Image by Swamibu via Flickr Though they are often dismissed as just another variety of orange, tangerines provide a number of unique health benefits. Not only do they contain more Vitamin C and fiber than the average orange, but they also offer a number of healthy compounds. In this article we are going to take a look at what sets this loose-skinned fruit apart. History tells us that the tangerine is a simple hybrid between the famous mandarin and the bitter orange. Though no one knows for sure, it is believed that the fruit was first cultivated in China more…

Image via Wikipedia Grapefruit, vinegar, and other common household items are very effective cleaners. If you want to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, not to mention using fewer caustic chemicals around your home, you can make your own cleaning solutions at home. It's very easy to make natural cleaning products with items you can find at the local grocery and produce market. With a few spray bottles, some homemade cleaning clothes or wipes, and these cleaning solutions you can keep your home beautiful and clean without endangering your children or pets. Here are some simple recipes for making…

Owing to its taste, texture and nutritional value, ruby red grapefruit is one of the most popular members of the citrus family. However, before you put this fruit into your gift baskets, there are a few things that you need to look into allergies, food preferences, interaction with medications, cost and availability. You need to address these points first before you attempt to ship grapefruit to your loved ones. Before you start to ship grapefruit baskets to family members, you should make an inventory of the people whom you think will love getting this type of gift. Like most types…

Are you sick of the quick fix diet pills and silly promotions of drugs that will make you skinny in a few days? You know the ones that make you all shaky and moody but suppress your diet and make you nauseas at the same time. Stop putting chemicals in your body and start eating foods that are natural diuretics and that will help you control your appetite and weight. For example, if you are trying to fit into the little black dress for that wedding next weekend, try the grapefruit weight loss program as a way to rid yourself…

While Florida oranges are a staple across the United States of America, and in reality, around the globe, the vast majority of American's do not know the story of how this delicious and nutrient rich super-food originally made its way into the state. As the story goes, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon and his crew actually brought the first oranges to the Sunshine State in approximately 1513. And while they are not technically native to the area, Florida oranges have been making a big name for themselves ever since. In fact, in just under five short centuries, Florida has evolved…

There are a lot of ways for the average person to get more grapefruit pectin into your diet. There is the actual grapefruit itself, pills and even powders that can give you a daily boost of grapefruit pectin. Of course, before you decide to get more grapefruit pectin into your diet each day, it is important to know exactly why you should. Grapefruit pectin is a type of soluble fiber that is only found in grapefruit. Now, there are plenty of other soluble fibers out there that you can add to your diet, and they all do great things for…

Many people have the need to know the nutritional facts of grapefruit before they will consider adding it to their diets. This doesn't mean they are hesitant about eating it, but they want to be sure it holds nutritional value. Those people who choose to eat healthy foods will want to know the nutritional facts about grapefruit before they eat the fruit or drink the juice. They will choose to be educated in as many nutritional facts of grapefruit as possible, and those who are familiar with grapefruit know this particular citrus fruit has many different redeeming qualities. The best…

Image by Billie Hara via Flickr A shipment of fresh fruit makes a great gift for almost any occasion. For birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just to say thanks, fruit baskets have something in them for everyone. They are also inexpensive and can be shipped most months of the year. In this article we are going to talk about one fruit in particular, the grapefruit. Why ship grapefruit? Discovered on the island of Barbados in 1750, the grapefruit is one of the world's most popular breakfast foods. It is also unique in that it is the only citrus fruit that did…

Image by Stefanvds(.com) via Flickr The first American grapefruit crops were planted in Florida in 1823. And though the climate and soil were perfect for the new fruit, the grapefruit was not a hit in the Sunshine State. One reason for the chilly reception was that the orange had come in Florida several centuries earlier and there was already a burgeoning industry. Another reason was that people did not like the taste. They thought that it was simply too sour. Years later, the grapefruit would achieve success in South Texas. Just like Florida, South Texas has the ideal climate for…