The Citrus Industry in Zephyrhills and Dade City (Fl)
Posted: Monday, October 19, 2009
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
Who Thought of Oranges first?
The Spaniards had brought citrus to Florida in the 1500s. Indians were fond of the sour oranges and cultivated them in a limited way. Because of the casual manner of cultivation, the fruit grew in groves. Citrus was enjoyed locally but limited transportation facilities and the lack of refrigeration made the citrus industry unprofitable. When the railroad came to Pasco Count all that changed. (from Pasco County Florida History, May, 1994, Pasco County Line, Pasco Count Genealogical Society, Vol. 1 No1)
Citrus groves were being planted and business was flourishing at the turn of the century. The Florida Citrus Industry was booming until the depression of 1929. The economy slowed and the infestation of the Mediterranean fruit fly was devastating. Citrus was sprayed with arsenic and groves were under quarantine.
Owning and maintaining citrus groves was/is not an easy task. When Florida experiences a freeze, the citrus growers have to stay up all night and fire the groves. They can only hope that the fruit is still good after such an episode. On the other hand, if the weather is too warm during the winter, the fruit may not be sweet enough. The citrus growers success depends so much on the climate.
By 1940, the citrus industry began to shine again. Citrus fruit was a favorite for northerners to send back home while they were visiting Florida. Citrus fruit was shipped to all parts of the country
Citrus Fruit brings good health benefits
Nothing tops the taste and zest of a tangerine, orange or lemon. In addition to the delicious taste, citrus fruit is also very healthy for us. It is a well-known fact that citrus is packed with vitamin C.
Citrus fruits are also high in magnesium, vitamin B6, thiamin and niacin. What does this mean for you? The nutrients in citrus fruits help fight bacteria, viruses and cancer. By strengthening the cells in your body, you may be able to avoid that winter cold virus. The fiber in citrus fruits can help lower cholesterol and may help lower our risk for certain cancers. You can reduce your risk of colon, breast and pancreatic cancers just by eating a serving of citrus fruit every day. (From Lots of Citrus Zest by Annie Weiss, WIC. Cudahy Wisconsin)
The Citrus Industry Changed in Dade City
As time marched on, the American public wanted fresh orange juice, instead of orange concentrate. It became too costly for trucks to deliver fresh juice. These two facts led to the decline of the citrus industry in this area, as it was once known.
Local businessman Jim Guedry is converting part of the former Lykes-Pasco juice plant on U.S. 301 into a small citrus museum, complete with a modern theater and rows of newly planted orange and grapefruit trees. ( The Tampa Tribune, December 28,2006 by Jo Ann Johnston)
Enjoy Floridas Citrus Fruit
While the museum operates to preserve Pasco Countys citrus history, we can enjoy the fruits of past generations labor. We should also enjoy the past generations recipes that include Citrus Fruit Salads, Orange Marmalade, Lemon Pie, Key Lime pie and a Thanksgiving favorite, Ambrosia, topped with coconut. Some of the more modern recipes include, Citrus Salsa and Jicama Fennel Salad with Lime Orange Dressing.
Next time you squeeze lemon in your water or make ambrosia or even sip the mouth-watering grapefruit juice, think of Dade City. Think of all the areas in Pasco County when you make your homemade furniture polish (1 teaspoon lemon juice with 2 cups of olive oil) l or sip your morning orange juice. Dade City will surely go down in history as providing us with a slice of life. Perhaps to put it another way, we now have a:zest for life.
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