Selecting the Perfect Honeybell Orange

The phenomenon of Florida’s Honeybell oranges is a gift worth sharing! The Honeybell orange, also known as the Minneola tangelo, is grown mainly in the southern, fragrant groves of the sunshine state of Florida. As a hybrid of the ruby red grapefruit and the tangerine, juicy Honeybell oranges combine both a sweet and tangy explosion delivered straight to your taste buds. Unlike any other fruit on the market, the Florida honeybell orange will be sure to wow all of your senses!

Their eye-catching, unique bell shape makes them stand out from other orange varieties along with their bright, dark orange color. Florida’s Honeybell oranges also differ from other citrus fruits like the navel orange, tangerine, and grapefruit. Honeybell oranges are smaller, have a thinner peel, and have a fleshy, seedless center.

When searching for the perfect Honeybell, there are few specific characteristics for to consider. First, choose a Honeybell that is dark orange in color. Second, choose a Honeybell with a shiny healthy peel, free from blemishes such as bruising, bumps, or scratches. Lastly, when peeling a Honeybell make sure that the fruit is both firm and yielding to the touch. The peel should be thin with only a small amount of pith (the white part of the orange under the peel).

Florida’s Honeybell oranges also have a very strong, fragrant zest. The zest contains essential oils that are used for cooking, creating lotions and in making air fresheners. Many fans of this famous Florida citrus find the Honeybell’s zest has both an energizing and uplifting therapeutic quality. The aromatherapy benefits of the Honeybell have just recently gained popularity. This is yet another way this unique orange is winning over its competing citrus rivals.

Above all, the Florida Honeybell orange packs a flavor punch unlike any other fruit. The condensed flavor of Honeybells differs from other citrus varieties such as lemons, limes, grapefruit and tangerines. Honeybells are sweeter, juicer, and void of any bitterness. Thus, these dainty oranges are spectacularly delicious in special holiday recipes, as juice or all by themselves.

This seasonal fruit creates even more of a zing because of the Honeybell’s small window of time for harvest. The harvesting of Honeybells happens during the end of December, January, and February.

There is no better gift for Christmas this year than Florida Honeybell oranges! Friends and family will be impressed, excited and grateful when they open their gift certificates for this tasteful, delicious discovery.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

Shop Now