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Florida citrus gift baskets are popular items to both give and receive, and for good reason. Florida citrus fruits taste great, are versatile and can be included in a variety of recipes and decorating schemes, and offer a myriad of health benefits as well. At Harvey’s Groves, our Florida citrus gift baskets contain delicious, healthy fruit chosen at the peak of freshness.
Believe it or not, the fruit contained in those mouthwatering Florida citrus gift baskets is not actually native to the sunshine state. The orange groves in Florida most likely came about due to the efforts of the Spanish explorers, and likely Ponce De Leon, who planted the first orange trees in Florida between 1513 and 1565. Grapefruit did not appear in Florida until around 1806, and this was due to the fact that the French Count Odette Philippe had a particular fondness for the citrus fruit and ordered a large grove of grapefruits to be planted near Tampa in 1823.
Due to Florida’s sub tropical climate and primarily sandy soil, citrus trees flourished, and were among the predominate features of the Florida landscape by the 19th century. Florida citrus gift baskets were a popular item among those who could afford them and it is estimated that Florida’s annual commercial Florida citrus production was up to more than five million boxes by the year 1893.
Although the Great Freeze of 1894-1895 did destroy many of the most prominent Florida orange groves, this resulted in the development of many new groves in the southern part of that state, and today more than 12,000 citrus groves exist in the state. More people work in the Florida citrus industry or related business than in any other state business or industry.
The next time that you enjoy a delicious Florida citrus gift basket, take some time to reflect on the history of the Florida orange groves, and their impact on culture and tradition both in Florida, and the world over. While you’re at it, why not give the gift of a delicious Harvey’s Groves Florida citrus gift basket to someone important in your life, and let them share in the tradition of Florida citrus as well? Harvey’s Groves is your one stop shop for all things citrus, and our unparalleled selection of Florida citrus gift baskets are sure to please everyone on your list. Visit us today to experience the Harvey’s Groves difference for yourself..
Visit our Fresh Fruit Online Store to purchase Florida Oranges, Grapefruits, Gift Baskets and More!
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