Anxious Acres-Minetti's Citrus Ranch

I miss Minetti's Citrus Ranch. It was traditional to go to Anxious Acres to buy a box of mixed citrus for our family and a box to send to Idaho to our extended family. The children loved how Dick and his wife would give them a small grocery bag and tell them to go fill their bags up with whatever loose citrus and nuts that they could fit into their bags. Once I forgot my handbag; I couldn't believe it, but Dick told me, "Don't worry I trust you. I know that you will pay me. Just mail me a check when you have time. Don't you worry about rushing back here with the children. I know how busy you mothers are." and he laughed. Of course as soon as my husband came home from work and I told him what happened, he drove over to pay Dick. But who does that? No one these days! The Minetti's were one of a kind! The Best!

I wrote this review before going back to Bakersfieldl and finding Anxious Anxious Acres CLOSED and all the citrus trees gone. I wish I knew what happened here, but suspect the worst. I have always considered Dick Minetti to be one of my best friends but only got to talk with him on occasions when I was in Bakersfield and could run up to the ranch. Dick grew the finest citrus in Kern County, surpassed only by my citrus in Tulare County. He is one of the finest human beings who will help you with just about anything you are looking for in citrus. He is careful about his growing practices and keeps incredibly clean and tidy orchards where you feel like you could eat off of the ground around the trees. You must visit this citrus ranch, as it is a singular remnant from the past that represents the old world of citrus culture. I cannot stress enough how fantastic Dick's packing shed is. If you are looking for modern ultra-electronic handling of fruit, don't waste your time. Minetti's place is one of a kind; where you will always go away from content. You will likely never ever see another one like it. His quality is superb; his customer service phenominal; his wit unsurpassed. I implored you to go to the ranch for citrus but now, after more than a half century of goodness, it's gone, only the sign and buildings remain. One of the great parts of contemporary Kern County history is now gone.

Just bought a box of some of the best oranges ever from Minetti's.When you walk in the door of their packing shed, they start handing you just sliced samples of all of the mouth-watering fruit they have for sale... oranges, tangerines and grapefruit among others.I try to visit here every year as my friends and family have come to expect excellence from this citrus grower. And they will ship gift boxes too!Cash or checks only; NO Credit Cards.