catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

Growing citrus: how fancy varieties were created

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Many varieties are available thanks to experts in growing citrus!

Many varieties are available thanks to experts in growing citrus!

If you are of a certain age, you may remember when we could not purchase fancy citrus varieties of fruits during the winter unless you lived south of the Mason-Dixon line. We had to wait until it came back into season for growing citrus.

 

There was even an old tradition of children getting oranges in their Christmas stockings as a treat. They were that dear, but no longer. Today we always have access to citrus fruits in our local grocery stores. We can even order fancy citrus varieties such as honeybells, ruby red grapefruit, and tangelos.

 

Fancy citrus varieties were developed when farmers growing citrus discovered how simple it was to grow oranges if the conditions were right. Citrus needs rich soil, a temperate climate complete with cool nights. The cool nights help to increase the sugar content in the fruit as long as there is not a frost. Frost will immediately put a halt to the growing season. If the fruit is not ready to be picked, the season will not be profitable for the growers.

 

Some of the more interesting fancy citrus varieties are the Honeybell orange which is actually created from a tangerine and a grapefruit. The tangerine and grapefruit buds were placed into the trunk of an orange tree and the Honeybell orange was born. It has a sweet, juicy taste.

   

~

 

Some varieties have been cultivated by citrus growers to make them easier to peel (the Mandarin and the Ugli, types of oranges), and some have even been cultivated to be seedless (Clementines and the Satsuma oranges).  And those of us who have lived in the South can appreciated that there are many fancy citrus varieties available.

 

Try using oranges or grapefruits in citrus recipes that go beyond breads and baked goods. You can make sauces, vinaigrettes even soups with citrus fruits. Fancy citrus varieties will add different flavors depending on which variety you choose. Adventurous cooks can thank a new generation of horticulturalists growing citrus for the wide range of sweetness, flavor and even color, in the citrus available year-round.
   

Fancy citrus varieties let you go beyond a plain old orange. Find a market or online citrus produce specialty retailer that differentiates between the different types of oranges, grapefruits and other citrus fruits.

 

Better yet, instead of waiting for someone to send you a basket of oranges and grapefruits, order one for yourself! In the middle of a cold winter day, a bite of a piece of citrus fruit is like a bite of sunshine.

 

Popular Savings Offers

 

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.