(Citrus) Segment Your New Year's Resolutions

One of the many great things about citrus fruit is that it is a go-to, to-go snack that comes in many varieties, with its own eco-friendly packaging. Its "container" is the rind, which in and of itself has a whole slew of uses and health benefits. Inside the container, bite-sized morsels are neatly contained in segments. Actually, some fruits are a little neater than others: easy-peel tangerines segment cleanly, but with very juicy oranges and grapefruit you might need some backup napkins on hand.

With the New Year upon us, this blog author got curious about citrus segments, both as a biological wonder and a metaphor for how we can approach our New Year's goals and resolutions. As it turns out, the unique biological features of segmenting can also apply towards our personal goals. 

Easy-Peel Tangerines and Their Segments

Segments: A Wonder of Nature

We know that citrus fruits are divided into equal segments, and as it turns out, many things in nature are. In the animal world, segments are called metameres and show up as repeated units of both structure and function. One example would be the repeated identical sections in an earthworm. Another would be the segmentation of the appendages and antennae of insects, arthropods, and crustaceans. Even us humans have segmentation in our muscle fibers and vertebra. In all of these cases, segmentation has many advantages for biological functioning.

  

In citrus fruits, segmentation is a unique part of the plant's reproduction. The ovules, or part of the fruit ovary that contains the seed, is already sectioned. One or two seeds are contained per section. As it turns out, citrus--which is a modified type of berry--evolved its thick rind to help protect these seeds in their protective packages. These packages are called carpels in the world of botany, otherwise known as segments.

The average orange has anywhere from ten to twelve segments per fruit, depending on variety and other factors such as growth conditions. Typically, larger fruits have more sections, but this is not always the case. For example, large seedless navel oranges usually have fewer segments than other types of seeded oranges. The juicy sacs inside each segment are called vesicles, and are responsible not only for nourishing the seeds but also for the juiciness, tartness, and sweetness of citrus fruits. 

Segment Your Resolutions

My mother Debby Townsend has a great piece of advice: "cinch by the inch, hard by the yard." Just as it would be hard to eat an entire orange or grapefruit in one gulp, we can approach our life--and our goals and resolutions--one segment at a time.

Most of us begin our resolution journey with a goal: "I want to lose twenty pounds," "I want to learn a new language," "I want to save more money." Once these goals are stated, however, they will require life changes that--just like the impossibility of eating a whole citrus fruit in one bite--are impossible to tackle all at once. Rather, experts recommend that the best way to achieve any goal is to break it down into baby steps: bite-sized (pun intended), consistent pieces, or (you guessed it) segments. Let's use working out as an example. While it may be overwhelming to think about spending an hour getting a big workout at the gym three times per week, we can take it piece by piece: put on gym clothes, drive to the gym, stretch, start to walk on the treadmill, walk a little faster, etc. Cinch by the inch.  

We can also segment our time. For example, we may want to achieve a big goal by this time next year, but to do so we need to make monthly, weekly, and daily goal setting our strategy. We can avoid buying that eight dollar coffee just for today, and make coffee at home instead. We can meditate for fifteen minutes three times a week. We can deposit a certain percentage of our income into savings once per month. These are easily digestible, doable goals that result in a one percent improvement towards our goals each day, and according to "Atomic Habits" author James Clear, are the key to rewiring new habits that will make these positive changes permanent.

Make Citrus a Daily Habit

 

Whatever your New Year's resolutions might be, you can't lose by simply eating one to two citrus fruits per day. For starters, eating citrus will help you stay healthy and hydrated, boost your brainpower for cognitive focus, and its aromatherapy benefits will keep you uplifted and encouraged. No matter how you "section" it, citrus is your ally for all of your goals!

Happy New Year, from all of us at Florida Fruit Shippers!

Sources:

https://biologyinsights.com/what-is-a-segmented-body-and-its-advantages/

https://www.vermontpublic.org/podcast/but-why-a-podcast-for-curious-kids/2024-06-14/why-do-oranges-have-peels

https://snuggymom.com/how-many-slices-in-an-orange/

https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-to-set-realistic-new-years-resolutions-for-health-and-weight-loss-success

https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7933480/

Santa's Citrus Grove Elves

It's that time of the year again, when Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Elves are working overtime at the North Pole to make sure they are ready for Christmas. But what few people may realize is that Santa's Elf Network is not confined to the North Pole. If it were, how could Santa access such delicious semi-tropical citrus fruits that are gifted to so many on the "nice" list? No, Santa has elves everywhere, including our very own orange groves, where every fruit is hand-picked!

