About Florida Oranges Eating and Growing Them

Florida's oranges are very nutritious. They contain vitamin C ,potassium and fiber. The fresh oranges are used in many recipes. Main meals,Salads,desserts or just peeled and eaten. The juice is good cold and refreshing to drink for breakfast or anytime during the day.

Florida's State Flower

The State flower of Florida is the Orange Blossom.

My experience

When I first moved to Florida I couldn't believe how easy it was to pick fresh oranges off the trees. They grew everywhere on the way to school I would pluck one for my lunch box. Just about every yard had a couple of orange trees in it. Mom would juice them for a fresh breakfast drink. No canned or bottle juice for us.

Mom and dad didn't have a whole lot of work options back then. My Dad a mechanic by trade couldn't find that type of work.So they went to work at a Packing house for fruit. It was a very hard physical job. Tourists could come by and buy oranges ,orange juice,coconut candy and marmalade. They bring home all the oranges they wanted they were so abundant.That place is still there it could be haunted now by all the people that were there so long ago. I know I visited there when I was a child. it is so very very old of a landmark made of wood called Sullivan Brothers Victory Citrus Packing house.Built in the 1900's it is located at 2275 US1 Rockledge,Florida.

Today new concrete modern packing houses have been built.They are located all over the State of Florida. Oranges,juice other gifts can be purchased online or from a catalog

Orange trees can be purchased online here http://www.directgardening.com/detail.asp?ProductID=1115

Planting An Orange Tree

The Florida orange growing season is November until June.

You should consider the soil drainage where the orange tree is planted. The tree won't grow properly if the drainage is too slow. Dig a hole 18 inches deep put some compose in the bottom. Then put the tree in and spread out the roots. Cover up gently with the soil making sure the tree is planted straight. Then pack down the soil around the orange tree..

Recipes

Today for me it is easier to buy my juice at the store. but sometimes I bring out the juicer and make my own. I love to peel and eat them. Oranges and there juice can be used in some great recipes too.

Orange Cake Frosting so easy to make! Good on white cake or yellow cake. Frosts a two layer,bunt or tube cake.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. Butters

4 to 5 tbsp. orange juice

3 3/4 confectioners sugar a 1 lb. box

1 1/2 tsp. grated orange peel

a few grains of salt

In a large mixing bowl mix the butter mashing into the orange juice add sugar granually then orange peel . Mix all together add salt mix until smooth. Frost your cake and Enjoy!

Orange Curry Sauce

Serve with grilled or broiled fish.

Ingredients

3/4 cup mayo

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp. fresh squeezed orange juice

1/4 tsp. curry powder

Combine in a medium bowl mayo,ketchup,orange peel,orange juice and curry powder.

Orange Chicken Salad with Freta Cheese

Salads are an easy and tasty meal any time of the year.

Ingredients

Cooked Chopped chicken strips 1 lb

3 oranges peeled and segmented

12 cups lettuce

1 red onion sliced thin

1 green bell pepper sliced thin

2 chopped large tomatoes

package Freta cheese

3 tbsp. cider vinegar

Put the lettuce into a large bowl . Add red onion,bell pepper, oranges ,tomatoes,3 tbsp. cider vinegar .Mix all together. Top the salad with the chicken strips and freta cheese.