Delivering Fresh Oranges From Florida

Fresh Florida oranges from Hale Groves: is it a tradition for you to send them to a long-distance loved one each year? Or maybe you’re the one who looks forward to receiving a box of Christmas oranges from a special someone. Either way, you might be concerned about shipping delays this year.

There is some good news, though. First, there’s the Hale Difference, which means we don’t start picking your fruit until you’ve placed your order, so it’s always as fresh as possible when it arrives. Secondly, if you want to order earlier than usual to ensure your fruit gets there in time, there are some simple steps you can take to help extend the quality of your gift. Read on for some answers to the top 5 questions we get about oranges:

When are oranges in season?

That depends entirely on the orange. Orange varieties can be divided into two categories – summer (like Valencia oranges) and winter (like the classic navel orange). Within those two categories, the growing season can vary widely – for instance, Valencia oranges are in season from March until September, while Cara Cara oranges are at their best flavor when harvested from January to April or May.

This is great news for fans of oranges because, with over 400 different types of oranges, there’s going to be a number of varieties in season at any time of the year!

What are oranges good for?

For eating, obviously! Seriously, though, the types of oranges you choose from should depend on what you want to do with them. Looking to serve a fancy brunch? Valencia oranges and blood oranges are some of the best oranges for juicing available. On the lookout for an easy-to-eat, healthy snack to put in your child’s lunchbox? Clementine oranges (a type of mandarin – you might see them in the grocery store as Halo oranges) are perfect because they’re small, seedless and easy to peel. Need an extra-special gift to send to an extra-special someone? Hale Groves’ own honeybell oranges are a special treat you won’t find anywhere else!

How long do oranges last?

Citrus can stay fresh in the fridge for weeks! Oranges last longest in a cool area that’s well ventilated. They maintain their flavor and quality for up to six weeks when refrigerated between 35ºF and 55ºF. Wipe off any surface moisture, and don’t store them in a plastic bag (a mesh bag is fine).

Can you freeze oranges?

Yes, you can freeze oranges. There are several different methods that work, depending on how you will use the oranges later on. Oranges can be frozen peeled, unpeeled, sliced, or whole. Place the oranges in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze. The oranges will stay fresh for 6 months to 1 year.

Are oranges good for you?

Of course! The health benefits of oranges are too many to name in just one blog post, but we can name some of the big ones. If you’re wondering what vitamins are in oranges (apart from the obvious vitamin C, of course!), you can also look to an orange as a great source for your daily doses of thiamine, folate and potassium. Oranges have lots of fiber and are low on the glycemic index, making them a great snack. (So the next time someone tells you oranges are bad if you’re dieting because they’re high in sugar, tell them it’s the type of sugar that makes the difference, and comparing the sugar in an orange to the sugar in a candy bar is like…well, like comparing apples and oranges!)

So if you’re concerned that early ordering and delivery will hurt the quality of your gift, please let us reassure you: with a little planning and care, your fresh-picked oranges will stay perfect for a long time.