overflow with fresh juice, marmalade, and honey-sweet lemons. The Citrus Bowl isn’t just about fruit—it’s about how that fruit connects people to the land, to seasons, and to each other.

Behind every juicy segment is a story. Farmers in the Citrus Bowl work with weather that can shift from scorching sun to sudden frost in hours. They rely on smart irrigation, bee-friendly practices, and community networks to keep crops healthy. Nearby towns like Nelspruit, Knysna, and Komatipoort host annual citrus fairs where you can taste rare varieties like blood oranges and finger limes, or join guided walks through 50-year-old orchards. These events aren’t just for tourists—they’re where locals celebrate their identity. And it’s not just about eating. The Citrus Bowl drives eco-tourism, hiking trails that wind between groves, and even birdwatching tours that track the rare orange-breasted sunbird that depends on citrus blooms.

But it’s not all sunshine. Climate change is making dry spells longer, and water rights are becoming a hot topic. Conservation groups are working with growers to protect rivers and plant native shrubs that help keep soil in place. Meanwhile, young farmers are using apps to track pests and share harvest data in real time. The Citrus Bowl is evolving—not fading. What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories from this landscape: a farmer who turned a failing orchard into a farm-to-table experience, a hiker who stumbled on a hidden citrus grove in the Drakensberg foothills, and a community that saved its annual festival after a drought nearly canceled it. These aren’t just articles. They’re snapshots of a living, breathing part of South Africa that you can touch, taste, and walk through.

Fluminense Stuns Al Hilal 2-1 to Advance in FIFA Club World Cup

23 Nov

by Chantelle Poirier 5

Fluminense Stuns Al Hilal 2-1 to Advance in FIFA Club World Cup

Fluminense defeated Al Hilal 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals on July 4, 2025, advancing to the semis despite being outplayed statistically. Martinelli and Hercules scored for Fluminense; Marcos Leonardo replied for Al Hilal.