Oranges and Grapefruits are similar in appearance, so much so in fact that until the early 1940’s, the grapefruit was considered to be a grossly oversized orange, and was not given the distinction of being a separate fruit until that time.   Interestingly enough, it is believed that oranges are actually descendants of the grapefruit, not the other way around as was first believed. The orange is thought to be a hybrid of the tangerine and the pomelo—the ancient ancestor of the grapefruit.  Both oranges and grapefruits are also classified as Hesperidiums, or types of berries, and both grow in clusters on the branches of their respective trees. Oranges and Grapefruits are the most popular and most produced and shipped types of citrus fruits worldwide. Both types of citrus fruits have been extolled for their various health benefits, including providing necessary vitamins and minerals, and aiding in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature birth, and even some types of cancer.  Oranges and grapefruits are also the backbone of the agricultural economy of Florida—the home of Hale Groves.  Our oranges and grapefruits, grown on the famed Indian River, are allowed to ripen naturally on the tree, and then shipped directly to our customers at the peak of freshness, ready to be enjoyed immediately upon delivery. If you’ve been to the grocery store looking for produce, you’ve likely been disappointed with the meager selection and low quality fruit you’ve found for sale. This isn’t the store’s fault, since it is a well known fact that big chains rely on the quick shipment of oranges and grapefruits before they are fully ripe in order to fill the huge demand by the consumer for these tasty citrus fruit.  The oranges and grapefruits that you can find at the store, while still tasty and good for you, do not even come close to the taste and quality of fruit grown lovingly in a grove and allowed to ripen naturally.  It’s just that simple. If you’re ready to try oranges and grapefruits as they were meant to be enjoyed, ordering them couldn’t be easier, thanks to the Hale Groves’ website. On our site, you can view our full offering of products, including oranges and grapefruits, holiday and seasonal gift baskets, and more, and then simply point and click. With a touch of your mouse, and without ever having to leave the privacy of your own home, you can have a shipment of high quality, naturally grown citrus fruit delivered directly to your door.   After you’ve tried our fruit, we know that you’ll agree that Hale Groves’ citrus is superior to the citrus you may have grown up eating.  Of course, you won’t want to keep all of that citrus goodness to yourself, which is why our oranges and grapefruits are decoratively packaged and mixed with gourmet delicacies including jams and jellies and nuts, ready to be shipped to everyone on your gift-giving list.