Take the Temple Orange Quiz!

Take the Temple Orange Quiz!

How much do you know about Temple Oranges? Try this quiz to find out. 

Question: What do you get when you cross a mandarin with an orange?
    A. Tangor
    B. Temple Orange
    C. Royal Mandarin Tangor
    D. All of the above

Question: Why are they called Temple Oranges?
    A. Because your body is a temple and you want to feed it the most nutritious orange
    B. Because they are eaten in temples
    C. Because they were first propagated by a man named W.C. Temple
    D. All of the above

Question: Why should you order and enjoy Temple Oranges from Florida Fruit Shippers in February?
    A. Because they are only available in February
    B. Because they are not available at the grocery store
    C. Because they are still in season late into the winter
    D. All of the above

Question: Why Are Temple Oranges Great to Give for Valentine's Day?

    A. Because they are heart-shaped

    B. Because they have "Be Mine" stamped on them

    C. Because Cupid likes them

    D. Because they are an uncommon and wonderful way to say "I love you"

If you answered "D" to the above questions, you are a Temple Orange superstar!  Let's explore these delicious, nutritious, unique fruits a little bit further.

What Are Temple Oranges?

Temple Oranges are the luscious hybrid of tangerine and sweet orange, which explains one of their alternate name: tangors. They are medium-sized with more of an elliptical tangerine shape, and the peel and pulp are both a very attractive orange-red color. The color alone clues you in: this is one healthy citrus!  In addition, they have a thin rind that is very easy to peel, and the fruit is super juicy.  This is a great on-the-go snacking orange that is easiest to peel and eat outside or near a small trash can, as there are some seeds you'll need to gracefully spit out while enjoying them.  

Where Did They Come From?

While Temple Oranges can certainly be eaten in temples, and while they are very nutritious and perfect for maintaining your body as a temple, their name actually derives from the man who first propagated them. Tangors are a natural hybrid, and this particular variety was discovered in Jamaica in the late 19th century by a Florida fruit grower named Boyce. Boyce sent some budwood samples to nearby Florida, where William Chase Temple propagated them and shared them with a friend of his who owned a nursery in the Winter Park area. Because they grew best in Florida, they became a hit by the 1940's, and are still sought after today.

Whom Are They Best For?

Temple Oranges are gluten-free and vegan, easy to pack for road trips and school lunches, and taste delicious; any health- and taste-conscious kid or adult will love them!  With Valentine's approaching quickly, a gift basket of Temple Oranges is an uncommonly perfect way to say "I love you." 

 Why Should I Order Them Soon?

One of the great things about Temple Oranges, in addition to their power-packed nutrition content, great sweet-tangy taste and easy snackability, is that they are late-season oranges.  In other words, we're still picking them deep into the wintertime!  However, the season will be ending soon, and these wonderful fruits won't be available past mid-February.  Because you can't find them in a store, there is only a small window to enjoy Temple Oranges until next season. 

Ready to order?  Just click here: Temple Oranges

Sources:

https://www.growingproduce.com/citrus/a-look-back-at-the-evolution-of-temple-oranges/

https://www.orangesonline.com/buyers_guide/temple_oranges/

https://www.cooksinfo.com/temple-oranges

Warming Citrus Drinks for Wintertime

After a relatively warm Christmas, one look at the national weather report in the northern hemisphere in January is all it takes to convince anyone: baby, it's cold outside!  There's snow in the west, snow in the north, even snow in the deep south. To top it off, the sudden change from unseasonably warm in December to blizzards and wind chill factors in January is challenging even the most hardy of immune systems.  Here in Florida, there isn't any snow, but the cooler temperatures are actually helping the citrus trees sweeten up their fruits and pack them with more vitamin C. Nature's answer to fighting the winter chills and germs? Warm drinks made from cooled citrus! 

Cooler Temperatures Make Sweeter Citrus

Most of us consider oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits to be a balmy-weather crop that grows best in warm temperatures.  But consider this: many citrus varieties thrive in subtropical climates like Florida, California, and the Mediterranean, and not only in the deep tropics.  In fact, citrus plants that are acclimated to occasional cold spells actually produce the sweetest and most nutritious fruits!  This may come as a surprise, since hard freezes in Florida often make the news as being devastating to citrus farmers.  While hard freezes are relatively rare, the "orange belt" of central Florida does have a distinct winter during which temperatures easily drop into the forties at night. The citrus trees adapt to this temperature plunge by giving their fruits a "winter coat": the peel thickens and takes on a richer, deeper color, locking in all of the delicious juices. Inside, the fruit responds by reducing its acid content and churning out more fruit sugars. The result is a more succulent, sweet product.

Warming Up with Cooled Fruits

Winter is a time for self-care and slowing down, and our Florida Fruit Shippers oranges, honeybells, tangerines and grapefruits are ready to serve! These winter-sweetened fruits are primed to warm you up and make you feel better if you are under the weather.  To increase your body temperature and fight off infection and fatigue, nothing can beat a warm (not too hot) drink.  One study, performed in 2008 by the Cardiff Cold Centre at Cardiff University, demonstrated that just the sensations of drinking a slightly sweet, warm drink--the steamy aroma of the fruits, the heat of the cup in the hands, and the taste and warmth of the fluid cascading down the throat--were enough to immediately ease common cold symptoms like sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, chills, and fatigue--and that these effects were sustained.  In other words, simply nurturing ones senses via a warm, healthy, sweet beverage can have powerful healing properties.  Add to this effect with the immune-boosting, virus-busting ingredients found in citrus, and the benefits of a warm citrus drink are impossible to ignore.

How to Make a Warm Citrus Drink

If you have a favorite brewed tea, try boiling it with orange and grapefruit slices and a sprig of rosemary.  Of course, if you wish to sleep or relax, make sure the tea is decaffeinated. You can also heat up apple juice with citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and clove for a simple cider. For an even more potent vitamin punch, try some Hot Citrus Apple Cider or include other antioxidant- and Vitamin C-rich fruits in your beverage, such as this Warm Cranberry Citrus Drink. And while we definitely do not recommend boozing up your healing beverages, as alcohol can be both dehydrating and disorienting, do try this simple Citrus Hot Toddy minus the spirits.  The added sweetness of honey soothes the throat and offers antibiotic benefits.

Bring some sunshine to your chilly winter with a nice warm citrus-infused drink, get cozy, and enjoy Florida sunshine right there in your mug!

 Sources:

https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/12/06/who-knew-winters-chill-makes-oranges-sweeter/

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/oct/28/hot-drinks-science-tasting-notes