FOOD NEWS
The Reason Florida Grocery Stores Rarely Sell Its Homegrown Oranges
BY EMMA SEGREST
Although Florida is strongly associated with oranges, most oranges sold for eating in Florida are exported from California, as Florida's are primarily used for processing.
According to Growing Produce, 90% of Florida's oranges are used in processed orange products such as orange juice, concentrate, frozen products, and more.
Florida oranges are better suited for juice products for various reasons. To start, they tend to be more unsightly compared to other orange exports, despite being perfectly edible.
While Florida oranges are softer and therefore juicier, they are more difficult to transport and sell on shelves. Rather, their juice content makes them perfect for juicing.