Grapefruits are Citrus Fruits for the Whole Family

Is there anything more pleasing then that first bite of a juicy freshly cut Florida grapefruit early on a summer morning? Whether you prefer the Marsh White, Ruby Red, of Flame variety, you will still receive the many benefits of consuming one of Florida’s best citrus fruits, the grapefruit.

Many wonder where some of the citrus fruits get their names from. The word grapefruit came from the way that they grow on the grapefruit trees. In fact, grapefruits grow in bunches thus making them look like giant grapes and thus earning them their name. Florida dominates the United States citrus fruit industry, with around 75% of all grapefruit production being in the state. The Florida grapefruit tends to have a sweeter taste, minimal pulp, and rind that is thinner, whereas grapefruits from elsewhere may not be a flavorful and juicy.

You may have seen one of the advertisements on television from The American Heart Association talking about the benefits of consuming Florida grapefruit as well as other citrus fruits. This is because the Florida grapefruit has earned the title and certification by The American Heart Association as being a component of a heart healthy diet. Grapefruits are a great choice for your heart health, since they are low in all of the key items that can attack the heart, such as fat and cholesterol. Many other citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and pineapples are also great for your heart.

Citrus fruits also provide other nutritional benefits as well. For example, in just one half of a grapefruit you can receive your full portion of Vitamin C that is recommended per day. Vitamin C is very beneficial to your health as it is an antioxidant, which to put it simply, means that it helps to fight off harmful bacteria and it protects you from damage. By eating citrus fruits you are doing a great justice to your overall immune system as well.

There are so many things that you can do with a Florida grapefruit that many people may immediately think of when preparing their meals. Grapefruits can be placed on top of waffles for some extra flavor or mixed with club soda or other fruit to create a delicious smoothie. They can also be mixed in with other citrus varieties to create a beautiful and brightly colored fruit basket.

Just as with many citrus fruits, grapefruits should be stored somewhere dry and cool, such as your refrigerator as this well help them last longer. Do you remember when your parents told you not to judge a book by its cover? The same rule applies when choosing your grapefruits at the store. The color on the outside skin of the grapefruit is not related to whether or not it’s ripe. These fruity treats are ripe and juicy as soon as they are plucked from the trees. The greatest part about the Florida grapefruit is that it has a longer growing season then most of the other citrus fruits, with most varieties being available in Florida from September to June.

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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