Best Orange Groves in Florida – Find Your Citrus Haven

The Top 7 Orange Groves in Florida

So, without further ado, here are the top orange groves in Florida:

1. Uncle Matt’s Organic

   When it comes to organic oranges, Uncle Matt’s Organic is a standout.

   This family-owned and operated grove is committed to growing the highest quality organic oranges while also promoting sustainable farming practices.

   Plus, their oranges are absolutely delicious.

   Let me tell you, when I first bit into an Uncle Matt’s orange, I had a moment of pure citrusy bliss.

   The juice practically exploded in my mouth, bursting with sweet, tangy flavor.

   It was like biting into a ray of sunshine.

   And you know what’s even better?

   Uncle Matt’s offers a variety of oranges to choose from, including Valencia, Navel, and Hamlin oranges.

   Each one has its own unique flavor profile, so you can try them all and find your favorite.

   But it’s not just the taste that sets Uncle Matt’s apart.

   They take sustainability seriously, using eco-friendly farming practices to reduce their environmental impact.

   And let me tell you, there’s something truly special about biting into an orange that was grown with love and care for the planet.

   Oh, and did I mention they offer orange juice too?

   Yeah, it’s like taking a sip of pure sunshine in a glass.

   Trust me, once you try Uncle Matt’s organic oranges, you’ll never go back to regular old fruit again.

2. Showcase of Citrus

   Located in Clermont, Florida, the Showcase of Citrus is like a theme park for orange enthusiasts.

   And by theme park, I mean it’s basically the happiest place on earth, but instead of Mickey Mouse, you get to hang out with orange trees.

   As soon as you step foot on the property, the sweet scent of citrus hits you like a ton of bricks (in the best way possible).

   The rows and rows of orange trees stretch out as far as the eye can see, with vibrant oranges dangling from every branch, just waiting to be plucked.

   But wait, it gets even better.

   The Showcase of Citrus offers tons of activities that will make your inner child jump for joy.

   You can hop on one of their giant swamp buggies for a tour of the groves, where you’ll learn all about the history and production of Florida’s famous oranges.

   

   And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a spin on their zipline course and soar above the orange trees like a superhero (or at least feel like one).

   But let’s not forget the main attraction here: the oranges themselves.

   The Showcase of Citrus offers some of the freshest, juiciest oranges you’ll ever taste.

   And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even pick your own oranges straight from the trees.

   Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a sun-ripened orange that you just plucked yourself.

   It’s like a burst of sunshine in your mouth.

   And if you’re feeling peckish after all that citrus-filled fun, the Showcase of Citrus also has a country store where you can pick up some fresh-squeezed orange juice, jams, jellies, and other orange-themed goodies.

   It’s like heaven on earth for orange lovers.

   So there you have it, folks.

   The Showcase of Citrus is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves oranges (or just wants an excuse to hang out in a grove of orange trees).

   Trust me, it’s worth the trip.

   So grab your friends, family, or significant other, and head on over to the happiest place on earth (for orange lovers).

3. Dundee Groves

   Ah, Dundee Groves – the crown jewel of Florida’s citrus industry.

   This place is the real deal, folks.

   You know you’re in for a treat as soon as you pull into the parking lot and are greeted by the sweet scent of ripe oranges.

   Located in the heart of the Sunshine State, Dundee Groves has been producing top-quality citrus for over 100 years.

   That’s right, they’ve been perfecting the art of growing oranges longer than your great-grandma has been alive!

   When you step inside the grove, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world – a world of juicy, delicious oranges as far as the eye can see.

   Take a stroll through the grove and pick your own oranges straight from the tree, or let the experts do the work and choose from a variety of pre-picked fruit.

   But the real pièce de résistance of Dundee Groves?

   Their world-famous Honeybells.

   These sweet, juicy oranges are so popular that people come from all over the world just to get a taste.

   Trust me, once you try a Honeybell, you’ll never want to go back to regular oranges again.

   And the fun doesn’t stop there.

   Dundee Groves offers guided tours of the grove, so you can learn all about the history of citrus farming in Florida and how the fruit is grown and harvested.

   Plus, you can watch the experts at work as they hand-pack each and every piece of fruit for shipping.

   But let’s be real, the best part of the tour is the free samples.

   That’s right, you get to taste all the different varieties of oranges and citrus products Dundee Groves has to offer.

   From fresh-squeezed orange juice to zesty marmalade, there’s something for everyone.

4. Davidson Brothers Citrus

   Picture yourself strolling through an orange grove in Florida.

   The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the sweet aroma of citrus fills the air.

