Juicing Florida Oranges

If you are looking to experience some of the most unique and juicy Florida oranges available, you have to try the Valencia oranges grown at Indian River, Florida. Indeed, these sweetest of the sweet oranges are available much of the year, from February through October, with the majority crop ripening from May to July. These particularly coveted types of Florida oranges are known the world over for their tantalizingly sweet and unique flavor, and they are a prized addition to any fruit-laden gift basket or even when used to simply fill up a fruit bowl on your dining room table.

In addition to being delightfully sweet and juicy, these prized Florida oranges are also uniquely colored. Rather than the bright orange skin that is the trademark of the vast majority of the citrus fruit, Valencia oranges have a slightly lighter, golden skin color when fully ripened. If not picked promptly upon ripening, these slightly finickier than standard oranges will begin to develop something known as 'green phenomenon,' which is a purely superficial 'greening' of the peel. Rest assured that this green discoloration has absolutely no impact on the quality or flavor of the sweet, sweet fruit encased within.

An interesting fact to keep in mind is that, while more expensive and seemingly more difficult to come by, these most coveted of all Florida oranges actually account for over half of the oranges produced in Florida annually, due in part to the fact that Valencia oranges produce very generous crops of fruit in the warmest regions, and they can do so twice annually. In the cooler areas of the state, fruit is still produced, but much more sparingly.

Because these particular Florida oranges are so incredibly sweet and juicy for their size, they are particularly desirable for use in Florida orange juice. This fact, coupled with the ease in which Valencia orange trees can be grown has led to a massive influx of Valencia orange juice on the market made with Florida oranges. Pure, fresh Valencia orange juice tends to be a bit pricier than your standard, from-concentrate, run of the mill Florida orange juice. But for good reason – the fact of the matter is that it just tastes better; sweeter and more distinctive. An affordable alternative to purchasing pre-prepared Valencia orange juice is to buy a bag of these fresh, ripe Florida oranges during peak season and juicing them yourself.

Farm Fresh Gifts Since 1926

For nearly a century, Pittman & Davis has shared the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. From tree-ripened citrus to smoked meats, pastries, and handcrafted specialties, every gift reflects the land it comes from, the people who craft it, and the unforgettable taste it delivers.

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