Juicy Secrets Revealed: Top 4 Fun Facts About Florida Oranges You Can't-Miss!

1. Juicy Destination

Florida oranges: putting the "squeeze" in "sun-squeezed" since the days of Ponce de León and leaving a zesty taste in the mouths of juice lovers everywhere! It's grove-ly, really: More than 90% of the oranges grown in the Sunshine State are destined for juice, all thanks to the sub-tropical temperatures, sandy soil, and mouthwatering juiciness that's simply a-peeling.
Source => floridacitrus.org

2. Criminal Masterfruit

In the records of "Fruit Law and Order: OJ Unit," Florida's criminal mastermind, the orange, was finally apprehended and instated as the official state beverage in 1967, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Legislature: The juice of Citrus sinensis and its hybrids took the honored title, while the fruit itself had to wait until 2005 to achieve state fruit status – after being petitioned by an elementary school class to then-Governor Jeb Bush, proving that justice is sweet and sometimes even citrusy.
Source => floridahistorynetwork.com

Did you know that oranges were once a luxury item, exclusive to royalty? Discover how these Vitamin C powerhouses became the popular fruit we know today.

=> Fun Facts about Oranges

3. Gridiron Gurus

Who knew Florida oranges were such gridiron gurus, muscling their way into college football history? Just like a zesty citrus pep talk, it's impossible to ignore: The Citrus Bowl, held in Orlando, is named in honor of Florida's iconic oranges and hosts top college football teams from the SEC and Big Ten conferences, including a memorable powerhouse performance by LSU in 2023 that shattered multiple records.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Summer Squeezin'

Why did the orange stop rolling? Because it ran out of juice during wintertime! But fear not, citrus lovers: Florida's Valencia oranges actually ripen in the summer, making up over half of the orange production in the Sunshine State and providing a refreshingly sweet and tangy treat during those scorching months.
Source => pickyourown.org