Delicious Navel and Ruby Red Grapefruit from Florida

Delicious Navel and Ruby Red Grapefruit from Florida

Less than one-third of the citrus fruit that is harvested in the United States is actually consumed as nature intended. The rest is sent to processing plants and sold in cartons, bottles, and containers as fruit juice. Because it produces more citrus than any other state or region on Earth, Florida is the fruit juicing capital of the world. About 90 percent of the citrus that is cultivated in the Sunshine State is processed into juice. The rest is sold fresh to super markets and grocers across the land.

Now, ten percent might not sound like a lot of fruit…but when you consider the fact that Florida is responsible for 80 percent of the nation’s citrus supply, it actually is. In fact, no state has nearly as many citrus varieties as Florida. There are literally thousands of them that are grown on large farms and orchards throughout the state.

Popular eating varieties

If all fruit that is grown in Florida were more valuable as juice, all of it would be shipped to the processing plants. That’s simple economics. But the truth is that some fruit sells at a premium because it tastes better in its natural form, and folks are willing to pay a bit more to enjoy these fruits. Navel and Ruby Red Grapefruit are two of the most popular fruits that are grown and sold fresh in Florida.

Navel oranges

One of the most popular citrus crops on Earth, navel oranges can be used as juicing oranges, but they’re actually more popular as eating oranges. Because they have a long shelf life, these oranges can be found in clear plastic bags at your local supermarket nearly any time of year. Grown in huge quantities, they are also quite affordable. Navel oranges also have thick skins, which makes them a cinch to peel. However, they are not especially juicy, which is the main reason why they aren’t shipped to processing plants on a regular basis. Instead, they are sold as eating oranges all across the United States.

Ruby Red Grapefruit

The U.S. is the world’s leading producer of grapefruit for one reason and one reason only-Florida. About 70 percent of the grapefruit that is grown and sold in America comes from the Sunshine State. Of all the varieties, Ruby Red Grapefruit is the most popular because it is sweeter and easier to find than the others.

Navel and Ruby Red Grapefruit can be purchased at nearly any supermarket or fruit stand almost any time of the year. Both are inexpensive and have a fairly long shelf life. Like other citrus fruits, they are fat and cholesterol free. Navel and Ruby Red Grapefruit are also low in calories and are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.