Did you know nearly 76,000 Floridians work in the citrus industry or a citrus-related business? Grapefruits, loved worldwide for their sweet and sour flavor as well as their health benefits, are just one facet of Florida’s booming citrus industry, which generates a nearly $9-billion-per-year impact on Florida’s economy.
Check out these fun facts about Florida grapefruit:
- Much of Florida’s grapefruit is grown in the Indian River region of the state, located on the east coast of Florida and stretching more than 200 miles from Daytona to West Palm Beach.
- Florida grapefruit is shipped to countries all over the world, including Japan, the United Kingdom and South Korea.
- Grapefruit got its name because of the way it grows in clusters, like grapes, on citrus trees.
- Grapefruit has been growing in Florida since the 1800s, when Count Odet Philippe planted the state’s first grapefruit grove near Tampa Bay.
- Grapefruit is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits per calorie, providing high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, potassium and dietary fiber.
- When stored in a refrigerator crisper, fresh grapefruit will last up to three weeks.
- The primary varieties of Florida grapefruit are Ruby Red, Flame, Thompson, Marsh and Duncan.
- The fresh grapefruit season typically lasts from September through June.
Sources: Florida Department of Citrus, floridacitrus.org/grapefruit/about-grapefruit, floridacitrus.org/grapefruit/facts, visitflorida.com/en-us/eat-drink/facts-about-florida-citrus-oranges.html
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I was wondering if someone could tell me which grapefruit specifically the sweetest known Red grapefruit that does well in SW Florida?