Grove Elves Work Hard to Bring You the Best Fruits

As many of you may know, different elves have different jobs and specialties. Some elves take care of the reindeer, some build toys in Santa's Toy Shop, and some do the maintenance on Santa's sleigh. Across the board, all elves seem to have two things in common: they work hard and care about what they do.

Citrus grove elves have adapted to conditions quite unlike the North Pole, and can find themselves working for many long hours outside underneath the bright hot sun or drenching cold rain. They are very strong, responsible, reliable, friendly, caring, kind, and knowledgeable. In fact, we don't know what we would do without them! You see, while machines called "harvesters" have been invented to mechanically shake citrus trees and collect the fruits, there are many advantages to hand-picking the citrus that ultimately ends up on your table and in your tummy. Citrus grove elves are well-trained to quickly identify only the ripest, highest quality fruits, while the mechanical harvesters to not differentiate between prime fruits and lower quality or less ripe ones. This also ensures that the less ripe fruits be left on the trees so that they can still come to full maturity, thus maximizing the yield of each tree. Hand harvesting is also very gentle compared to mechanical harvesting, which can easily bruise the fruits. And of course, the citrus grove elves are part of our local communities; working with groves that utilize hand picking creates jobs and  helps our economy. 

To see a video of the amazing citrus grove elves in action and learn more about the critical work they are doing, check out this blog.

An Especially Fruitful Holiday Season

This year, Santa reports that the "nice" list is especially long, and as he has done since the nineteenth century, jolly old St. Nick likes to reward those who have made it to this auspicious category with oranges and tangerines. As such, we've received word that any orders that need to arrive by December 25 be made well before December 15!  

Last year, citrus fruit production was reduced by twenty percent due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Fortunately for this year, the trifecta of Saharan desert dust, wind shear, and a phenomenon known as the Bermuda High worked in cahoots to keep the 2025 hurricane season high and dry. This was a good scenario for the citrus groves, where trees could bask in ample sunshine and moistened soil from last season while avoiding the sometimes extensive damage of hurricane winds, floods, and salt intrusion. As you might expect, then, the citrus grove elves have been especially busy this year.

Likewise, post-COVID, folks have become especially health-conscious, and are "picking" (pun intended) healthier and better quality choices for holiday giving and feasting. As such, the demand for hand-picked citrus is greater than ever. 

Give Our Elves a Hand!

As Christmas approaches and 2025 draws to a close, we at Florida Fruit Shippers wanted to give a special thanks to the citrus grove elves, who work very hard to harvest the premium quality, juicy and delicious hand-picked fruits we love and enjoy. 

From our groves to your home: Happy Holidays!

Sources:

https://elfhq.com/apply-to-become-an-elf/

https://mymerrychristmas.com/x/do-elves-have-normal-jobs-like-policemen/

https://blog.orangesonline.com/2021/02/how-are-oranges-harvested.html

https://himalayas.app/career-guides/citrus-picker

https://agriculture.institute/post-harvest-mgt-principles/comparing-hand-mechanical-harvesting-techniques/

https://blog.orangesonline.com/2021/12/the-tradition-of-giving-oranges-for.html

https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=112666

https://scienceblog.com/african-dust-acts-as-natures-hurricane-shield/

https://www.campustimes.org/2025/11/17/why-this-hurricane-season-felt-off/

What to Eat Thanksgiving Morning? Citrus!

There's a lot of information available about Thanksgiving meal choices and recipes, but what are we supposed to eat on Thanksgiving morning? I don't know about you, but every year I am seriously challenged in this department: if I eat too much or too heavy, I won't be hungry enough for the afternoon repast. However, if I eat too little or nothing at all, the discomfort from hunger pangs detracts from the joy of preparing the Thanksgiving meal with friends and family. Whatever is one to do? 

Eat citrus! It will give you clean, nutritious energy and fullness without taking away from your enjoyment of the feast.

 

Why Citrus Is Great for Breakfast

Orange juice has become the poster child of breakfast beverages, and most morning diners are familiar with the classic sectioned half-grapefruit. Oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines are all excellent choices for eating clean and healthy while also feeling full and satiated. This effect is largely due to the high fiber content found in all citrus fruits. For example, depending on its size, an orange can contain three to four grams of fiber, which is about ten percent of the adult recommended daily allowance. The high Vitamin C content in all citrus fruits is a bonus, as it can give our cells the energy needed to enjoy the packed holidays. Research has also shown that vitamin C can help suppress appetite.

