Most Common Fruits Grown in Florida, USA
When I first moved to Florida, I was taken aback by the vibrancy of the fruit markets. It was like walking into a nature’s candy shop. The colors, the scents, and the sheer variety of fruit were captivating. I’ll never forget the taste of my first fresh Florida orange. It was sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It made me curious—what other fruits are grown in this sunshine state? Having explored this topic extensively, I’m excited to share what I've found about the most common fruits grown in Florida.
### 1. Oranges: The Citrus King
Florida is synonymous with oranges. In fact, the state is responsible for about 70% of the total orange juice production in the United States. That’s approximately 1.1 billion gallons of juice per year! This state is home to over 500 commercial orange groves, mostly located in the central and southern regions.
The Florida Orange Growers Association notes that the state has around 80,000 acres dedicated to orange trees. Florida oranges aren't just tasty; they play a significant role in the local economy, contributing nearly $1.5 billion annually.
Fun fact: Did you know that the state fruit of Florida is the orange? It was designated as such in 2005 after a campaign by school children!
### 2. Strawberries: The Winter Wonder
When many people think of strawberries, they think of summertime. However, in Florida, the berry season kicks off in late December and runs through March. Hillsborough County is the leading producer, boasting over 12 million strawberry plants.
According to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida strawberries account for a significant portion of the nation’s spring crop, with over 90% of the crops grown here shipped to supermarkets across the country. From fresh consumption to jams and desserts, Florida strawberries leave their mark.
Ever tried a strawberry from Plant City? They're known as “the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World,” and they even have a festival dedicated to this juicy fruit.
### 3. Grapefruit: The Breakfast Delight
Grapefruit may not have the same fame as oranges, but it holds a special place in Florida's fruit lore. Particularly appreciated for their bittersweet flavor, Florida produces various types—white, pink, and ruby-red.
In 2021, Florida produced over 4 million boxes of grapefruit. The majority is grown in the lush surroundings of the state’s southern regions, particularly in the Indian River area.
Did you know that grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados? It made its way to Florida in the 1800s and has been growing ever since. Grapefruit is not only a breakfast staple but has also gained a reputation for being highly beneficial for health.
### 4. Blueberries: Hidden Treasure
While not as commonly associated with Florida as oranges or strawberries, blueberries are another treasure. Florida’s blueberry production has increased significantly over the years, with the state producing around 30 million pounds annually.
The area around Plant City is quite known for its high-quality blueberries. What’s more interesting, blueberries thrive in Florida due to the state’s unique climate, as they require certain cold hours to produce fruit. The more you dig, the more surprises you find—blueberries are rich in antioxidants and are easy to grow at home, too!
### 5. Avocados: Creamy Conundrum
While people often think of avocados as a California thing, Florida has its share of creamy goodness. The state is the second-largest avocado producer in the U.S., with thousands of avocado trees lining the coasts.
They usually ripen in late summer to early fall, and varieties like the Florida-grown ‘Bacon’ and ‘Hass’ are sought after. Around 40 million pounds of avocados are harvested each year in the state. What’s more amazing is that Florida avocados are larger and have less fat than their Californian counterparts.
Have you ever tried Florida avocado salsa? The next time you encounter a Florida avocado, prepare for a delightful culinary experience.
### 6. Lychee: The Tropical Sophisticate
Moving beyond the more common fruits, let’s talk about lychee. This tropical fruit has gained popularity in Florida due to its sweet floral taste. Florida's warm climate provides the perfect habitat for this exotic fruit, particularly in Miami-Dade County.
The average yield is around 400 pounds per acre, with peak production occurring in late spring to early summer. Lychee trees can be temperamental, but when they do fruit, they produce a tantalizing experience.
A curious tidbit: Lychee is not just juicy; it is a rich source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants. The mystery surrounding this fruit keeps many floridians intrigued.
### 7. Watermelons: The Summer Favorite
Every summer, it feels like the whole state indulges in the juiciness of watermelons. Florida ranks among the top ten states for watermelon production. In 2021, the state harvested over 1.1 billion pounds of watermelon.
These watermelons thrive well on the sandy soils of the state, with the most significant production happening in the southern regions. Watermelons not only served as a refreshing snack but are also used in various culinary creations—from salads to smoothies.
Have you ever been to a watermelon festival in Florida? They are quite the experience!
### Conclusion
So there you have it—the most common fruits grown in Florida! Whether you’re enjoying fresh orange juice on a sunny morning or digging into a strawberry shortcake, Florida’s fruit scene is diverse and fascinating. What’s even more exciting is exploring different fruits as each season rolls around.
Curious about what Florida has to offer? Each fruit tells a story, and they are intertwined with the culture and economy of this amazing state. Now, get out there and taste the abundance that Florida has to give!
### References
1. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Citrus: Florida's Citrus Industry.”
2. Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Strawberry Statistics.”
3. Indian River Citrus League. “Florida Grapefruit – Facts and Figures.”
4. United States Department of Agriculture. “Florida Agricultural Statistics.”
5. University of Florida. “Avocado Production in Florida.”
6. Lychee Looks LLC. “Lychee Growing in Florida.”
7. Florida Watermelon Association. “Watermelon Statistics and Festivals.”
