Along Highway 23 in Belle Chasse there’s a family farm where the fruit really does grow just steps from where you pay for it. Ben & Ben Becnel, Inc. lets you taste satsumas that ripen on trees planted within walking distance of the front counter.
If you love sweet, easy-to-peel citrus and fresh local produce, this stop is worth the drive. Grab a basket and get ready to enjoy the good stuff straight from the source.
Finding The Farm On Highway 23
Roughly a half hour south of New Orleans, the pavement of LA-23 rolls toward Belle Chasse and drops you right at the doorstep of Ben & Ben Becnel, Inc. The address, 14977 LA-23, sits in Plaquemines Parish, a stretch of Louisiana known for its rich soil and long growing seasons.
Regulars describe the trip as a pleasant getaway, calling it a nice ride worth taking down the highway. Several mention going a little off the beaten path to reach it, which somehow makes the reward feel sweeter once they arrive.
What greets you is a genuine roadside farmers market, not a polished tourist trap. The building itself is modest, but the treasure lies behind it, where fruit trees grow close enough to reach.
That closeness is the whole point here.
You can call ahead at +1 504-656-2326 to check what is ready, which many folks recommend since crops change with the seasons. Once you know satsumas are ripening, the directions are simple: follow Highway 23 south and keep an eye out for the produce stand.
A Family Name Rooted In Plaquemines Parish
The Becnel name carries weight in this corner of Louisiana, where farming families have worked the fertile land beside the river for generations. A repeated name like Ben & Ben hints at that heritage, the kind passed from one hardworking generation to the next.
Plaquemines Parish has long been famous for citrus, and this farm fits right into that tradition. Visitors often note that everything is grown and sold by the farmer, giving the place an authenticity that big grocery stores simply cannot copy.
One guest summed it up nicely, praising the awesome citrus and produce as grown and sold by the same hands. That direct line from field to customer is part of what makes shopping here feel personal.
There is something reassuring about buying fruit from people who actually tend the trees. You are not just picking up a bag of oranges; you are taking home a small piece of a family’s ongoing story.
Understanding that background adds meaning to every satsuma you carry away. The farm’s roots run as deep as the citrus trees themselves.
Fruit Trees Growing Right Behind The Building
Step around back and the magic reveals itself: rows of fruit trees standing within walking distance of the front counter. One delighted visitor pointed out that fresh fruit comes right off the trees behind the building, with everything grown nearby.
That short distance from branch to basket matters more than you might think. Fruit picked at peak ripeness and sold within hours tastes brighter and juicier than anything trucked across the country.
Satsuma trees are evergreen with low, drooping branches, so the orange orbs hang at an easy height. The setup makes browsing feel like a stroll through an orchard rather than a shopping errand.
Guests have spotted satsuma, okra, cucumber, and tomatoes all thriving in the same fresh garden space. The variety keeps things interesting no matter which season you visit.
Knowing your fruit traveled only a few steps to reach you changes the whole experience. It turns a quick stop into a chance to see exactly where your food begins its journey.
Sweet Satsumas Ripe For The Picking
Bright, thin-skinned, and famously easy to peel, satsumas are the star that draws so many people down Highway 23 each fall. Generally three to four inches across, they shift from green in late summer to a glowing orange as the season deepens.
Sweetness is their signature. Typically seedless and packed with juice, a good satsuma practically falls apart into tidy segments the moment you start peeling.
In Louisiana, the harvest usually kicks off with early varieties in late September and rolls on through late November into early December. Some types keep going into January, so the window for picking is generously long.
Popular cultivars grown across the region include Owari and Brown’s Select, both prized for reliable flavor. Owari tends to ripen from mid-October into early December, giving you plenty of chances to catch it at its best.
One shopper called the citrus here simply awesome, and it is easy to see why. When a satsuma comes straight from a tree behind the building, that sweetness tastes like it was made for the moment.
When Satsuma Season Peaks
Timing your visit makes all the difference when satsumas are on your list. The season generally opens in late September as early varieties color up, then builds through October and November when most cultivars hit their stride.
Brown’s Select typically comes ready from mid-October to early November, a shorter window that rewards early planners. Owari stretches longer, offering ripe fruit from mid-October into the first days of December.
Louisiana Early and Early St. Ann round out the lineup as earlier-maturing options for folks who cannot wait. With so many varieties, there is almost always something turning orange during the cooler months.