If you have to choose between orange juice and a whole orange, tangerine, or grapefruit, however, ditch the juice and enjoy the fruit instead. While comparable in vitamin C content, Orange juice only has about one gram of fiber and is high in sugar.

While a piece of fruit makes a great snack, it might not be enough to stave off the uncomfortable hunger before the big feast. Adding a little protein, such as yogurt, can help. You can even make more creative and festive meals, such as this Citrus Sunrise. Or try this delicious Citrus Breakfast Bowl that has the added health benefits of bee pollen, chia, and flax seeds. 

After breakfast, keeping a bowl of whole citrus fruits on hand throughout Thanksgiving day is a great idea because they can provide instant relief for those unpleasant hunger pangs without weighing you down or giving you a sugar crash. 

Hydration Is Key

Dehydration can be mistaken for hunger because the body, in a way, craves water and may display similar signals, such as salivation and stomach rumbling. In the midst of the holiday bustle, cooking, and socializing, it is easy to forget to drink enough water. The combination of dehydration and an increasing appetite can be both uncomfortable and unhealthy.

Citrus fruits come to the rescue once again! Oranges and grapefruits belong to a group of foods known in the health and nutrition world as "water-rich" and "hydrating." This means they have a high water content, and the water is readily available for our cells to absorb. A typical orange contains about half a cup of water, and its fiber content contributes to its filling properties. An average grapefruit, on the other hand, is about 91% water, with a whole grapefruit containing around a cup of water.

This holiday season, consider making some warming citrus drinks. You can prepare them in a large soup pot at breakfast and keep them simmering on the stove throughout the day. Thirsty family and friends can refill their cups as they please. The best part? These drinks will also fill your home with the delightful scent of fall! 

Start...and Continue... Your Day, the Citrus Way

We may have over a month to go yet before New Year's resolutions, but starting off Thanksgiving with a healthy citrus breakfast is a great way to set the stage for healthy habits every day. Indeed, we don't normally have a meal as big as the Thanksgiving feast most days. However, the benefits of eating a citrus-adorned breakfast and turning to whole oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits for a quick pick-me-up snack throughout the day can really add up your wellness points. 

And of course, citrus is great for dinner dishes too, including Thanksgiving dinner! Try this wonderful roasted turkey with orange pumpernickel chestnut stuffing, or other creative main and side dish recipes found here.

From all of us here at Florida Fruit Shippers: Happy Thanksgiving!

Sources:

https://www.droracle.ai/articles/36144/which-vitamins-suppress-appetite

https://blog.orangesonline.com/2022/01/warming-citrus-drinks-for-wintertime.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oranges

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/orange-juice

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2467458/

The Sweet Connection Between Citrus and Gratitude

 

The holiday season is touted as a time for cheer and warm fuzzies, but let's face it: the time leading up to Christmas can also be stressful. In addition to the normal demands of a busy life, we face many extra things to think about, plan, buy, and coordinate. Exciting as the holidays may be, they can also challenge our self-care and energy reserves.

Because the pre-Christmas weeks can feel overwhelming, I have always been grateful that Thanksgiving falls right before the December holidays and the New Year. It is much less commercialized and less consumer-oriented. The main emphasis of Thanksgiving is on being with family and friends, cooking and sharing a hearty meal, and focusing on what we are thankful for. It's a time to gather in, connect, and if we're lucky, get a little rest before the Black Friday-Cyber Monday-Chanukah-Christmas-New Year's Eve hullabaloo kicks into full gear.

Citrus has long been part of the American Thanksgiving foodscape.  Our next blog will focus on some delicious ways to use oranges and grapefruits in your holiday meals and drinks. In fact, it would behoove us to include these phenomenal fruits in your holiday meals, as citrus fruits actually promote gratitude! In today's blog, we'll look at some of the amazing properties of citrus that can literally help us feel thankful.

Oranges Lower Depression

You've heard the popular idiom: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." While apples are healthy to eat, a recent Harvard Medical School study has shown that eating an orange a day lowers the risk for developing depression by twenty percent; this significant effect is not observed with any other fruits or vegetables. The study showed that daily orange consumption  stimulates the growth of a type of gut bacteria called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. This particular species influences the production of serotonin and dopamine, both of which are well known to help us chill and improve our mood.

