The Fruits of Peace

We all want peace. We want to feel whole, healthy, calm, and easeful, and we want that for others as well. However, the modern world challenges our ability to truly feel peaceful. 

The Squeeze of Stress

Stress. Even the word itself can evoke a nervous system shift, an ancient response designed to protect us from potential invaders to our well-being. The thing about stress is that it feeds on itself. Like a snowball, the body's responses to stressful influences can easily grow and compound, and it can feel like everything is going downhill. This downward spiral makes you feel squeezed from all sides, amps up our hypothalamus into overdrive, and causes hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to flood throughout our body. For the short term, these hormones can be very helpful in escaping from real danger. But in the modern world, we are suspended in a mid-stress loop--a low-level but constant feeling of potential danger. This loop is generated largely because we are inundated with bad news from all of our media sources. We are forever bathed in varying levels of stress hormones. 

Medical research is clear: long-term stress causes a whole host of pathological effects, such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, headaches, obesity, anxiety, and depression. Fortunately, in the same way that stress can compound, it can also be reversed. Practices such as mindfulness, compassion, walking, proper rest, and whole foods nutrition activate our parasympathetic nervous system and bring us back into balance. 

Walk for Peace

On October 25, 2025, 25 Theravada monks left their Dhammacetiya monastery in Fort Worth, Texas. They traversed 2,300 miles on foot and, 108 days after they departed from Fort Worth, they arrived in Washington, D.C. on February 10, 2026. They were a steady, stalwart line of orange snaking through multicolored cities and crowds, treelined suburbs, and snow-covered rural roads. Along the way, they met all kinds of adversity, from rabble-rousing spectators to illness to subzero temperatures and snowstorms. And yet, their mission and countenance of peace were unwavering.

Their message was simple: "Make today your peaceful day." They embodied this message in every mindful step, walking for miles each day until it was time to eat and rest, and then walking again. They practiced mindfulness as they walked, ate, and engaged with large numbers of people, inviting everyone to join them. At their once-daily mealtime, they used their bowls (shown hanging in the picture above) to receive offerings of nutritious foods. And every evening, their leader Bikkhu Pannakara gave a dharma talk about the importance of coming back to your true peaceful nature.

Orange: The Color of Peace

The robes worn by Theravada monks are a vibrant orange hue. There is a practical reason for this: in the very early days of Buddhism, turmeric and saffron were the most available sources of dyes. Historically, orange also represented the fire of the Buddha's teachings, as it was warm enough to burn away delusion and ignorance. It also represents brightness along a dark path and protection from factors that could dissuade monks from pursuing this path. Ultimately, the orange robes of the monks are powerful symbols of lovingkindness and peace.

Orange: The Fruit of Peace

The message of the Walk for Peace was clear: practice peace every day, and this wounded world will begin to heal. The daily grounded presence of the monks for over 108 days on social media and throughout ten states showed us how to do it. These ways of naturally showing peace--rather than just preaching it--are often referred to as the "fruits" of mindfulness practice. We can be told something over and over again, but when someone sees the effects of peace in action, it has the greatest impact.

Speaking of fruits, a very common snack that the monks were offered on their journey was the orange. Easy to eat, transportable, and packed with immune-  and mood-promoting qualities, the oranges that the monks enjoyed throughout their long autumn- and winter journey gave them on-the-go energy in an organic package that perfectly matched their vibrant orange robes.

Taking Peace Forward

 

Now that the Walk for Peace has ended, many have asked how to continue their own journey of peace and well-being, especially in the face of troubled times. Consider joining a mindfulness meditation group, connecting with the Walk for Peace Facebook page, and taking steps towards creating a more nurturing environment for yourself and your family. Carve out more time for self-care, including rest, moderate exercise, enough sleep, and whole foods. Eat an orange every day to keep your spirits up and your immune system strong, and let the orange color of the fruit remind you of the monks' robes. Give oranges and citrus fruits to others to keep up the practice of generosity and nurturing. Gifts of citrus fruits are also a wonderful way to open the doors of communication, allowing us to both hear and be heard when we need it most. 