Because crop readiness shifts with weather each year, calling ahead is a smart move. A quick phone call to +1 504-656-2326 can save you a wasted trip and let you know exactly what is ripe.
One tomato-loving regular admitted counting down to June each year, proof that fans here really do plan their visits around harvests. For satsumas, mark your calendar for autumn and check in before you go.
Peak season is short and glorious.
Famous Creole Tomatoes That Fans Wait All Year For
Ask around and you will quickly learn that satsumas share the spotlight with something red and juicy: Creole tomatoes. These homegrown gems inspire a level of devotion that borders on ceremonial.
One longtime fan confessed to counting down to June every year just to drive down Highway 23 and stock up. Another wished aloud they had grabbed two baskets instead of one, calling them the best in a very long time.
The praise keeps coming, with visitors declaring the Creole tomatoes here simply the best and awesome year after year. That kind of loyalty tells you something special is happening in these fields.
Creole tomatoes are a Louisiana treasure, known for deep flavor grown in the region’s rich delta soil. Picked ripe and sold fresh, they taste like summer itself.
Even outside satsuma season, these tomatoes give you a wonderful reason to visit. Many folks make the drive purely for a basket, then leave with far more than they planned.
If you time a trip for early summer, do not leave without a few. Regulars swear you will be back for more.
A Bounty Of Fresh Vegetables And Seasonal Produce
Beyond the citrus and tomatoes, this market overflows with a rainbow of fresh vegetables that change with the calendar. Okra, cucumbers, and other garden staples show up straight from the soil out back.
Shoppers rave about the freshness, with one noting the produce comes straight from the farm and is genuinely fresh. Another simply described it as absolutely amazing produce paired with friendly service.
Tomatoes lead the conversation among regulars, but the selection reaches well beyond them. Folks mention fresh veggies, fruits, and a variety that keeps the visit exciting no matter the month.
Because everything is seasonal, the stand looks a little different each time you drop by. That rotating lineup is part of the charm, rewarding repeat visitors with new surprises.
One happy customer even wished they had bought more, a common feeling once you taste how good farm-fresh really is. The quality speaks for itself.
Whether you came for satsumas or not, plan to leave with a bag of vegetables too. Fresh food this close to the source is hard to resist once you see it stacked up.
Honey, Pickled Goods, And Other Local Treats
Not everything here grows on a branch. The shelves inside hold a delightful mix of pantry treasures that make it easy to stock up on more than just fruit.
One frequent visitor listed off the goodies with obvious affection: veggies, fruits, honey, pickled items, and sodas among them. That variety turns a simple produce run into a full shopping adventure.
Local honey is a standout, offering a taste of the region’s flowers in every golden spoonful. Pickled items add a tangy twist perfect for anyone who loves preserving that homemade flavor.
Others have pointed to nice fresh produce, fruit, and other snacks, plus canned goods that let you carry the farm’s flavors home for later. It is the kind of place where you wander a little and discover something unexpected.
These extras make wonderful gifts or road-trip snacks for the drive back. A jar of honey tucked beside a bag of satsumas feels like a proper Louisiana haul.
Come for the citrus, but leave room in your basket for a few sweet and tangy surprises too.
Take Home A Fruit Tree Of Your Own
Fallen in love with those satsumas? You can bring the tree itself home and grow your own supply.
The market sells a range of seasonal fruit trees, turning a visit into the start of your own backyard orchard.
One customer left thrilled with two trees for a container garden, praising the good information they received on tree care. Another described the selection as a decent variety of beautiful fruit trees.
The staff clearly know their plants. A shopper recalled being helped by someone very knowledgeable and friendly, adding they were definitely going back to add to their collection.
Container gardening is a real option here, so even folks with small spaces can join in. A single potted satsuma on a patio can reward you with fruit for years.
Availability shifts, and one guest noted the specific trees they wanted were not in stock during their visit. Calling ahead helps if you have a particular variety in mind.
For anyone dreaming of picking citrus at home, this corner of the market is where that dream takes root. Advice comes free with every purchase.
Friendly Staff Who Know Their Stuff
Warm smiles seem to be part of the inventory here. Visitor after visitor comes away impressed by how helpful and welcoming the people behind the counter turn out to be.
