The Best Orange Groves In Florida To Pick Your Own Citrus For 2024

Have you ever poured a cold glass of OJ and thought… can it get better?

Don’t miss out on a fresh, citrus, tropical experience.

Florida is know for its oranges but, hand picked and enjoyed is something different.

So get out in the early morning or make an afternoon with this fun activity that you will be able to take home and share.

Top Orange Groves In Florida To Pick Your own citrus

1. The Ridge Island Groves Family

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Haines City, Fl

Ridge Island Groves offers a unique family-friendly experience for those looking to indulge in the age-old tradition of orange picking.

Located in central Florida in the heart of Florida’s citrus belt is this family run farm.

With a wide variety of Florida citrus fruits available, guests can roam the fragrant groves and select the juiciest oranges directly from the trees.

This family-owned operation prides itself on sustainable farming practices and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visitor feel like part of the Ridge Island family.

2. The Showcase of Citrus, Clermont

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Clermont, Fl

Just a short drive from Orlando, The Showcase of Citrus is a sun-soaked paradise for citrus lovers.

This vast estate offers a plethora of citrus varieties for you to pick.

Valencia oranges, navel oranges, temple oranges and many other to name a few.

You can also explore the groves on a monster truck eco-tour.

Known for its commitment to organic farming and environmental stewardship, the Showcase of Citrus ensures a fun-filled day for the entire family amidst the rolling hills of Clermont.

3. Village Of Citrus Hill, U-Pick Citrus, Blueberries and Peaches

⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Hernando, Fl

At U-Pick Citrus, not only can visitors immerse themselves in the sweet scent of fresh oranges, but they also have the unique opportunity to enjoy a trifecta of picking experiences.

Nestled just outside of Orlando, this haven for fruit enthusiasts offers bountiful groves where bright citrus oranges can be plucked alongside plump blueberries and succulent peaches in their respective seasons.

Passionate about providing a diverse, hands-on harvest outing, U-Pick Citrus has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. for their quality produce and picturesque landscape.

4. Dooley Groves, Harvester’s Heaven

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Ruskin, Fl

Dooley Groves is a pristine destination for those looking to hit the sweet spot of Florida’s fruit harvesting.

A revered name in the citrus community, this family-run grove is famed for its Honeybell Tangelos, a juicy delicacy that lures in visitors season after season.

With a mission to provide an authentic farm-to-table experience, Dooley Groves allows visitors to not only hand-pick their citrus but also to savor the freshness on-site.

Their eco-friendly methods and dedication to quality resonate with individuals who value purity and sustainability in their citrus delights.

5. VoLaSalle Farms, Nature’s Bounty Awaits

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: DeLeon Springs, Fl

VoLaSalle Farms epitomizes the charm of a family-owned agritourism spot where the bounty of nature is celebrated with enthusiasm.

This farm is not just about harvesting but about experiencing the authentic rhythm of rural life.

Visitors are greeted by rows of vibrant citrus trees, offering a picturesque picking adventure for all ages.

Known for their chemical-free growing practices, VoLaSalle Farms is the perfect pick for health-conscious individuals looking to indulge in the purest form of Florida’s citrus.

Their commitment to natural farming techniques ensures that every fruit plucked is as wholesome as it is flavorful.

6. Hancock Groves, A Taste of Tradition

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Dade City, Fl

Nestled in the rolling hills of Dade City, Hancock Groves stands as a testament to generations of citrus farming tradition.

This family-orchestrated grove marries the love of land with the dedication to produce exceptional citrus varieties.

Visitors to Hancock Groves are often captivated by the serene landscape and the grove’s rustic charm.

Not only does this grove offer a variety of citrus fruits, including navels, Valencia, and grapefruits, but it also invites guests to partake in their annual citrus festivals.

Here, every visitor gets a slice of Florida history along with their fresh picks.

7. Citrus Wonders, U-Pick Sunshine

⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: Clermont, FL

Step into Citrus Wonders, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a sunny slice of Floridian paradise.

With orchards stretching across the scenic landscape of Clermont, this U-pick grove offers a vibrant selection of citrus fruits that are ripe for the picking.

Visitors here bask in the warm Florida sun, while filling their baskets with juicy oranges, tangy tangerines, and other citrus fruit.

Each fruit is a burst of flavor, capturing the essence of Florida’s citrus heritage.

At Citrus Wonders, families and friends can make memories while enjoying the simple pleasure of picking their own fresh fruit straight from the tree.

How do yo pick an orange?

Picking the perfect orange requires a gentle yet discerning touch.

To start, observe the orange’s color; you want to choose one that is uniformly orange, as this indicates ripeness.

However, color can sometimes be deceptive due to different ripening stages of oranges on the same tree.

Next, feel the weight of the orange in your hand.

A heavier orange is a good indication of juiciness.

When you’ve selected an orange, carefully twist it off the branch instead of pulling.

This technique ensures that you don’t harm the tree or the fruit.

Finally, examine the skin for any soft spots or blemishes, aiming for an orange with a firm, smooth texture.

Remember, the best oranges don’t always look perfect on the outside, but their flavor can be incomparably sweet and refreshing.

How to Keep Oranges Fresh

After selecting the perfect orange, maintaining its freshness is crucial to enjoy its juicy goodness for as long as possible.

To extend the shelf life of oranges, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

While keeping them on the countertop is fine for a few days, oranges last longer when refrigerated, especially in the crisper drawer, where humidity levels help preserve their juiciness.

For optimal freshness, place oranges in a mesh bag or leave them loose to ensure adequate air circulation.

If you’ve already peeled or cut your oranges, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

By following these simple storage guidelines, you can savor the peak flavor and texture of your oranges for up to two weeks or more.

In Conclusion

Orange picking, Florida offers a unique and delightful experience for both locals and visitors.

With Florida being one of the top producers of oranges in the United States, numerous groves open their doors to the public for picking during the harvest season.

So get out there and enjoy Florida’s freshest and juiciest past time.

When are Oranges in season?

Oranges follow a specific season that affects their availability and taste.
The citrus season begins around October stretching into late spring.
This broad range means that visitors to Florida can enjoy fresh, juicy oranges from local groves for the majority of the year.

What kind of oranges grow in Florida?

Among the most well-known types are the Valencia, known for its sweet juice, the Navel, large and seedless, perfect for eating out of hand.
Each variety has its own unique qualities, making Florida oranges a veritable treasure trove for orange enthusiasts.