Add to that the high Vitamin C content of citrus, and you have a double good mood whammy. Vitamin C regulates the stress hormone cortisol, which tends to spike during busy times like the holidays. Vitamin C is also important for the production of the relaxation hormones serotonin and dopamine. Since ninety percent of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut, the humble orange becomes a prominent player in gut-brain health, and thus mood.

There's more yet: oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines are also rich in citrus-specific polyphenols, which encourage the growth of yet another vital gut bacteria species called Bifidabacterium longum. This bacteria strengthens the gut lining and fortifies the gut-brain axis. Tangerines in particular contain a polyphenol called nobiletin, which helps our circadian rhythm equilibrate. We feel better, poop better, sleep better, and thus feel thankful!

So if you have a "gut" feeling that eating citrus is good for you during the busy holidays, follow it! 

Citrus Is Associated with Good Fortune and Beauty

Many cultures associate citrus with good luck and beauty. In China, tangerines and other  citrus fruits are given for the Lunar New Year as a symbol of abundance and fortune. During the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, a citron known as an etrog is used in a ceremony and represents the beauty of the citrus fruits that were once considered rare in the Mediterranean. Similarly, the gifting of oranges has been part of Christmas since St. Nicholas's time, and really gained popularity in the 19th century.  No matter the culture, religion, or holiday, one theme is shared: citrus fruits represent good fortune and happiness due to the fact that they were once rare and are now widely available and affordable. Now that's something to be thankful for!

The Sweet Taste of Gratitude

Our brains are wired to pursue pleasure and recoil from discomfort or unpleasant sensations. We have a "reward system" built into us, which directly associates certain experiences with pleasurable sensations. Research has shown that sweet tastes induce a feeling of pleasure and reward. Sweeter citrus varieties like oranges can play a role in activating the reward system by associating the holiday experience with the pleasure of sweet tastes. And, unlike candies and desserts, the effect is more likely to last. 

Here at Florida Fruit Shippers, we are grateful for the land and climate where our citrus trees can grow and thrive, the farmers and employees who work hard to tend to the trees, the harvesting of the fruits, and the shipping right to your doorstep. We are especially grateful for you, our customers, who, like us, appreciate the sweetness of having healthy, delicious citrus as a part of daily life.

From all of us: Happy Thanksgiving!

Sources:

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/02/eating-citrus-may-lower-depression-risk/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/can-eating-oranges-improve-mood-and-memory/articleshow/118716899.cms

https://www.realsimple.com/mood-boosting-fruits-11707092

https://www.whyzz.com/stories/offering-oranges-to-the-gods-is-a-way-to-ask-for-good

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/6622070/jewish/15-Facts-You-Should-Know-About-the-Etrog.htm

https://lockerwallpaper.com/blogs/news/the-sweet-tradition-a-history-of-citrus-fruit-at-christmas-time

https://citrusindustry.net/2020/12/22/citrus-holiday-traditions/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1057740815000273

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-28553-9

The Spooky Side of Citrus

October is upon us, and you know what that means...It's Spooky Season! What, might you inquire, does that have to do with citrus?  Surprisingly, a lot. Read on to discover how much Halloween and citrus fruits have in common!

Many Citrus Fruits are Colored Orange

Just as red and green are the colors we associate with Christmas, the two main Halloween colors are orange and black. Interestingly, the original colors for this time of year were first introduced in the early part of the twentieth century as yellow and brown, effectively evoking the earthy tones of the new Autumn. But with the rise of the ubiquitous pumpkin and classic Halloween icons like bats and cats, orange quickly took over the scene in partnership with black. Citrus covers it all: most fruits such as oranges and tangerines are orange, and grapefruits are yellow to orange in hue, ready to decorate your house and taste buds from spooky season to Thanksgiving and beyond!

Citrus is Good for Your Bones

As old Morty, above, can tell you: the older you get, the more you have to take care of your bones.  That's why he's pictured here with a bowlful of yummy oranges and very little candy. Many people think of milk, cheese, and leafy greens as a way to strengthen their bones due to their high calcium content. That's good, and while oranges and other citrus fruits aren't high in calcium, they provide the rest of the picture to make sure that the calcium you ingest is actually getting absorbed by your bones. The high Vitamin C content in citrus fruits is a critical nutrient for collagen production, which provides the framework for bones. It also increases calcium absorption significantly. Citrus is also rich in potassium, which neutralizes hyperacidity in the body. Research has shown that individuals who eat foods rich in Vitamin C and potassium have a higher bone density. Finally, there is a lesser known vitamin in citrus fruits called folate (Vitamin B9) a key player in bone marrow function that has also been shown to lower the risk of hip fractures. As such, citrus is a vital part of maintaining and improving bone density and function.