One guest said all their questions were answered along with good information on tree care. Another appreciated a young man who was more than courteous and knowledgeable, calling the service perfect.
That expertise makes a real difference, especially if you are new to satsumas or curious about growing citrus yourself. The team is happy to explain what is ripe, how to care for a tree, or which variety suits your taste.
Kindness shows up in the reviews just as often as knowledge. Words like friendly, courteous, and informative pop up again and again from happy shoppers.
Even a visitor who did not find the exact tree they wanted still praised the attendant as very friendly and informative. That says a lot about the consistent care here.
Feeling comfortable asking questions turns a simple errand into a pleasant chat. You leave knowing more than when you arrived, and usually with a smile to match.
Affordable Prices Straight From The Farm
Great taste does not have to come with a steep tag here. Shoppers repeatedly point to fair pricing as one of the reasons they keep coming back down the highway.
One review praised the great selection and prices in the same breath, while another named the best prices and produce straight from the farm. Cutting out the middleman clearly pays off for customers.
Buying directly from the farmer means your money supports the folks who actually grew the fruit. That direct connection often translates into better value than a big supermarket can offer.
A longtime visitor described the produce as affordable while also tasting and cooking well, a winning combination for anyone feeding a family. Value like that stretches every dollar.
Keep in mind the market operates on cash-friendly, roadside terms, so it is wise to come prepared. A quick call ahead can confirm current details before you load up your basket.
Between the low prices and the just-picked freshness, it is no wonder people leave wishing they had bought even more. Your wallet and your taste buds both come out ahead.
Hours, Directions, And What To Bring
Planning a visit is refreshingly simple. Ben & Ben Becnel, Inc. keeps the same schedule every day of the week, opening at 8:30 AM and closing at 5 PM, which gives you a wide window to swing by.
The farm sits at 14977 LA-23 in Belle Chasse, an easy drive south from New Orleans along Highway 23. Follow the road, watch for the produce stand, and you have arrived.
Bringing your own basket is a smart idea for hauling home satsumas, tomatoes, and whatever else catches your eye. Since it is a working roadside market, come ready with cash to keep things smooth.
A hat and sun protection go a long way when you are strolling the grounds on a bright Louisiana day. The trees offer some shade, but the sun can still be strong.
Calling ahead at +1 504-656-2326 is always encouraged, since ripeness and stock shift with the seasons. A quick check ensures the satsumas or tomatoes you want are actually ready.
With a little planning, your trip becomes an easy, rewarding outing the whole family can enjoy.
A Trip The Whole Family Will Enjoy
Some outings stick with you, and a morning spent picking fruit off the branch tends to be one of them. Kids and grown-ups alike get a kick out of seeing exactly where their food grows.
The relaxed, off-the-beaten-path vibe makes it a lovely escape from busy grocery aisles. One visitor loved going somewhere a little different, describing it as a great spot with friendly employees and plenty to see.
Wandering among low satsuma branches, sampling flavors, and chatting with knowledgeable staff turns shopping into an experience. It feels more like a small adventure than a chore.
Families can teach little ones about seasons, farming, and where good food comes from, all in one easygoing stop. The lessons come naturally when the fruit is right there to touch.
Add in honey, pickled treats, and maybe a young fruit tree to take home, and everyone finds something to love. There is a little joy tucked into every corner of the market.
Whether you go for the satsumas or the memories, the drive down Highway 23 rewards you both ways.
Why This Belle Chasse Orchard Deserves A Spot On Your List
Pulling everything together, Ben & Ben Becnel, Inc. offers something increasingly rare: fruit grown, picked, and sold in the very same spot by the people who tend it. That honesty shows up in every satsuma and Creole tomato that lands in your basket.
The combination of sweet citrus, celebrated tomatoes, local honey, fresh vegetables, and helpful fruit-tree advice makes the drive genuinely worthwhile. Guests consistently leave impressed by the quality and the warm welcome.
One customer summed up the whole appeal by saying fresh fruit is worth the time and drive, and it is hard to argue after tasting the difference. Another simply loves the place and keeps coming back.
Open every day from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, it fits easily into a weekend plan or a spontaneous road trip. Just remember your basket, some cash, and a phone call ahead to check what is ripe.
For anyone craving satsumas straight off the branch, this Belle Chasse gem delivers exactly that, with plenty of extra flavor along the way. Follow Highway 23 and treat yourself to the real thing.