The Honeybell Orange – A Little Slice of Heaven

Florida’s Honeybell oranges are a super sweet citrus fruit. Grown mainly in the groves of Mediterranean climates such as those found in Florida, the Honeybell’s unique flavor and short harvest season make them a highly demand fruit. However, many fans of the Honeybell orange may not know some interesting facts about the Honeybell’s origin.

What is a Florida Honeybell orange? Grown deep in the leafy groves and sandy soil of the sunshine state, some may find it surprising to know that a Honeybell orange isn’t actually an orange at all. It’s really a tangelo.

What is a tangelo? A tangelo is a hybrid between a tangerine and a pommelo (also known as a grapefruit). These tangy citrus hybrids grew as a result of insect cross pollination. Some believe they grew as early as 3500 years ago. Thousands of years later, the tangelo still relies on the cross pollination of other citrus trees to create healthy fruit.

In Orlando in 1931, the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture Research Station first allowed the of the Minneola tangelo (also know as the beloved Honeybell orange) for growth and sale in the U.S. The Florida Honeybell orange is a hybrid of the ruby red grapefruit and tangerine. Quickly growing in popularity, the Florida Honeybell orange is the sweetest of all tangelos.

The Honeybell orange is one of the easiest tangelos to notice because of their bell or pear-shaped appearance. Their dark orange color and thin, easy to peel skin also make them easy to distinguish. Above all, their sweet, seedless, and juicy flesh make the Honeybell orange taste like a little slice of heaven.

Florida Honeybell oranges are a popular gift given during the holiday seasons. Honeybell oranges have a peak season of only a few weeks from the end of December through February. This short winter harvest time makes them a perfectly exquisite gift for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Usually given in the form of a gift certificate, fruit basket, or fruit of the month membership, Florida Honeybell oranges are sure to surprise and excite any and all recipients. So sugary sweet with just a touch of tangy goodness, the Honeybell is a candy-like citrus that many have come to enjoy and make a priority for their winter purchasing.

There are many websites available to assist with the ordering and shipping of Florida’s Honeybell oranges. Because of their high demand, ordering early is important. There is no better gift to give loved ones than their very own little slice of Honeybell heaven!

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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