Grapefruit and Your Medications

Because Halloween is a fun time of the year, we want to keep things from actually getting scary by remembering to practice good safety protocols. When it comes to citrus, one thing to be aware of is that grapefruit is contraindicated with certain medications. This effect is due mainly to the fact that special compounds in grapefruits can interact with these medications and make them either less effective or too concentrated. The list of the main medications to be aware of is here, but also make sure to check with your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications to see if it would be all right to enjoy a juicy grapefruit often or just once in a while.

You Might Scare People 

While this healthy, happy little girl doesn't look scary, let's face it: most Americans follow the SAD diet, or "Standard American Diet." Unfortunately, it is an apt acronym. The tried and true adage "you are what you eat" is reflected in the generally poor health of most Americans. This "sad" reality is partially because healthy foods are harder to access and afford these days, and partially because many people have become addicted from an early age to sugary and processed foods, which only cause inflammation, fatigue, and disease. Additionally, many people are working too many hours each day and thus do not have a lot of time to plan, purchase, and prepare healthy meals at home.  Enter citrus--it's affordable, portable, and ready to eat anytime!  With a regular diet of healthy citrus fruits, you may glow with so much health that you might just scare people! Take heart, though: you'll "scare" them the right way as an inspiration for healthy habits.

Sources:

Halloween Colors and What They Mean

5 Reasons Oranges Boost Your Bone Strength Naturally - Healthier Up

14 Medications to Avoid Mixing With Grapefruit

Healthy Food and Eating: Americans' Priorities and Behaviors | Pew Research Center

In Memory of Dr. Jane Goodall

 

The beginning of citrus season this year coincided with the recent passing of ethologist, primate researcher, conservationist, and peacemaker Jane Goodall. She was 91 years young and died of natural causes.  One of the great secrets to her longevity came from her deep alliance with chimpanzees in their natural habitat, gleaning insights into their ability to thrive in the deep wilderness. The first "secret," of course, is no secret at all: we come from the wilderness, and nature immersion--even just simple time under a tree--is very, very, good for us. After spending years in the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania immersed in chimpanzee research, Jane Goodall spent much of the latter half of her life doing just the opposite: she traveled extensively, making speaking appearances on behalf of environmental conservation and world peace. In 2024, she told Reader's Digest: "A happy day for me is if I can be out in nature somewhere. If I go to a hotel and there's one tree, I will sometimes move my bed around so I can just be there and see the tree." In fact, she was on a speaking tour at the time of her death, and as of the date of this blog, she has an October 7 appearance posted on the Jane Goodall Institute's website.

The Healthy Eating Link

Nature immersion wasn't the only component contributing to Dr. Goodall's legacy.  She was also a staunch vegan and whole foods advocate, and citrus was a major part of her diet.  While the chimpanzees she lived with were omnivores and thus consumed some meat, she observed that fruit--and particularly oranges--were a major component of their daily food consumption. Second only to humans, chimpanzees are the longest-living primates, and their diets can give a clear insight into our own longevity strategy.

The Stress Connection

Dr. Goodall was also accomplished at managing her stress levels, even in the face of increasing environmental devastation and other threats to her beloved chimpanzees, other animals, and humanity.  She discovered that chimpanzees are subject to the same capacity for happiness and grief as we are. Environmental factors, encroachment, disease, and other stressors can seriously impact a chimp's health and longevity. Oranges are a huge ally here: their high Vitamin C content reduces the "stress hormone" cortisol, and the high folate and niacin concentrations found naturally in oranges function as mood-boosters.  Dehydration can also be a significant, under-acknowledged source of physiological stress; oranges and other citrus fruits are like little hydration-balls, packed with easily absorbable water in every delicious bite. It is no surprise, then, that oranges are a primary component of chimpanzee diets, and why Dr. Goodall likewise consumed them regularly.

The Happiness Link

While humans, chimpanzees, and all animals are subject to stress and mood depletion, nature gives us tools to overcome them and return to a baseline of general happiness.  One of these tools is oranges and most citrus fruits in general; this fact sheds yet another light on why both Dr. Goodall and her chimpanzee friends were so enthusiastic about eating oranges. Research has shown that eating citrus lowers the risk of depression because it stimulates the growth of a "good" gut bacterium called Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. These beneficial bacteria influence the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine; both of these are well-known to be mood elevators. 

