Fancy That Friday – Apples and Oranges

Or in this case, just oranges. American oranges to be precise.

The two major producers of oranges in the United States are California and Florida. Florida grows roughly three times as many oranges as California. But did you know that not all oranges are created equal?

Florida growers usually specialize in juice oranges. This is due to Florida’s warmer, humid climate. This type of weather can leave orange rinds with a green tint, making the fruit less desirable to consumers.

Oranges that grace grocery store displays are primarily grown in California. Although the juice of a Florida orange tends to be sweeter than their Californian counterparts, the cooler evenings and lower humidity of California’s climate produces a more attractive looking orange. And in the end, it’s all about looks.

So next time someone accuses you of comparing apples to oranges, you can assure them that you are in fact comparing oranges to oranges. Florida to California oranges, that is.