May the fruits of peace, love, and kindness ripen for the whole world. May today be your peaceful day,

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037

https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/others/the-sacred-hue-why-monks-often-wear-orange/articleshow/112225324.cms

Of Love and Oranges

 Ahhh, February. As the final month of winter keeps us cozy and indoors for a few more weeks, love, romance, and warm fuzzies are on everyone's mind. Valentine's Day seems designed to align with the natural rhythms of nature, but its origins were not very romantic. In Roman times, the day was indeed all about finding someone to love, but the approach was the opposite of flowers and chocolate. Thank goodness for citrus, which continues to evolve the rituals of love into a more elegant form.

The Early Days

It's believed that the holiday we now recognize as St. Valentine's Day originated with the Feast of Lupercalia in ancient Rome. This annual, three-day feast was in celebration of Lupercus, the god of fertility. It was the epitome of a bacchanalia, replete with animal sacrifices (usually goats, which were then cooked for the feast), "matchmaking" rituals such as lightly beating people with whips to make them more fertile, and drinking to the point of dangerous intoxication before picking a mate from a lottery of names in a jar. Remarkably, the entire affair was supported by the church and facilitated by priests, who--along with everyone else--were mostly naked. The feast itself was set with goat meat, milk, figs, breads, and wines. However, citrus was not a regional fruit variety and thus was not on the menu. It became significant in the centuries to follow as Valentine's Day became more refined. 

Lupercalia

Interesting fact: While Saint Valentine was recognized by some Roman Catholic churches as the patron saint of lovers, beekeepers, and people with epilepsy, he was never unilaterally accepted by the church as a true saint.  What is known, however, is that two men by the name of Valentine were summarily executed on different years in the third century by Emperor Claudius II--both on different years on February 14--during the Feast of Lupercalia. It is believed that these men were secretly marrying couples in love outside of the approval of the Emperor, and thus there are two Saint Valentines! 

The Evolution of The Day of Love

By the fifth century, the Catholic Church began to put the brakes on the rowdy, drunken qualities of Lupercalia, requiring instead a more romantic, fully clothed approach to promoting fertility, courting, coupling, and thus propagating the species. This approach sweetened over the centuries, and in the fourteenth century, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a poem called "The Parliament of Fowls" which directly related the late winter courtship of birds with a February 14th Valentine's Day:

“For this was on seynt Valentynes day,
Whan every fowl cometh there to chese his make.”

By the eighteenth century, February 14th was all about romance, but the fertility theme that originated with the Feast of Lupercalia persisted through the centuries, even to the present day. Rare and sweet foods such as chocolate and oranges became significant symbols of love and conception. Gift baskets containing citrus and sweets were popular offerings to give to someone in courtship. But do citrus fruits like oranges really work as aphrodisiacs? Science has confirmed that the answer is, unequivocally, yes. 

Of Love and Oranges (and Grapefruit)

We all know that citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, making them great allies for fighting off colds during the winter flu season. Vitamin C also promotes sperm health, improves egg quality and ovulation, and helps the adrenal glands balance hormones, thereby supporting the body for conception. For older adults, these same effects can help quell the hormone swings that can kill the "mood." Grapefruit also has higher levels of nitric oxide, which can dilate blood vessels and thus increase the libido at any adult age.

Salvador Dali well knew about the amorous effects of citrus, and regularly enjoyed a "Casanova Cocktail" made of campari bitters, ginger, cayenne, brandy, and a generous amount of freshly squeezed orange juice. Juice that is freshly squeezed has the most active romance-inducing compounds, after all.

Pomander

Pomanders were also a regular part of Valentine's Day gift giving. By studding oranges and tangerines with cloves, they literally added spice to one's existing or potential love life. If romance is not your main focus right now, though, pomanders also double as wonderful winter decorations and aromatherapy for the home, car, and office spaces.

From all of us at Florida Fruit Shippers: Happy Valentine's Day!

Sources:

https://www.npr.org/2011/02/14/133693152/the-dark-origins-of-valentines-day

https://theamericanmag.com/food-of-love/

https://theenlightenmentjourney.com/the-lupercalia-festival-ancient-roman-celebration/

https://potw.org/archive/potw313.html

https://fertility-nest.com/2025/02/12/boost-fertility-naturally-with-vitamin-c/

https://www.mammarancia.com/did-you-know-that-orange-is-an-aphrodisiac-fruit/

Oranges or Orange Juice?

