Fresh Fruit Baskets Online vs. Fruit Juice

Fruit juices haven’t always been popular in America. For the first century of its existence, from about 1840 to 1940, the fruit industry focused almost exclusively on fresh fruits. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes were shipped from the citrus-producing states to supermarkets across the nation. Then came World War II.

As transportation and manufacturing costs increased, growers had to raise prices. Already strapped for cash, most Americans looked for a cheaper alternative to fresh fruits. Frozen orange juice was the product they found. Because it was cheaper to ship and it didn’t go bad, frozen OJ seemed like the perfect replacement. Fruit juices have dominated the industry ever since.

Americans drink over two billion gallons of juice each year. Most of it comes from Florida, whose massive citrus industry produces far more juice than fresh fruit. In fact, over 95 percent of their largest crop, the orange, is sent to processing plants for juicing. That’s how much we love our juice.

So, when the nation’s largest group of pediatricians (the American Academy of Pediatrics) released a report saying children should drink less fruit juice, parents were understandably shocked and confused. After all, fruit juice is supposed to be good for us…right?

As general rule, the more that is done to a fruit after it is harvested, the less healthy it will be. Whether it is dried, skinned, canned, or frozen, fresh fruit will lose nutrients. And juicing is the worst.

When a fruit is juiced, it loses its skin and pulp. If it is concentrated, it is generally pasteurized (heated) and then dehydrated to remove most of the water in the juice. What is left over is then either frozen or shipped in cartons. Fresh-squeezed juice is a bit healthier, but not much.

Why is fresh fruit so much better? Take one of our favorite fruits, the orange, for example. Compared to its juice it has more vitamin C, five times the dietary fiber (its juice has none), and only one-third of the calories. Fresh oranges also have calcium, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals. Its juice does not.

In short, parents should listen to their pediatricians. For there is little doubt that fruit juices have played a part in the alarming rise in childhood obesity over the past three decades: the rate has tripled!

Fresh fruit baskets online are a healthy alternative to juices. Not only do they contain real fruit, but fruit baskets online that include rare and exotic fruits can be ordered directly from Florida. Sought after varieties like the Honeybell tangelo or the Temple orange cannot be found at your local supermarket. Purchasing fresh fruit baskets online will let your children know that you care about what
they eat.

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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