Florida otherwise referred to as the sunshine state, is known for a vast array of sandy beaches, world-renowned amusement parks, sun-kissed residents, and an active nightlife. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, it’s safe to say that Florida is a must-visit spot for many travelers.
Apart from this noteworthy list, when WE think of Florida, we envision crates of vibrant and juicy oranges. The Hamlin, Navel, Ambersweet, and Valencia are a few of the most commonly produced oranges in Florida typically in season from October all the way to June. During this time frame, Florida is in high production mode.
Let’s get into some facts, shall we?
Most of us know that the growing, producing, processing, and selling of citrus fruits contributes heavily to the US economy. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 4 898 tons of oranges were produced in the US throughout the 2019 calendar year generating over 9 billion dollars. This is where the sunshine state comes into play; 70% of that entire supply came from Florida alone! In fact, it has also taken on a major role in the exportation of oranges. 40% of their annual supply is exported and supplied worldwide to countries like Japan, Canada, and France.
The next time you are biting into a sweet orange, you might find yourself thinking about how far it has traveled to get into your hands and mouth… you’ll never see oranges or the state of Florida the same again!
