Yet Another Reason to Love Our Florida Oranges

Just in case we needed another reason to continue our love affair with Florida oranges and grapefruit and fresh-picked Florida citrus, David H. Murdock of Dole Foods penned this informative article reminding us of some of the most nutrient dense fruits and veggies. It's no wonder that the sweetly healthful orange makes the list! To read Mr. Murdock's fresh orange facts along with the entire article and helpful food chart, click here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-h-murdock/a-recipe-for-longevity_b_205355.html

And here are some more nutritional facts behind the sweet flavor, from the Dole Nutrition Newsletter:

O'RANGE OF HEALTH BENEFITS
Citrus to Lower Risk of Cancer, Stroke

Citrus fruits -- oranges in particular -- are so commonly consumed that we tend to forget what nutritional powerhouses they are. Oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and lemons contain more than 170 phytochemicals -- including many powerful flavonoids, which in addition to having antioxidant properties, may also have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor effects.

Indeed, citrus fruits' health benefits may begin the moment you put them in your mouth. Australian researchers at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization have found a link between high citrus consumption and a 50% lower risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat and stomach.

The same study found that an extra citrus serving (on top of the recommended minimum of 5-a-day) may also reduce the risk of stroke by almost 20%. Other benefits included protection against heart disease and diabetes. Bonus: Did you know that among citrus fruits the tangerine is highest in pectin? This soluble fiber benefits your heart by lowering blood cholesterol levels.

The Valencias in season right now at www.hyattfruitco.com are famous for their extra-sweet flavor and incredible fresh-squeezed juiciness. Squeeze each morning for your "gets-me-going" vitamin C power boost, so you can face the day with confidence. Looking for other ways to enjoy the Valencia's famous juice? Check out our three favorite orange-inspired beverage recipes below.

Yum Yum Florida Citrus Recipes for Summer

Welcome to Hyatt Fruit Company's juicy new cyber-community for citrus-lovers everywhere! What better way to begin here at the start of summer, than to share several oranges and grapefruit recipes for refreshingly delectable citrus smoothies and teas. Backyard barbeque and picnics in the park are sure to be just around the corner, so add these tasty ideas to the beverage offerings. You'll be sure to please both kids and adults alike and we have the very special, sweetly juicy Indian River citrus to keep your family and guests refreshed. Here are three of our favorites...

Florida Citrus

Dream Smoothie

Ingredients

2 cups	Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 cups	vanilla frozen low fat yogurt
8	ice cubes

Preparation

Place the orange juice in the blender, with the frozen yogurt. Make sure the lid is on tight. Blend the orange juice and frozen yogurt on high speed until smooth. Add the ice cubes and continue to blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour any leftovers into an ice cube trey and freeze for later use.

Yield

2 servings

Florida Sparkling

Citrus Iced Tea

Ingredients

4	tea bags
2 cups	boiling water
3	Florida oranges
2 medium	lemons
2 cups	Florida orange juice
1/4 cup	lemon juice
3 tablespoons	Florida honey
1 liter	ginger ale, chilled

Preparation

Place tea bags in a teapot; add boiling water. Cover and steep for 7 minutes; discard tea bags. Pour tea into a pitcher. Peel, section, and deseed two oranges and one lemon; add to tea. Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice and honey. Cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight. Cut remaining orange and lemon into slices; freeze. Just before serving, strain and discard fruit from tea. Stir in ginger ale. Serve with frozen fruit slices.

Yield

8 servings

Minted Citrus Tea

Ingredients

3 cups	boiling water
12 fresh	mint sprigs
4	tea bags
1 cup	natural Florida sugar
1 cup	Florida orange juice
1/4 cup	lemon juice
5 cups	cold water
1	Florida orange, sliced for garnish
1	lemon sliced for garnish

Preparation

Place the tea bags and mint sprigs into a large pitcher. Pour boiling water over them, and allow steeping for about 7 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags and mint leaves, squeezing out excess liquid. Stir in sugar until dissolved, and then stir in the orange juice and lemon juice. Pour in the cold water. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with orange or lemon slices.

Yield

10 servings