What’s the Fruit of Florida?

Oranges aren’t indigenous to the Sunshine State…but they should have been!

Which fruit defines Florida? We’ll give you a hint: it’s the state fruit, its flower is the state flower, and its juice is the Sunshine State’s official beverage. If you guessed the orange, you are correct!

Oranges originated in Southeast Asia; the first orange trees were brought to Florida in the mid-1500s. Florida’s subtropical climate and unique, sandy soil proved to be the ideal growing environment for the juicy citrus fruit, and today the state the second largest producer of orange juice in the world, and a multi-billion dollar industry employing over 90,000 Floridians.

Orange Varieties

With more than 74 million citrus trees, Florida is home to many types of oranges. Some of these include:

• Valencia oranges. The Valencia orange is a sweet summer orange primarily grown for orange juice production.
• Navel oranges. Navel oranges are propagated through cutting and grafting. The navel orange is seedless and less juicy than other oranges, making it an ideal snack. If you’ve ever been flummoxed over how to peel an orange, the thick skin of a navel orange makes it easier to handle than other varieties.
• Cara cara oranges. Also called “red navel oranges,” the cara cara orange has a deep orange skin and crimson flesh that’s both rich and sweet, making it ideal for both eating and juicing. Their vivid color makes them a popular holiday gift.
• Honeybell oranges. Also known as tangelos, honeybell oranges are a tangerine/grapefruit hybrid with a flavor similar to, though tarter than, a Halo or mandarin orange.

But whatever the variety, they are all Florida oranges.

Are Oranges Good For You?

Do you really need to ask? Apart from phenomenal flavor that makes them excellent culinary ingredients as well as tasty snacks, oranges are very healthy. Here are just a few orange nutrition facts:

• Oranges are known for their high levels of immune-boosting vitamin C. Just one large orange will give you over 100% of the recommended daily intake!
• Oranges have a high level of thiamine. Thiamine is a B-complex vitamin that helps the body metabolize fat and protein.
• Oranges provide folate, another B-vitamin the body needs in order to make red and white blood cells, convert carbohydrates into energy, and produce DNA and RNA.
• Oranges are a good source of potassium, which may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

While oranges are fat-free, those looking to limit their sugar or carbohydrate intake may be wary of them because oranges are comprised mainly of carbs and water. The dominant form orange carbs take are simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), which give oranges their sweet taste. Balancing this, however, is the orange’s low glycemic index. A low GI has many health benefits, including the ability to moderate a rise in blood sugar. Oranges are also low in calories (fewer than 50 in half a large orange) and high in water, make them a filling snack.

That Unique Orange Flavor

There’s nothing like that sweet-yet-tangy flavor of an orange. If sunshine had a taste, orange might be it! A fresh orange is delicious on its own, but its unique taste can add a bright flavor to salads, soups and entrees, while orange candy, orange cookies, and cakes flavored with orange are perfect if you’re looking for a lighter, melt-in-your-mouth dessert after a heavy meal or when serving tea.

If you want to surprise someone with a gift he or she will truly enjoy, fresh fruit is always welcome, and oranges are a universal favorite. But make sure you go for the best – choose Florida oranges!