Does an older tree make better tasting fruit?

[BonsaiBeast]

I've read that citrus trees produce better-tasting fruit as they get older.

Have taste tests been done between the fruit of a 5 year old tree, versus the fruit of a 30 year old tree?

Does this improvement in taste relate to a reduction in total crop yield?

[Tom]

The best Satsuma I ever ate was from a tree about 20 years old. 2 or 3 years later the same tree had fruit that had very little taste. Very bland and ordinary. Sometimes there are unknown factors affecting taste. Same problem with watermelons, cantaloupe, wine and even beef steak ! Can be very frustrating ! Tom

[Millet]

BonsaiBeast, the answer to your question is simply, YES INDEED. Citrus trees just just begin to produce quality fruit at around 5 year of age.

[BonsaiBeast]

BonsaiBeast, the answer to your question is simply, YES INDEED. Citrus trees just.just begin to produce quality fruit at around 5 year of age.

interesting... Is there any point where the flavor drops as the tree gets too old?

[Millet]

If the tree is healthy, the fruit will just get better and better the older the tree becomes.  At this time of year there's what are called   historical groves with citrus trees that are 100+ years of age.  Their fruit sells at a premium price, due to their exceptionally excellent quality and taste. Dr. Malcolm Manners, who almost everyone on this form knows, once  wrote on the old forum, that the very best fruit he has eaten was a March seedless grapefruit taken from a 25 year old tree.

[Mark in Texas]

yes