The Honeybell Orange from Florida
Fruit lovers are a dedicated lot. When they find a fruit they are fond of they will go to great lengths to get their hands. Few fruits have a more loyal following than the Honeybell Orange. What’s so special about it?
To begin with, it is one of the rarest fruits grown in the US. This is not due to a lack of demand. If orchards owners could plant expansive groves of Honeybells they would. The price of the seldom seen tangelo has never been higher, since demand always outpaces supply. Unfortunately, the Honeybell orange is an extremely sensitive fruit.
Because it is a tangelo, a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit, it has the features of both fruits. Like the tangerine, the Honeybell has thin skin, which makes it more sensitive to dips in temperature than the average orange. The Honeybell orange also has an incredibly brief harvest season. Shipments go out during the last two weeks of January. On occasion, a good crop can be brought to market in early February.
It is also important to note that most of the crop is cultivated along the Indian River in Florida. So, if this region experiences lower than average temperatures, the entire Honeybell orange crop may be adversely affected. With that staid, people still go out of their way to find this elusive fruit.
Orange lovers often start placing their orders in the early fall and then cross their fingers. There is absolutely no guarantee that customers will receive their shipments. It all depends on the size of the crop and the annual demand. But we didn’t answer our earlier question…what makes them so special?
Rarity alone does not make a food desirable. There are plenty or rare and exotic foods that few people would ever eat. The Honeybell orange is different. They are generally regarded as the sweetest and juiciest oranges on earth. With a circumference of 9 to 9 1/2 inches, they are also quite large. It is said that two average Honeybell oranges can produce an entire glass of fresh juice.
As we mentioned earlier, the Honeybell has the thin, loose skin of the tangerine, which makes them a cinch to peel. Still, there is no denying that there is an air of mystery surrounding these tasty tangelos. Since most people have never eaten one, they are considered a delicacy. As a result, prices are high and availability is low.
Where to Find Them?
If you saunter into your local supermarket and ask the produce manager where the Honeybell Oranges are, odds are he’ll look at you like you have two heads. The Honeybell is a specialty fruit and you won’t find them at grocery stores, even in Florida. The most reliable way to get a tray of them is to order from a commercial orchard in Florida. Find a seller that ships out of state and place your order in the early as possible. You’ll have as good a chance as anyone.
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.
Shop Now