Navel Oranges in America

People have been eating oranges for thousands of years. But they never considered them healthy until oranges became a popular treatment for scurvy. For centuries, the theory was that the potentially fatal disease was caused by tainted meat. It was not until 1932 that the scurvy was attributed to a deficiency of vitamin C.

The first orange trees in America were planted in Florida in the 15th century. It is said that the famous Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon, had his men plant orange trees near the growing city of Saint Augustine. Oranges, lemons, and limes became the first citrus fruits grown in America.

In time, the orange became the most popular agricultural export of Florida. The Sunshine State harvests about seventy percent of the total US orange crop, which is the second largest in the world, after Brazil. Most orange lovers agree that Florida produces the best oranges.

Because of its wet climate, Florida oranges are heavier than oranges grown in other US states. And with more weight comes more juice. The orange might be the official state fruit of Florida, but it is the juice that most people crave. Ninety-five percent of the annual orange crop is sent to producing plants for juicing. The remainder is sold as fresh fruit.

Though only a small portion of the total crop is shipped as fresh fruit, Florida oranges are peerless. With dozens of popular varieties, oranges from the Sunshine State can be found at every supermarket on the US East Coast. The best of the so-called eating oranges are navel oranges.

Recent estimates put the total navel orange crop at about three percent of the Florida orange crop. But since most oranges are juiced, navel oranges are the most popular fresh orange in the state. What’s so great about navel oranges?

With over six hundred distinct varieties, it’s hard to get excited about a single orange. But the navel has made a name for itself in a strikingly short period of time. The fruit was not planted in Florida until the end of the 19th century and it had to compete against dozens of other popular varieties. But as they say, the cream always rises to the top.

Navel oranges make great eating oranges because they are sweet and have loose skins. Their loose skins make them easy to peel. It is also impossible to overestimate their distinctive look. As we said, there are hundreds of varieties of oranges. But because it has an end bud that looks like a human belly button, hence the navel, it is unmistakable. Navel oranges are also a durable variety, which makes them easy to look after and increases crop yields.

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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