Types of Honeybells
Honeybells are a succulent, round citrus fruit often featured in holiday gift baskets. The sweet flavor and abundant juice in honeybells set them apart from other citrus fruits. Considered a tangelo, honeybells are an accidental hybrid between a tangerine or mandarin orange and a grapefruit or pummelo. Honeybells have a distinctive flavor and appearance you just can’t resist.
The first tangelos appeared in 1897 when the crosses were created by Dr. Walter T. Swingle in Florida. In 1898, similar crosses were made by Dr. Herbert J. Webber in California. Today Florida, California and Arizona are leading locations to grow honeybells and tangelos. Most honeybells are grown today in warm, sunny flower. The climate is Florida is ideal for growing honeybells and tangelos.
Honeybell trees are more cold tolerant than grapefruit trees but not quite as hearty as mandarin orange trees. You can find honeybells growing in both commercial and home gardens throughout the state of Florida. Florida tangelos and honeybells are prized for their high quality. Gift baskets are always more special when fragrant Florida honeybells are included.
There are several major types of tangelos and honeybells. The Sunrise tangelo, formally called the “K-Early” is a hybrid that matures early. This is not a top quality tangelo. It is sold as “K-Early Citrus Fruit” in accordance with the Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry. You won’t usually find these tangelos in gift baskets.
The Minneola is the commonly known honeybell we all know and love. Minneola have a deep red-orange peel with loose, easy-to-peel skin and a bell-like neck. Honeybells have up to 12 segments with only about 5-12 little seeds. These luscious honeybells are typically the stars of those fabulous fruit-filled holiday gift baskets.
Minneola or honeybell trees need fertile soil, good nutrition and proper irrigation to thrive. The warm Florida climate is a perfect place for honeybells to grow. The honeybells harvested in December and January make perfect holiday presents for friends, family and business associates. Juicy honeybells add sunshine to the chilly winter months for folks all around the country.
Thornton are honeybell hybrids created in 1899 by Dr. Swingle. The fruit has a light orange, rather loose peel and a sweet, slightly acidic flavor. Seminole are a hybrid of Dancy tangerine and Bowen grapefruit. They honeybells are deep red orange with a tight but easily removable peel. Both honeybells are only available until March.
Orlando tangelos are round with a deep orange peel and 12 to 14 segments. These sweet, juicy honeybells are considered a commercial fruit in Florida. An Orlando is a hybrid of a Dancy tangerine and Bowen grapefruit. Orlandos are also grown and harvested in Texas. Warm climates are the best places to grown succulent honeybells.
The next time you receive a gift basket filled with honeybells, you’ll remember the history and stories behind these alluring citrus fruits. Honeybells bring a warm burst of flavor and color to holiday gift baskets during one of the chilliest times of year.
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.
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