Is The Honeybell Orange Another Kind of Fruit In Disguise?
You might be surprised to know that one of the most popular forms of “oranges” isn’t really an orange at all! The Minneola tangelo, more popularly called the Honeybell orange, is actually a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit. This delicious and rich citrus fruit has a deep orange color and an astonishing amount of rich and flavorful juice, and it was even created in Florida, the orange’s most famous home. But it’s not actually an orange!
The Secret Identity of the Honeybell
The Honeybell was created by cross breeding a Duncan grapefruit with a Fancy tangerine. Florida farmers in the 1930s created the new hybrid as an experiment, and the local USDA research station released the new results to the public in 1931. At that time, millions of Americans were in desperate need of better nutrition as a result of the debilitating effects of the Great Depression. The new “Minneola tangelo” – named for the small town outside of Orlando where the fruit was first created – rapidly gained in popularity among fruit enthusiasts and the general public. The new fruit was a deep orange in color but has a distinct bell shape that makes it instantly recognizable as a tangelo and not an orange.
The Honeybell May Be the Perfect Fruit
Despite its not-quite-round shape the Honeybell has everything an orange fruit lover could ask for. Its succulent pulp carries a giant load of juice but remains chewy and tender. In fact, Honeybells are most widely known for their super sweet juice and the huge amount of juice they produce. The skin is easy to peel, yet the fruit itself is remarkably resilient, lasting several days outside of the vine. Honeybells also do not share the drug interaction precautions that prevent some prescription medication users from enjoying grapefruits. They’re perfectly safe for everyone.
Honeybell Season Doesn’t Last Long
Honeybells may sound like they are too good to be true. If you’re wondering what’s the catch with all the Honeybell’s amazing qualities, it’s the short peak season. Honeybells reach their peak of ripeness for only a few months of the year, during the end of December and lasting throughout most of January. Many online citrus fruit basket companies ship fruit baskets of Honeybells and many other kinds of citrus fruits in December and through the remainder of the peak season. But be sure that you order your Honeybell fruit assortments and Honeybell fruit baskets early, they often sell out.
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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