Sharing Is Caring

Finally, Dr. Goodall discovered that chimpanzees, just like humans, derive health and happiness from meaningful friendships and family bonds that use touch, meal sharing, and regular communication to foster connection. Sharing food is one of our most basic and powerful forms of expressing love. When we give, receive, and share healthy foods, we are expressing how much we care for and love being cared by each another.  

As we enter into a new year of citrus harvest, Florida Fruit Shippers wants to acknowledge with deep appreciation the work and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall. We strive to continue to support the importance of her work by bringing you the benefits of citrus fruits directly from the trees. 

Sources:

About Jane - Jane Goodall Institute USA

Jane Goodall Dies at Age 91

Jane Goodall's Lifestyle Habits That Helped Her Live to 91 - Business Insider

Chimpanzee lifespan

Signs of Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Chimpanzees - PMC

Eating citrus may lower depression risk — Harvard Gazette

What Do Citrus Trees Do During the Summer?

Now that it's late May, citrus harvest season has ended. Temperatures in Florida already feel like summer, and the groves are quiet, free of the people and machinery that are part and parcel of the seven-month fruit picking season.  But, lest we be fooled: even though it might currently be quieter on the grovefront, a lot is going on during the warm, moist summer season that is very important for our enjoyment of freshly picked oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines come the rest of the year. In this blog, we'll learn a little about how citrus trees grow and why summer is a significant season.

The Biology of A Citrus Tree

While there are many varieties of citrus, they all belong to the family Rutaceae. As such, while there are many varieties of oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, and such, all citrus share many characteristics in common. One of these characteristics is how they grow. Once citrus trees reach maturation (at about three to six years for oranges and grapefruits), they follow a general cycle of flowering, fruit set, developing, and maturation. The fruits themselves follow a cycle of immature, mature, ripe, and overripe. What stage a fruit is in is directly proportionate to its size and color.

Summer Is a Time to Grow

Simply put, for mature trees the summer season is the fruit growing season. This is when all the energy from the soil, sun, and tree does all the work to slowly grow a fruit. In tropical climates, citrus trees of all types can grow and fruit year-round, but subtropical places like Florida have subtle seasons that the trees adapt to. To adjust for the dryer and cooler winter season versus the hotter and wetter summer one, citrus trees have a specific growing cycle. The fact that we have cool winters and hot summers in Florida is a boon to our taste buds, as the cooler temperatures procure sweeter fruit (see our blog on this topic) while hot summers promote exceptional juiciness. This seasonal effect is magnified by the robustness of the trees, which is largely determined by their growing power in the summertime. 

Maximizing Quality and Yield

Though the bustle of the harvesting is absent during summertime, regular tree maintenance is crucial during this season. Mature trees need to be pruned regularly, and if, for some reason, the summer rains hold off, the soil must be kept moist by human-generated means. This becomes especially important as the fragrant orange blossoms of spring are replaced by the appearance of small green fruits that need to be nurtured to maturity and optimal ripeness by Autumn. Summer is also when trees must be examined regularly for pests and citrus greening, both of which thrive in the hot, humid environs. 

As the temperatures soar and the hours of daylight increase in the summer, photosynthesis is maximized. This causes the fructose (fruit sugar) content to increase and the acidity to decrease. Around June, most trees experience what is known as a "fruitlet drop," during which some immature fruits are released from the tree so that the tree can retain only the maximum number of fruits it can carry through development, maturation, and ripening without exhausting its resources. Fruit growers want the conditions to be just right for a tree to be able to retain as much fruit as possible without sacrificing quality. Summer conditions, combined with careful attention to the health of the trees, make this possible. 

We here at Florida Fruit Shippers wish you a relaxing summer. We will be working hard to ensure that we have the tastiest, juiciest fruits for you at the beginning of harvest season! Until then, please stay well-hydrated (orange juice is a great bet) and healthy.

SOURCES:

Unlocking the Secrets of Orange Growth: A Seasonal Guide - SauceAndBites

How to Grow and Care for Orange Trees

What Season Do Oranges Grow Best In - Back Gardener

Life cycle of an orange - all you need to know - Frucosol

When Do Grapefruit Trees Bear Fruit: Your Guide To Year-Round Harvests

When Do Citrus Trees Produce Fruit

Summer Tree Care Practices to Improve Fruit Quality and Yield - Citrus Industry Magazine