Honeybell Orange – A True Taste of Florida

Honeybell Oranges have always been my favorite and in the month of December I can’t wait to get my first taste. Honeybells have a short-lived season, from December to February, and dedicated followers like me.

So, what’s so special about a honeybell orange? According to its growing history, the Honeybell was a success story on fruit hybridization and introduced to Florida growers in 1931. It was “un-orange” in appearance; the size of a fist and was orange in color; it is half tangerine and half grapefruit but had a bell-shaped stem (which is how it got its name).

Wait till you taste a Honeybell! It is usually seedless and very juicy - I love the combination of a not too sweet and not too tangy taste. It is the perfect size and easy to peel the old-fashioned way. Enjoy Honeybells while they last!

A trip to the South Naples Citrus Grove satisfied my craving. I also enjoyed browsing the assorted varieties of bagged oranges, seasonal vegetables and fruits. Fresh squeezed orange juice was another bonus to the trip. This is a family-owned citrus grove since 1978 of over 150 acres. When we pulled into the parking lot, we noticed assorted license plates from different states and families taking a brief tour of the rows of orange trees. Others were sitting around the picnic tables enjoying the sunshine and their cones of orange and vanilla soft serve, which they sell in the back of the store. We did not forget the Key Lime Pie! South Citrus Grove is one of the best kept secrets in town! See for yourself at 341 Sabal Palms Road, Naples.