Few states have an industry that is as much a part of the state’s history as Florida citrus is to the state of Florida. Even though it took hundreds of years before the growth and production of citrus fruit became a major cash producing industry for Florida the orange was used as the symbol of Florida because it was found everywhere in the state. Citrus fruits are not indigenous to the state of Florida, but the first citrus fruit trees were brought to the state in the late 1400s by Spanish explorers and they have flourished there ever since. During the wave of exploration that engulfed North and South America in the late 1400s/early 1500s Ponce de Leon explored several Caribbean islands where citrus fruit was plentiful and brought orange trees with him to the coast of Florida. The climate in Florida, which is similar to the Caribbean climate the trees had thrived in, turned out to be the perfect climate for oranges and other citrus fruits and the legacy of Florida citrus was born.
For hundreds of years Florida oranges, and later Florida grapefruits, were known as a delicacy that could only be gotten in Florida. At the time shipping products was difficult and expensive. Most food items could not be shipped because they would spoil before they reached their destination. So, people who wanted great citrus fruit would travel to Florida if they could afford it. They told everyone how tasty Florida citrus fruit was and the demand for Florida citrus went even higher. Once engine powered vehicles came along it became feasible to ship citrus fruit, which delighted people around the country who could now have access to Florida’s delicious fruit. The fruit was expensive due to the expense of shipping, and having fresh Florida oranges and grapefruit became a status symbol.
In the past, sending Florida oranges and grapefruit gift baskets, showed the recipient that the person sending the gift basket was wealthy. Today, the Florida citrus industry is very large, but people view the Florida oranges and grapefruits as more than just a regular cash crop. The citizens of Florida identify themselves with the history of citrus fruit and are proud that Florida citrus is part of their culture.
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Article contributed by Hale Groves, providing fresh fruit baskets, gift baskets and Florida oranges and citrus, including delicious navel oranges, honeybells, ruby red grapefruit, valencia oranges, tangerines and more! Visit HaleGroves.com for more information.
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