   As you make your way through the rows of orange trees, you come across a grove that stands out from the rest: Davidson Brothers Citrus.

   Located in Vero Beach, Davidson Brothers Citrus is a family-owned and operated grove that has been in business for over 100 years.

   That’s right, 100 years!

   They know a thing or two about growing the best oranges in Florida.

   But what sets Davidson Brothers Citrus apart from other groves?

   For starters, they offer a wide variety of oranges, from the classic Valencia to the exotic Cara Cara.

   And let’s not forget about their grapefruit and tangerines, which are just as delicious.

   But it’s not just about the variety of citrus at Davidson Brothers Citrus.

   It’s also about the quality.

   They take great pride in their grove, using sustainable farming practices and hand-picking each piece of fruit to ensure that only the best oranges make it to your basket.

   And if you’re looking for a unique experience, Davidson Brothers Citrus has got you covered.

   They offer guided tours of the grove, where you can learn about the history of the grove and the process of growing and harvesting citrus.

   You can even sample some of their delicious oranges and grapefruit!

   But the fun doesn’t stop there.

   Davidson Brothers Citrus also has a market where you can purchase all sorts of citrus goodies, from fresh-squeezed orange juice to homemade marmalade.

   And if you can’t make it to the grove in person, don’t worry – they offer shipping services so you can enjoy their delicious oranges from the comfort of your own home.

5. Al’s Family Farms

   Ah, Al’s Family Farms!

   One of my all-time favorite orange groves in Florida.

   Located in Vero Beach, this place is a must-visit for any citrus lover.

   Picture this: rows and rows of lush orange trees, as far as the eye can see.

   The scent of sweet citrus filling the air.

   And the best part?

   You get to pick your own oranges!

   That’s right, Al’s Family Farms offers a pick-your-own experience, so you can hand-select the juiciest, sweetest oranges straight from the tree.

   But wait, there’s more!

   Al’s also offers guided tours of the grove, so you can learn all about the history of the farm and the science behind growing the perfect oranges.

   And if you’re feeling peckish, be sure to stop by the farm store for some fresh-squeezed orange juice or a mouthwatering orange creamsicle.

   And here’s the kicker: Al’s Family Farms is also home to some of the most unique citrus varieties in Florida.

   Ever heard of a honeybell?

   How about a cara cara orange?

   Trust me, you haven’t truly experienced the joy of citrus until you’ve tried these rare varieties.

6. Mixon Fruit Farms

   This place is a hidden gem.

   It’s like a treasure trove of Florida oranges just waiting to be discovered.

   Let me paint you a picture: rows and rows of orange trees as far as the eye can see, the sun shining down on you, the scent of fresh citrus in the air.

   It’s like stepping into a citrus paradise.

   And Mixon Fruit Farms knows how to show you a good time.

   First off, their tours are top-notch.

   You get to hop on a tram and ride through the groves, learning all about the different types of oranges and how they’re grown.

   It’s like a mini-education on oranges – who knew there were so many different varieties?

   But that’s not all.

   They also have a petting zoo.

   Yes, you heard me right.

   A petting zoo.

   I mean, what could be better than snuggling up to a cute little goat after indulging in some juicy oranges?

   It’s a match made in heaven.

   And don’t even get me started on their freshly squeezed orange juice.

   It’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.

   It’s so sweet and tangy and refreshing, you’ll never go back to store-bought juice again.

   Trust me on this.

   But wait, there’s more!

   Mixon Fruit Farms also has a country store where you can stock up on all sorts of goodies.

   From orange marmalade to orange-scented soap, they’ve got it all.

   And if you’re feeling hungry, they even have a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat.

   I highly recommend the orange creamsicle ice cream – it’s like a dream in a cone.

7. Vo-LaSalle Farms

   Ah, Vo-LaSalle Farms!

   What can I say?

   This place is an absolute gem when it comes to finding the best oranges in Florida.

   Located in DeLeon Springs, Vo-LaSalle Farms is a family-owned business that has been producing some of the juiciest and sweetest oranges in Florida for over 50 years.

   You can’t miss the entrance to the farm, it’s a quaint country road that leads you right up to the gift shop.

   It’s like stepping into a time machine and going back to a simpler time where the oranges were grown and picked by hand.

   Once you’re in the gift shop, you’ll be greeted with the smell of fresh oranges and the sight of some of the most creative orange-themed gifts you’ve ever seen.

   From orange-scented candles to orange-shaped salt and pepper shakers, they have it all.

   But let’s not forget why we’re here, the oranges!