Those of us "of a certain age" probably remember ubiquitous television commercials by 1960's singer Anita Bryant touting the many benefits of Florida orange juice with her famous line: "Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine!" Here is a classic one from the late 1960s, in which she strolls through a Florida orange grove in high heels (without a single drop of sweat, mind you) and effortlessly picks an orange despite her very long nails. The orange "magically" turns into the Florida Orange Bird, which became a Disney World character and the mascot for the Florida Citrus Commission through the 1980's.

In this ad, Ms. Bryant referred to orange trees as "The Florida Sunshine Tree." In the late 1970's, she very much fell out of favor due to her staunch and unfortunate vocal anti-LGBTQ+ stance. In response, Florida oranges and orange juice from Florida were boycotted as a statement against Ms. Bryant's outspoken, archaic opinions, as her name and "The Florida Sunshine Tree" had become synonymous. In 1977, she successfully campaigned to repeal an anti-discrimination law in Miami that protected LGBTQ+ citizens. This law was not reinstated until 1998. The Florida Citrus Commission, now called the Florida Department of Citrus, parted ways with Ms. Bryant due to the controversy.

Nonetheless, the marketing machine had done its work on us, and through several decades between the fifties and the eighties, the messaging was clear: drink lots of orange juice! 

 

Note that all of these ads heartily promote the incredible health benefits of drinking orange juice, from its high Vitamin C content to "vitamins, minerals, and vigor, maintaining alkaline reserves, hydration, increasing appetite, and stimulating digestion." During times of inflation, the message that orange juice will help you nourish your whole family for pennies per cup was a-peeling (pun intended).

The Orange Juice Myth

The assumption here was that since oranges are so good for you, orange juice must be even better, right? After all, it concentrates all of the benefits of oranges into a drinkable, packaged form, like Vitamin C in a carton. This branding-induced standard is still commonly held by households today, with orange juice being the go-to breakfast drink of choice or what people drink in larger quantities when they're sick. 

Upon closer examination, however, there are some health concerns associated with drinking a lot of orange juice, especially if you are managing your weight or at risk of diabetes. The sugar content of an eight-ounce glass of juice has a whopping 26 grams of carbs, 21 grams of which are pure sugar. While the sugar type is fructose, or fruit sugar, it still has a moderate to high glycemic index and affects the body the same way as table sugar. The higher the glycemic index, the greater potential for a blood sugar spike, and this is bad news for your heart, weight, and overall health. To boot, processed juices are all but devoid of the fiber that makes citrus fruits so good for you.

By contrast, an orange is considered a low-glycemic food with only 9 grams of fruit sugar per fruit, and is loaded with fiber.

Oranges or Orange Juice?

While it is fine and perfectly refreshing to enjoy a glass of orange juice now and again, the whole orange is the healthiest choice for daily consumption. While they both contain high levels of Vitamin C, only the whole fruit will keep your blood sugar and weight from spiking. The high fiber content in oranges--lacking in processed orange juice--also helps with hydration and weight management. Check labels and ingredients, and go for one hundred percent orange. Believe it or not, many brands add extra sugar to their juices. Better yet, squeeze your own! Freshly squeezed juice retains more fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients than factory-processed pasteurized brands, even if the label reads "one hundred percent juice."

With 2026 and the determination to stick to our wellness resolutions underway, adding an orange to your daily diet and drinking lots of water is a great idea. Orange juice, while it seems like a shortcut to health and hydration, is no substitute. 

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

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgemH9WAjaQ
https://makinggayhistory.org/podcast/chapter-five-thank-you-anita/
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=711464344804863
https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/02/us/2-decades-on-miami-endorses-gay-rights.html
https://ufsasc.domains.uflib.ufl.edu/come-to-the-florida-sunshine-tree/
https://meandthemouse.com/the-orange-bird-walt-disney-world/
https://www.floridacitrus.org/grower/fdoc-citrus-411/faqs-100-oj-and-sugar
https://www.delish.com/food-news/a64431762/is-it-healthy-to-drink-orange-juice-every-day
https://www.naturopathy-uk.com/news/news-cnm-blog/blog/2020/03/19/is-orange-juice-good-for-you/

(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