Citrus Fruit Made The World Great
You probably don’t think about it, much but civilization as we know it wouldn’t really be possible without fresh citrus fruit. Sure, there are a lot of other inventions that we imagine were just as important – the wheel, definitely, and fire for sure. Also, probably penicillin – but fresh citrus fruit and fresh citrus fruit baskets have made the world turn for thousands of years. Just look at the timeline:
Ancient Times
Fresh fruit was so desired among the traders and voyagers of the ancient roman times that merchants and sailors sometimes traveled thousands of miles to find new and exciting fruits and tastes to bring home with them. In time, the ability to offer guests fresh fruit was shown as a sign of ultimate wealth and luxury. One popular tradition of the age was to include fresh fruit baskets of assorted gift citrus fruit as part of a wedding dowry. That’s right – people were actually paid in fruit to get married!
The Exploration of the New World
More than a thousand years later, people were still eating whatever fresh fruit they could get their hands on. World exploration was broadening too, with intrepid mariners attempting to explore the New World of North and South America, and even to sail completely around the world.
One of the biggest obstacles to such goals was a bone disease called scurvy, which is every bit as painful as it sounds. Scurvy crippled or killed soldiers outright, and it wasn’t until long-voyage ships began stocking oranges and other fresh citrus fruits that the disease stopped being an issue. This is because the Vitamin C in oranges and other assorted citrus fruits prevents scurvy from occurring. In addition to Vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber, citrus fruit also contains many other essential nutrients, including potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid and more.
So, the next time you see a map of the world, remember that fresh citrus fruit helped make the world a smaller place.
Modern Medical Research
The latest and the most trusted research points to fresh citrus fruit as one of the most powerful and important sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and even antioxidants, the mysterious yet potent substances that aggressively attack disease and cellular decay.
Fruit gift baskets also make great favors. With so much history and prestige behind them, anyone lucky enough to receive the gift of fresh citrus fruit should feel honored.
Fruit Gift Baskets: A Tradition in Old Times and New
Fresh fruit basket go back a long way. They were especially welcome when some fruits were harder to come by, but they’re just as possible today. That’s because a fruit gift box has a lot going for it: it works for just about any occasion, for one thing, from holidays to “just thinking of you” gifts. A fruit assortment offers plenty of variety, which ensures you’ll be giving a gift your recipient is sure to love. Fruit gifts are also a safe choice: with all the dietary restrictions, food allergies and eating philosophies to navigate these days, you can feel confident that fruit will always be welcome.
There are many great reasons to purchase fruit for everyone on your gift list, and even more reasons to shop for fruits online from Hale Groves! It’s simple: If the gift you order doesn’t arrive fresh and perfect – if you and your gift recipients aren’t totally delighted – we’ll make it right. We call it “The Hale Difference” – and you’ll taste it in fruit and gourmet treat we offer!
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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