   Vo-LaSalle Farms offers a variety of oranges including Valencia, Hamlin, and Navel oranges.

   But what sets them apart is their famous Honeybell oranges.

   They are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

   And if you’re lucky enough to visit during the harvest season (December – March), you can take a guided tour of the groves and see firsthand how the oranges are grown, harvested, and packed for shipping.

   It’s a unique experience that’s not to be missed.

   But wait, it gets even better!

   Vo-LaSalle Farms also has a café on site where you can enjoy delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients, including their famous orange juice.

   It’s the perfect way to end your visit to the farm.

These are just a few of the amazing orange groves you can find in Florida.

But trust me, no matter where you go, you’re sure to find delicious, juicy oranges.

Best Orange Groves in Florida – Chart

How to Choose the Best Oranges

Now that I’ve shown you the way to the best orange groves in Florida, let’s talk about how to pick the perfect oranges.

After all, it’s not just about finding the grove, it’s also about finding the best fruit.

So, here are a few juicy tips to help you choose the best oranges:

1. Get Heavy with It: When it comes to oranges, weight matters.

   You want oranges that are heavy for their size.

   This usually indicates they’re bursting with juice and are perfectly ripe.

   So, give those oranges a little lift before putting them in your bag.

2. Keep It Firm: Nobody likes a mushy orange.

   Choose oranges that are firm to the touch and have a smooth texture.

   Avoid oranges that are soft, have dents, or blemishes.

   You don’t want to bite into a bruised or mushy fruit, right?

3. Orange is the New Orange: Check the color.

   Oranges should be bright orange, not green or brown.

   This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people miss this one.

   Bright orange color is a sign that the fruit is fresh and ripe.

4. Follow Your Nose: Give the oranges a sniff.

   They should have a sweet, citrusy aroma.

   The scent should be strong but not overpowering.

   A good orange smells like sunshine in a peel.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to pick the juiciest, most delicious oranges.

Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe orange, and the juice bursts into your mouth, sending your taste buds into ecstasy.

Yum!

How to Store Oranges

So, you’ve picked out the perfect oranges.

Now, how do you store them?

Here are a few tips:

• Store oranges at room temperature. Oranges can last for up to a week at room temperature.
• Keep oranges out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause oranges to spoil faster.
• Don’t store oranges near other fruits or vegetables. Oranges produce ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen and spoil faster.
• Refrigerate oranges for longer storage. Oranges can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure your oranges stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

How to Enjoy Oranges

Of course, the best part of finding the best orange groves in Florida is enjoying the delicious, juicy fruit.

Here are a few ways to enjoy oranges:

• Eat them fresh. There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, fresh Florida orange.
• Make orange juice. Fresh
  squeezed orange juice is the perfect way to start your day.
• Add them to salads. Oranges add a sweet, citrusy flavor to any salad.
• Make marmalade. If you have a surplus of oranges, try making homemade marmalade.
• Use them in desserts. Oranges add a bright, citrusy flavor to cakes, pies, and other desserts.

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy Florida oranges.

Get creative and try something new!

FAQs

What’s the best time of year to visit an orange grove in Florida?

The best time to visit an orange grove in Florida is during the winter months, from December to March.

This is when the oranges are at their ripest and juiciest.

Do all orange groves in Florida offer tours?

No, not all orange groves in Florida offer tours.

It’s best to check with the specific grove you’re interested in visiting to see if they offer tours.

Can you ship Florida oranges?

Yes, many orange groves in Florida offer shipping services.

This is a great way to share the delicious taste of Florida oranges with friends and family who live far away.

What’s the difference between a tangerine and a tangelo?

A tangerine is a type of mandarin orange, while a tangelo is a hybrid between a tangerine and a grapefruit.

Tangelos are usually larger than tangerines and have a sweeter, milder flavor.

The Best Oranges in Florida: Enjoy!

Well folks, that’s a wrap!

I hope you enjoyed reading about the best orange groves in Florida as much as I enjoyed writing about them.

I’ve covered some seriously juicy spots today, but if you’re still undecided on which grove to visit, let me give you one last push in the right direction.

Whether you’re a citrus fanatic or just looking for a fun day trip with friends and family, visiting one of Florida’s orange groves is an experience you won’t forget.

From the scenic groves to the mouth-watering fruit, there’s something for everyone.

So go ahead, pack a cooler, grab your sunglasses, and hit the road to one of these groves.

And remember, when life gives you oranges, make orange juice (or mimosas, I won’t judge).

Until next time, keep on sipping and squeezing those oranges, and don’t forget to share your own orange grove adventures with me!