Issue: 186

August 2025

Limoneira.com

Soaking Up the Season

As the long days of summer continue, we're embracing the energy this time of year brings, both in the orchards and across our operations. From corporate activity to our ongoing focus on innovation and sustainability, August is a time to celebrate progress and look ahead. In this issue, we're sharing a few highlights that reflect the momentum of the season, and a refreshing citrus recipe to help you savor it.

Limoneira Leaders Recognized in Pacific Coast Business Times' "Who's Who in Agriculture"

We're pleased to announce that Harold Edwards, President and CEO, Edgar Gutierrez, Vice President of Farming Operations, and Edgar Terry, Limoneira Board Member, have been named to the Pacific Coast Business Times 2025 "Who's Who in Agriculture and Viticulture" list.

Now in its 16th year, this annual edition honors top agricultural leaders across California's Central Coast, from growers and ranchers to executives and innovators, who are shaping the future of the industry.

Harold's recognition highlights his visionary leadership and longstanding contributions to the agriculture industry. Edgar Gutierrez was honored for his outstanding management of Limoneira's farming operations and his commitment to innovation and sustainability. Edgar Terry, a respected voice in agriculture and a valued member of Limoneira's Board of Directors, was recognized for his decades of industry experience and strategic leadership across the ag sector.

Congratulations to Harold, Edgar G., and Edgar T. on this well-deserved recognition.

Beth Mora Appointed to CIS Board

We're proud to share that Limoneira Board Member Beth Mora has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Center for Internet Security, Inc. (CISecurity)—a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the cybersecurity posture of public and private sector organizations.

This new appointment adds to Beth's already impressive roster of board leadership roles and extends her influence into a critical and fast-evolving space. CISecurity works closely with sectors such as elections, healthcare, and infrastructure to safeguard against cyber threats and promote best practices across the globe.

We're excited to see Beth continue lending her expertise to organizations that help shape a more secure and resilient future.

Growing Smarter: How Raised Berms Support Stronger Trees

At Limoneira, we're always looking for ways to give our young trees the best possible start. One of the practices we use across our orchards is the strategic use of raised berms—mounded rows of soil designed to support root development from day one.

Recently, our newly planted Limoneira® avocados were established on berms to promote better drainage, reduce the risk of root rot, and encourage healthy, vigorous growth. Berms also help warm the soil around the roots, creating ideal conditions for early development.

This approach isn't limited to avocados. We also use berms when planting new lemon trees, particularly in areas with challenging drainage. It's one of the many ways we support healthy orchards and maximize long-term productivity from the ground up.

Stem Day Fun with Team Limoneira

Team Limoneira was proud to support the next generation of innovators at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley's annual Kids STEM Day!

Limoneira team members Amy Fukutomi, Dave Malagon, Michele Goldman, Rosario Licon, and Tom Mayhew were on hand to serve fresh homemade lemonade with Limoneira® lemon slices and share a variety of fun, citrus-themed giveaways with attendees.

The event brought together young participants and community partners for a day full of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. Supporting educational programs like this is just one of the many ways Limoneira gives back to the communities we call home.

Recipe of The Month:

Lemon Cream Pie

August 15 is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, but we're mixing things up with a cooler cousin—Lemon Cream Pie. Think tangy, sweet, and silky-smooth, with a fluffy whipped cream topping instead of meringue.

Made with fresh-squeezed Limoneira® lemons and nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, this citrusy treat is baked to golden perfection, then chilled for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients:

Crust:

🍋 12 (187 g) graham crackers, (full sheets*)

🍋 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

🍋 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter

Filling:

🍋 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk, can use original or fat-free

🍋 2 large egg yolks, (no egg whites)

🍋 ¼ teaspoon salt

🍋 2 teaspoons Limoneira® lemon zest

🍋 ¾ cup fresh Limoneira® lemon juice

Whipped Cream:

🍋 1 cup heavy whipping cream

🍋 ¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a food processor, crush graham crackers until they resemble fine crumbs. Add sugar and combine. Melt butter in microwave. Add to crumb mixture and mix until all crumbs are wet. Press evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a standard 9-inch pie dish.
3. Bake crust at 350˚F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Prepare filling while crust bakes. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour into hot crust and bake an additional 10-12 minutes, until filling is solid when jiggled in the pan.
5. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate 3 hours, or until chilled.
6. Whisk heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Dollop or pipe onto top of pie before serving.

Cover Crops: A Regenerative Tool for Resilient Orchards

At Limoneira, our commitment to sustainable farming goes beyond the fruit we harvest—it starts with the soil. One of the most effective practices we use to support orchard health is the integration of cover crops: living ground covers planted between tree rows that quietly deliver benefits year-round.

Even as their growing cycle winds down, cover crops continue to enrich the soil, support resilient orchards, and help build a more sustainable environment. They also help prevent erosion and create vital habitats for pollinators and beneficial insects, keeping our orchards naturally in balance.

But the benefits don't stop at the ground level. Cover crops play a key role in fostering biodiversity by attracting a wide range of beneficial insects. From ladybugs and lacewings to syrphid flies and parasitoid wasps, these natural allies help control pest populations and reduce the need for chemical inputs. They also provide important forage and habitat for native pollinators, including honeybees.

By supporting both soil health and ecological balance, cover crops are helping Limoneira build more adaptive, resilient orchards—naturally and responsibly.

Winner of the Month

Congratulations to Sandra Daniels of Corona, California, our August giveaway winner!

As summer winds down, we're keeping the energy high and the good vibes flowing. Thank you for being part of the Limoneira community, Sandra!

Check back next month to see if YOU might be our next lucky winner!

And don't forget - The ZEST IS YET TO COME!

See you again next month!