Temple Oranges-Queen of Fruit Baskets, King of Citrus

Temple oranges are known for the sweet, tangy and flavorful juice. They are a thin skinned fruit and somewhat oval in appearance. They are the finest citrus orange that Florida makes and are the cr?me of the crop in most fruit baskets. They are handpicked by Florida growers and feature a wonderful fruity aroma. Temple Oranges have the biggest flavor in all of the orange groves. Temple oranges are similar to Naval Oranges and have a wider growing season than other hybrid fruit. Their segments separate easily and are great for eating raw or for juicing. When picking out a Temple Orange, look for heavy oranges with uniform skins.

In the spring, Florida is usually the mother load of oranges for people on the East Coast. They depend on southern growers for importing these lovely orange nuggets of citrus finery. Temple oranges are sometimes referred to as the “Tangor”. This name was given because a Temple Orange is actually a cross between a tangerine and an orange, thus giving this fruit a tangy flavor. The first Temple orange was introduced in Winter Park Florida in 1894 and was assumed to be from Jamaica. It boasts a fiery orange color and was mostly likely a natural hybrid to its environment. Distinct in its color, it is a true Florida classic.

Like their honeybells counterpart, Temple Oranges present their best flavors in February. Some people will wait all year long for this short window of time to order their fruit baskets. A savored and classic taste these orange beauties mix well with pecans, candies and jellies in amidst custom created fruit baskets.

Temple Oranges have actually inspired so many different kinds of cuisine, from Mexican to Caribbean grilled fish and salmon. You can load up on the vitamin C content while still be able to enjoy these fine pieces of fruit. Temples keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but the rind zests can be frozen and used in all kinds of drinks and recipes. In drinks, the zest can be bitter but can also lend a hint of orange to alcoholic liqueurs like Curaçao, Cointreau, and Grand Marnier. From garnish segments to decoration of cakes and fruit baskets, nothing goes to waste and every part of citrus fruits can be used for something. There are all kinds of tips and tricks you can use to put your own spin on your Temple Orange fruit baskets.

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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