Mail Order Fruit: The Grapefruit
The United States is the world leader in grapefruit production. Each year, fruit farms ship over one and a half million tons of the fruit. When grapefruit lovers hear these numbers they are often quite surprised. After all, the grapefruit is one of the more expensive fruits at the supermarket. Why is it so pricey if we grow so much of it?
One simple explanation is its size and weight. The average grapefruit is about twice as heavy as an orange and it takes up more space. Therefore, it is more expensive to ship. Not to mention the fact that the grapefruit is a very sensitive fruit.
Officially, the grapefruit is a subtropical fruit and it can only flourish in a tropical or subtropical environment. Not surprisingly, the United States is a bit short on land that has these climates. At present, the fruit is only cultivated in four states-Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona. Of the four, Florida is the country’s leading producer of grapefruit.
In 2009, the Sunshine state was responsible for over seventy percent of the grapefruit crop in America. About half of these grapefruit are shipped fresh, while the other half is processed into juice. Why should you mail order fruit from Florida?
Since they have the largest crop, their grapefruit is often less expensive. Florida fruit famers also cultivate a wide selection of the fruit from the famous Ruby Red to the original white grapefruit. But why not just buy them at the store?
Grapefruit can be a tough fruit to find fresh. Supermarkets that are far away from the grapefruit-producing states often choose not to stock them because of the shipping costs. Or if they do order the fruit, they will often only purchase the cheapest variety, the white grapefruit.
Thankfully, the internet has given grapefruit lover across the nation an affordable solution to this problem. They can place an order online. Sure, it sounds strange, having fruit shipped to you. But it is fastest and most reliable way to get fresh grapefruit. In fact, mail order fruit is a growing business.
Where to look? Companies that offer grapefruit on the internet are often located in one of the four grapefruit-producing states. Those that are not are typically large second-hand sellers who purchase fruit from other states, repackage them, and send them out to clients. As a general rule, it is best to purchase mail order fruit from the company that actually grows it. This will cut down on repackaging costs as well as the inevitable markup the second shipper will charge.
Mail order fruit is often available in three packaging options-baskets, trays, or boxes. The traditional fruit basket is sent only as a gift and it is a bit more expensive than the other options. So, if you are purchasing grapefruit for personal consumption, we suggest a fruit tray or box.
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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