Florida grapefruit has a rich history, dating back to 1823, when Count Odet Phillippe planted the state’s first grapefruit grove near Tampa. Before that, the first documented grapefruit tree was found in Barbados in the 1700’s.
If you’ve ever wondered why citrus fruits grow in groves, while other fruits grow in orchards or plantations, the answer is simple! Groves are used to describe areas that grow and cultivate tropical fruits. Citrus fruits thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate.
The fruit earned its unusual name because of the way it grows on citrus trees. Take a walk down a grapefruit grove and you’ll see the fruit grows in a cluster like a bunch of oversized grapes.
Today, there are more than 10,000 citrus growers in Florida, many of whom are multi-generational.
Florida grapefruit growers take pride in producing the highest-quality fruit from seed to shelf. Aside from the health and wellness impacts of a regimen rich in all-natural fruits and vegetables, this practice helps the local and national economy. Visit your local farm stand or grocery store for sweet and juicy fresh Florida grapefruit. One hundred percent Florida grapefruit juice is available year round in your store’s refrigerated or shelved juice aisles.
