The Most Popular Orange In Florida And Why It's So Coveted

The state of Florida has much to offer when it comes to food, including being home to the most expensive city to dine out in within the United States (which is also America's foodie capital). The state's influence also extends to produce, with a specialized technique to grow tomatoes named after it. On the topic of Florida produce, one that instantly comes to mind is oranges. In spite of being the official state fruit of Florida, oranges are not native to the region. Oranges are believed to have originated in the foothills of the southeast Himalayas and were eventually brought to the West in the late 1400s by Christopher Columbus. Spaniards then introduced oranges to Florida, where they now thrive and flourish.

Seeing the label for "Florida oranges" is nothing new when perusing the best store-bought brands of orange juice. Despite Florida not being the state that grows the most oranges in the U.S., the fruit still maintains a close association with The Sunshine State. Florida is home to a variety of different oranges, including Navel, Hamlin, and Pineapple oranges, but there is one that particularly thrives in Floridian weather: Valencia oranges. Though Valencia oranges are named after the Spanish city of Valencia, they were actually created in the United States when a citrus farmer made a Valencia hybrid that quickly became popular and a much sought after variety. Valencia oranges from Florida are so coveted because of their thinner peels and heightened juice content when compared to those grown in other regions with mild and drier weather, which tend to have thicker peels and are smaller in size.

The citrus industry as a whole has a rich history in The Sunshine State owing to Florida's obvious availability of sunshine, sub-tropical weather, amount of rainfall, and the type of soil. Oranges grown in Florida offer special qualities that can be missing from oranges grown in other regions, including California, which is the leading producer of oranges in the United States. They are reportedly juicier and more flavorful, with over 90% of the oranges grown in Florida being used for 100% pure orange juice.

Since their commercial introduction to Florida by the British in the early 19th century, the state's oranges have continued to support and feed locals while the excess are exported to regions with a climate less conducive for growing juicy, sweet oranges. The commercial production of oranges in Florida began to boom in the 1870s, and became the apple (or rather orange) of the eye for several businessmen seeking a substantial profit. The avid enthusiasm for the burgeoning orange industry even garnered the name "orange fever." In the next two decades, northeastern Florida became a thriving hub filled with orange groves, packing facilities, and factories. This market expansion was paired with an increase in railroad transportation networks. So, if you like your oranges large, sweet, and super juicy, keep an eye out for those that have made the journey from The Sunshine State to your shopping cart.