The Polly Hale Newsletter Sept.2006 Citrus University: Old and New Facts

Throughout history oranges have symbolized health and prosperity, and we hope that this is exactly what you will find every time you open a box of Hale oranges.

Citrus Throughout History

The orange has had an interesting history dating back almost 20 million years. In ancient times oranges were the fruit of royalty, and it was not until the 20th century that they became accessible to the masses. Throughout the ages, the healing power of citrus has been considered so powerful that the juice and peel of the citrus has been prescribed as the antidote to an array of poisons. During the Italian Renaissance, a philosopher even persuaded people that just holding an orange would be enough to protect them from the plague.

Since the 1800’s. long before the 1941 establishment of the Indian River region, the citrus grown here has been distinguished and acclaimed for its superior and exceptional taste. The Indian River is, in fact, a Florida tidal lagoon spanning 120 miles from Daytona to Palm Beach. Prevailing even after a crippling and killing freeze in 1894 and 1895, respectively, the Indian River groves produce oranges which contain about 25 percent more sugar and significantly more juice than those grown in any other Florida grove.

Citrus in the Modern Age

Citrus as food, medicine, ornaments and cosmetics has now made a great circle from old to new worlds, and from East to West and back. It has traveled the length and breadth of the earth, and its story links every country it has touched and from whose soil it has grown. Today a wide range of citrus varieties are available for commercial and home gardening. Citrus is grown in tropical and sub-tropical climates throughout the world where there is suitable soil, sufficient moisture, as a decided lack of frost. Still, the vigor, growth, quality and quantity of the fruit vary greatly according to climate.

No other area can compete with the inherent “heaviness” of the Indian River soil, which supplies nutrients and moisture to help grow the sweetest and best tasting oranges in the world. The special conditions of the Indian River region make our citruses “the freshest and best tasting. Guaranteed.”

Allen Susser, The Great Citrus Book, C.1997.

This article provided by Hale Groves, providing fresh fruit baskets, gift baskets and Florida oranges and citrus, including delicious Florida fruit gifts, Honeybells, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Valencia Oranges, Tangerines and more! On the web at HaleGroves.com.

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