The Facts about Florida Oranges
The orange is the most popular fruit for Americans. It ranks third as a fresh fruit and dominates the juice market. Each year, more than five million gallons of orange juice is sold in the United States. That’s two and half times as much as its closest competitor, apple juice.
Why do Americans drink so much OJ? Really, there are three reasons. One, it tastes good. Two, it’s cheap. And three, it’s good for you. In this article we will focus on reason number three.
First planted in Florida in 1513, the orange was the first citrus fruit to make it in America. Large commercial crops flourished there as early as the mid 19th century. But the fruit didn’t truly take off until word of its various health benefits spread.
At the time, one of the most menacing diseases in the country was scurvy, which is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C. Unfortunately, doctors had no idea what vitamin C was or how it was linked to scurvy. What they did know, however, is that citrus fruits were a reliable treatment. Therefore, they started recommending them to their patients.
In modern times, people don’t have to worry much about scurvy. The average diet contains more than enough vitamin C to prevent the disease, even without citrus fruits. Of course, there are many more contemporary reasons to consume Florida oranges.
In addition to preventing scurvy, we also know Vitamin C works as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are helpful little molecules that do battle with harmful free radicals. These free radicals are created during the body’s natural oxidation process and they can damage healthy cells. While there is no clear consensus, millions of scientists maintain that this damage can increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer. Others go even further and claim that antioxidants speed up the aging process. Perhaps that is why citrus fruit extracts are a popular ingredient in skin creams.
A far less controversial claim is that vitamin C is needed to produce collagen. We know this because the symptoms of scurvy only become apparent when the body runs cannot synthesize collagen. These symptoms include spots on the skin, scorbutic gums, and intermittent bleeding from the mucous membranes. The proper amount of vitamin C can correct these problems and can make the skin and gums look healthier. Yes, it may even make you look a bit younger.
Studies have also shown that foods that are high in potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, Florida oranges meet these requirements. They are also fat and cholesterol free.
One area where fresh Florida oranges have an advantage over their juice is in the fiber department. Fresh oranges are a good source of fiber, but orange juice has none. Why is this important? It is a well known fact that fiber improves digestive health by promoting healthy bowel movements. Studies have also shown that high fiber diets can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
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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