Enjoy free bitter oranges harvested in Monaco

The Principality boasts nearly 600 bigaradiers on its territory. © Communication Department

Everyone can have some! And if you don’t know what to do with them, our readers share some of their recipes with you.

There are 580 ‘bigaradiers’ in the Principality. These are the trees which produce ‘bigarades’ — bitter oranges that are difficult to eat ‘off the tree’, but are recommended for hot dishes, salads and desserts. They can also be made into wine or marmalade for breakfast. Every year, the gardeners of the Urban Planning Department harvest them.

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Jams, cakes or wine?

Two years ago, we asked you for your favourite bitter orange recipes, with something for every taste, and really tasty too. Jams, cakes and wines made from bitter oranges are popular with fans of the fruit. To make them, however, you’ll need a few kilos of oranges. Some have also turned the fruit into a business opportunity, such as L’Orangerie, a liqueur made in Monaco from the bitter citrus fruit.

In 2023, 2.33 tonnes of the total harvest of around 8.24 tonnes were given out to the general public and to the Lycée Rainier III. As in previous years, anyone interested can approach gardeners on the spot to ask for a few ‘bigarades’. The gardeners will be working on the different streets in the Condamine, Moneghetti and Monte-Carlo districts.

Gardeners will be harvesting the fruit according to the following schedule: (* from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 3:30pm, subject to weather conditions and the progress of the harvest)

Condamine district :