What citrus grows in Hawaii?

What Citrus Grows in Hawaii?

Hawaii, the tropical paradise, is home to a diverse range of citrus fruits. The islands’ warm climate and rich soil make it an ideal place for growing a variety of citrus species. From sweet oranges to tangy lemons, and from tart grapefruits to succulent tangerines, Hawaii’s citrus industry offers a wide range of options for locals and tourists alike.

Washington Navel Oranges

One of the most widely planted and prolific oranges grown in Hawaii is the Washington Navel orange. This medium-sized tree has a round crown of dense, dark green leaves and produces large, seedless fruit with a delicious, rich juicy flavor. Washington Navel oranges are a popular choice among locals and visitors, and are often used for juicing, eating fresh, and making marmalades and preserves.

Other Citrus Varieties

In addition to Washington Navel oranges, other citrus varieties grown in Hawaii include:

• Lemons: A popular choice for cooking and flavoring, lemons are grown in Hawaii’s dry regions and are known for their bright yellow color and sour taste.
• Limes: Another popular choice for cooking and flavoring, limes are grown in Hawaii’s wetter regions and are known for their green color and sour taste.
• Grapefruits: A hybrid of oranges and pomelos, grapefruits are grown in Hawaii’s dry regions and are known for their large size and tart taste.
• Tangerines: A type of mandarin orange, tangerines are grown in Hawaii’s wetter regions and are known for their small size and sweet taste.
• Pomelos: A large, tropical fruit, pomelos are grown in Hawaii’s wetter regions and are known for their sweet taste and juicy pulp.

Cultivation and Harvesting

Citrus fruits in Hawaii are typically grown on small, family-owned farms or in backyard orchards. The warm and sunny climate, combined with the rich soil and adequate rainfall, make it an ideal place for growing citrus. The majority of citrus fruits in Hawaii are harvested between December and May, with the peak harvest season usually occurring in January and February.

Uncommon Fruits

In addition to the more common citrus varieties, Hawaii is also home to a number of less common fruits, including:

• Salak: A type of fruit also known as snake fruit, salak is grown in Hawaii’s dry regions and is known for its scaly skin and sweet taste.
• Mangosteen: A tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, mangosteen is grown in Hawaii’s wetter regions and is known for its soft, white interior and sweet taste.
• Suriname cherries: A type of fruit also known as cumquats, Suriname cherries are grown in Hawaii’s dry regions and are known for their small size and sweet taste.

Table: Common Citrus Fruits Grown in Hawaii

Conclusion

Hawaii is home to a diverse range of citrus fruits, including popular varieties like Washington Navel oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, and pomelos. The islands’ warm and sunny climate, combined with the rich soil and adequate rainfall, make it an ideal place for growing citrus. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Hawaii’s citrus fruits are definitely worth trying!