Question
QUESTION: Oranges and Grapefruit from my trees are blackened by something, possibly mold.  How do I clean them for consumption?
Thanks.

ANSWER: You are probably dealing with sooty mold, which is caused by secretions from the feeding of insects like whiteflies, aphids or scale insects.  The mold is harmless to humans and can be washed off with soap and water and gentle rubbing.  Observe the trees for bugs in the future and if you see little white flies call back and we can discuss treatment.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for responding.  I should have mentioned that I scrub the fruit with a small scrub brush and some a drop of anti-bacterial soap.  It takes some of the black off, but lots of it seems embedded in the peel.  I assume it is alright to eat, but sure wish I could get the black off of them.  Anything else I could do?
Thanks loads.

Answer
You can try to soak the fruit in a 1:10 solution of bleach and water for about 1 minute, then rinse for a few seconds in running water.  The bleach wont seep into the inside and should clean the tiny crevices in the fruit skin.  Hope that fixes the problem.