Orange Season in Florida and 7 Best Ways to Enjoy It
Florida sunshine isn’t the only thing that brightens up the winter months. It’s also Florida orange season, a vibrant celebration when the state’s citrus groves burst with juicy, flavorful oranges. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are countless ways to experience the magic of fresh Florida oranges!
When is Florida Orange Season?
Florida orange season is a lengthy affair, stretching from December all the way through June.
But the beauty lies in its variety.
The state’s citrus industry plants different orange varieties throughout the year, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh fruit.
This means that while some varieties peak earlier, others come into season later, extending the citrus celebration.
Top 7 Orange Varieties Grown in Florida
While there’s no definitive ranking of popularity, here are 10 of the most commercially grown orange varieties in Florida, listed alphabetically, along with their typical harvest season:
- Cara Cara Oranges (December to April): A sweeter and less acidic type of navel orange with a pinkish flesh (also known as Ruby Red Oranges).
- Hamlin Oranges (December to April): Known for their juicy sweetness, these are popular for juicing.
- Honeybell Oranges (February to March): A prized citrus fruit known for its exceptional sweetness and easy-to-peel skin.
- Navel Oranges (December to May): The classic seedless orange is sweet with the easy-to-peel “belly button.”
- Pineapple Oranges (March to May): Mid-season fruit known for being very juicy and sweeter than a navel orange but with a slightly pineapple-y twist.
- Robinson Oranges (Early-season – November to December): A popular early-season orange known for its juicy sweetness.
- Star Ruby Oranges (March to May): Deep red flesh and a rich, tangy flavor.
- Temple Oranges (December to March): A unique tangy-sweet hybrid with a bumpy rind.
- Valencia Oranges (March to June): Prized for their thin rind and vibrant orange color, these are popular for juicing.
- Wekiwa Oranges (Late-season – April to June): Known for its juicy sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Which orange variety is your favorite?
7 Best Ways to Enjoy Florida Orange Season
Oranges are healthy and delicious and plentiful in Florida. We’ve got 7 fun ways to enjoy fresh Florida oranges!
1. Pick Your Own Fresh Florida Oranges (U-Pick Orange Groves)!
Immerse yourself in the magic of orange season with a U-pick experience! Explore a citrus grove, hand-select your own oranges, and savor the sunshine-kissed fruit straight from the tree.
Check out our blog post Best U-Pick Florida Orange Groves for tips on where to go, what to expect, when to plan your visit and more!
2. Taste All 10 Orange Varieties on the List and Choose Your Favorite!
While most people think fresh Florida oranges and orange juice is delightful, they don’t realize there are a bunch of different varieties of Florida oranges to taste!
Have you tasted a Honeybell orange? It may become your very favorite Florida orange because it’s so deliciously sweet! Have you tried using a fresh Hamlin orange in your cocktails for ultimate deliciousness?
We challenge you, this coming orange season in Florida, to try all 10 of the varieties we’ve listed in this blog!
3. Drink Fresh Orange Juice Every Morning for a Vitamin Boost!
Start your day with a vibrant dose of health! A glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s why it’s a fantastic way to fuel your mornings:
- Vitamin C Powerhouse: Florida oranges are bursting with Vitamin C, a crucial nutrient for a healthy immune system.
- Potassium Packed: Fresh OJ is a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports healthy muscle function.
- Folate for All: This essential B vitamin, present in abundance in oranges, plays a vital role in cell growth and development.
Bonus: Add a touch of grapefruit or a splash of lime for a refreshing twist and an extra dose of Vitamin C!
4. Make this Easy Jameson Orange Cocktail Recipe
Celebrate orange season with this delicious cocktail! This Easy Jameson Orange Cocktail Recipe (see below) combines the smooth taste of Jameson Irish Whiskey with the vibrant citrus notes of fresh Florida oranges. It’s perfect for any occasion and incredibly easy to make.
Easy Jameson Orange Cocktail Recipe:
- 2 ounces Jameson Orange (pre-flavored whiskey)
- 3/4 ounce fresh Florida orange juice (strained)
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (optional)
- Splash of club soda (optional)
- Orange wedge for garnish
Fill a shaker with ice. Add Jameson Orange, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup (if using). Shake well, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an orange wedge.
5. Enjoy this Easy Orange Fruitie Smoothie Recipe
Treat yourself to a taste of sunshine with this Easy Orange Fruitie Smoothie Recipe. It’s a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the citrus bounty.
Easy Orange Fruitie Smoothie Recipe:
- 1 cup fresh Florida orange, peeled and segmented
- 1/2 frozen banana or other favorite fruit (mango, berries)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, adjust to your taste)
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
6. Plant Your Own Orange Tree
Bring the magic of orange season home with your very own orange tree! If you have a large backyard and the space, choose the best variety that is known to grow in your specific USDA planting zone.
And if you don’t have a big backyard, consider buying a 2-3 year old dwarf orange tree in a pot on growing it on your sunny patio. Perfect for smaller spaces, these compact trees will reward you with fresh oranges year after year.
7. Make Some Super Easy Fresh Orange Popsicles
These refreshing homemade popsicles are the perfect way to beat the Florida heat and enjoy the bounty of orange season. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and healthy treat for yourself and the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh Florida orange juice (strained)
1/4 cup honey (or to taste) - 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
Popsicle molds
Instructions:
1. Start with fresh strained juice and add honey to taste.
3. Add a splash of lime for a twist (optional).
4. Fill popcicle molds leaving a space at the top, as liquid expands when frozen.
5. Place in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely solid.
6. Unmolding Tip: For easier removal, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds before pulling out the popsicles.
Creative tips!
Add a splash of grenadine for a sunset popsicle or a handful of chopped fresh berries for a fruity twist.
Make it Boozy (for adults only) by adding a splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau) to the juice mixture before freezing. Remember to consume responsibly.
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