All posts in Grower Insights

  • Rio Ruby Grapefruit from Pittman & Davis groves

    The Rio Grande Valley is the Premier Texas Citrus Region

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Grower Insights

    Ask the average American where the best citrus is grown and many will respond, “Florida,” while others will say, “California.” Well, we want to introduce you to another location that produces premium citrus…Texas. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that Texas is the nation’s third-largest citrus producer. Here are the answers to some common questions about Texas-grown citrus: What kinds of citrus come from Texas? Pittman & Davis has its roots in Texas – specifically, in the Rio Grande Valley region. Frank and Kitty Davis moved to South Texas in the 1920s on the advice of their family…

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  • honey mandarins

    What Fruits Are Available This April?

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Fruit Information Grower Insights

      The best time to buy fruit is when it’s in season because that’s when you’re sure to get the best, tastiest, healthiest fruit available. Eating in-season produce provides more nutrition and more flavor. When you buy fruit boxes from Pittman & Davis, you can be sure that the fruit inside was allowed to ripen naturally. That’s because we know that fruits that are allowed to naturally ripen on the tree and harvested at the proper time have much more flavor and nutrition. Produce that’s not in season undergoes early picking, cooling, and heating that reduces the flavor. In-season fruits…

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  • order pears

    Why is Pear Season so Special?

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Fruit Information Gift Guidance Grower Insights

    Fall is the perfect time for finding fresh pears for sale, and no matter how you plan to use them, you’ll find premium pears from Pittman & Davis that are sheer “pear-fection!” Why do pears so often come second to apples as the quintessential fall fruit? After all, they’re both orchard fruits, very nutritious and supremely delicious. They can also be easily be dried, frozen, and preserved in other ways quite easily so you can enjoy them all year round. People may hesitate to buy pears for a couple of reasons: first, local grocery chain stores may be limited in…

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  • Where are Tangerines Most Popular?

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Fruit Information Grower Insights

    In North America, tangerines steal the spotlight, especially during the holiday season. With varieties like satsumas, clementines, and honey tangerines, these citrus gems grace tables from October through December, adding a burst of flavor to festive feasts and seasonal treats. While Florida and California lead the charge in tangerine production, other states like Georgia, Texas, and Alabama also contribute to the bounty. Mexico joins the party as a key exporter, supplying tangerines to eager markets in the United States and beyond. East Asia: Satsuma Sensation Across the waters in East Asia, Japan boasts the crown jewel of tangerines: the satsuma.…

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  • Taking Care of Texas Oranges

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Fruit Information Grower Insights

    Oranges, known for their vibrant flavor and juicy sweetness, are temperamental fruits. They thrive in warm, humid climates and under the sun’s gentle embrace. However, when temperatures dip below 20 degrees Celsius, orange crops face the risk of damage, posing a significant challenge for growers. In the United States, oranges are primarily cultivated for commercial distribution in four states: Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona. Today, we’ll delve into the allure of Texas oranges and discover why they’ve earned a spot in the limelight. A Closer Look at Texas Oranges Despite their exceptional taste, Texas oranges play a relatively minor role…

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  • How to Store Texas Grapefruit

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Fruit Information Grower Insights

    The key to keeping your Texas grapefruit at its prime is to strategize based on your consumption timeline. Whether you’re diving in right away or stocking up for future delights, understanding how to store your grapefruit is essential for preserving its irresistible taste. Immediate Use: Room Temperature Reigns If you’re eager to enjoy your Texas grapefruit within a couple of days, there’s no need to rush to the fridge. Simply keep them at room temperature, just as you bought them. However, ensure they’re not stacked too tightly to prevent bruising, which can alter their taste and texture. Future Indulgence: Embrace…

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  • The White Grapefruit in America

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Grower Insights

    While orange juice reigns supreme as the top fruit juice globally, let’s not overlook the remarkable ascent of grapefruit juice. Surprisingly, its concentrated and frozen forms didn’t grace the U.S. until the nineteen-nineties, more than seven decades after frozen concentrated orange juice made its debut! Rollercoaster Ride of Grapefruit The white grapefruit, with its tangy twist, has had a tumultuous journey. At its peak, it was a beloved fruit across the nation. But when tastes shifted, it faced its share of challenges. Farmers were skeptical, consumers found it too sour, and it seemed the fruit’s fate was uncertain. The Unexpected…

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  • The Red Texas Grapefruit vs. the White Grapefruit

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Fruit Information Grower Insights

    Image by ladybugbkt via Flickr The modern grapefruit is available in three popular varieties: the white, the pink and the red. In this article we are going focus on the nutritional differences between these three varieties in an attempt to determine which is the healthiest. Fortunately, each grapefruit has an interesting tale to tell, so it shouldn't be too tedious. The very first grapefruit crop was cultivated in the 17th century on the island of Jamaica. It was a cross between the Indonesian Pomelo and the native Jamaican orange. At the time, all grapefruits were white grapefruits that had a…

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  • The Story of the Texas Grapefruit

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Fruit Information Grower Insights

    America is the world leader in grapefruit production with over one-third of the annual output. But the exotic island fruit almost didn't make it in New World. In fact, it was a veritable flop when it first arrived. Brought to Florida in 1823 by a Spanish count, the grapefruit was roundly rejected by local populations. These early Floridians were turned off by the sour taste of the oversized fruit. And that is not surprising. After all, they had been eating sweet oranges for centuries. By the time the first grapefruit crops were planted, orchard owners were already selling oranges commercially.…

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  • Growing Texas Oranges

    By: Pittman & Davis | On: | Category: Grower Insights

    Image via Wikipedia Oranges first came to Texas at the end of the nineteenth-century. Since that time, crops have been cultivated in one relatively small section of the state. The region is known as the Rio Grande Valley and it is located in South Texas. Because it has a subtropical climate and fertile soil, this region is perfect for growing citrus fruits like Texas oranges and grapefruit. In this article we are going to discuss the Texas citrus industry. Why grow oranges in Texas? Compared to Florida, Texas farmland is far more affordable. Not to mention the fact that the…

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