Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question below to read the answer:

How much does it cost to deliver my fruit and what is your shipping schedule?

Shipping and handling to the 48 contiguous United States is $14.99 per gift.

Shipping and handling to Canada is $29.99 per gift. Canadian Post does not deliver packages during the week of Christmas through New Year's

We begin shipping our citrus gifts mid-November through March.

November - we ship twice a week (Tuesday & Thursday) with the exception of Thanksgiving week. During that week, we will only be shipping once (Tuesday 11/26).

December - we begin shipping every weekday (Monday-Friday), with the exception of orders going to Arizona, California, Louisianna and Texas. Orders going to these states will only ship three times in December (12/5, 12/12, & 12/17). We do, however, offer a limited selection of gifts to ship for last minute shopping during the holiday week of Christmas through New Year's.

January - shipping will be the week of 1/6/25. We will ship every weekday (Monday-Friday) with the exception of Arizona, California, Louisianna and Texas. Orders going to these states will only ship once a week (1/9, 1/16, & 1/23). Mid-January we begin shipping twice weekly (Tuesday & Thursday).

February and March - we will ship twice weekly (Tuesday & Thursday), with the exception of orders going to Arizona, California, Louisianna and Texas. These orders will ship every other week on Thursday, with the final shipment on March 20th. March 27th will conclude our citrus shipping for the season.

Shipping dates/days are subject to change.

If you have any questions regarding the shipping schedule, please call 800-466-3923 and one of our Customer Service Representatives will gladly assist you or you can email us at info@gregorysgroves.com for additional information.

WE DO NOT SHIP TO HAWAII, ALASKA OR PUERTO RICO.

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What are the different kinds of Florida fruit and when are they in season?

Florida fruit is available for from November through March. Gregory's offers many favorites and each has its own unique flavor, size and shape. Varieties of Florida Oranges, Grapefruit and Tangelos ripen at different times of the year and even though we try to predict when a certain type of fruit will be ready, Mother Nature sometimes varies the ripening process. So please, always inquire to see if your choice is still available.

Let us tell you a little bit about each variety of fruit Gregory's offers, to help you select a favorite for your gift!

Mandarins
(Medium-sized fruit - available November thru March)

Vibrant in color, ripe and ready to enjoy in early Autumn. And, their taste lives up to their good looks. With an easy-to-peel "zipper" skin, Mandarins section with ease and each piece is as temptingly sweet as candy! The perfect fruit to begin the holiday season!

Satsuma
(Medium-sized fruit - available November thru December)

Dark Orange in color with loose, bumpy skin that practically peels itself. Usually seedless but may contain one or two seeds. The sweetest of all citrus fruits with just a touch of tang.

Navel Oranges
(Large fruit - available November to March)

Bright, bold and juicy! The fruit that says "Florida!" Navel Oranges are recognized by their distinctive "belly button" navel end, a "sign" that you'll be slicing into a sweet, seedless piece of fruit. Each is hand-selected at the peak of its flavor, gift-packed and sent directly to you. No wonder Navel Oranges are the fruit that our customers always request to give for that special occasion.

Ruby Red Grapefruit
(Medium to large fruit - available November thru March)

Good days begin with Ruby Red Grapefruit! Big and bright yellow with a rosy blush on the outside, Ruby Red Grapefruit have prized, sunset red fruit inside. So sweet - no need to sprinkle any extra sugar on a Ruby Red Grapefruit. Each one is wholesome, nutritious and, of course, absolutely delicious!

Ruby Red Navels
(Large fruit - available mid-December to March)

We've captured the rich reds and golds of the Fall with our Ruby Red Navel Orange...the perfect Thanksgiving fruit! Looks like a classic Navel Orange on the outside, but, cut one open and you'll be surprised to discover the luxurious deep red color of the Ruby Red Grapefruit inside. The superb flavor of the Navel Orange shines through in every juicy slice! You just won't find these unique beauties in a supermarket. A delicious indulgence!

Imperial Gem Grapefruit
(Medium to large fruit - available November thru March)

A Grapefruit that's highly prized for its beauty and perfection. A MUST HAVE for those who REALLY love Grapefruit! Incredibly juicy and heavy with sweet golden flesh, the Imperial Gem has a mellow, less acidic flavor. Definitely a favorite of Florida natives! If you've never tried an Imperial Gem Grapefruit, don't miss this opportunity. It may just be the finest Grapefruit you'll ever eat!

Honeybells, also known as Minneola Tangelos
(Medium fruit - available January thru March)

You've waited all year and January has finally arrived....IT'S HONEYBELL SEASON!...the time of year to savor the incomparable taste of Gregory's famous Honeybells. Zip off the deep, red-orange peel and there's the reward...fruit sections bursting with juice...an indescribable taste that's as sweet as can be. Try just one and you'll know why the demand for this fruit is so great and why the demand is so great. So they must order early and so should you. Celebrate January...the Honeybells are here!

Sugar Baby Honeybells
(Small fruit - available January thru March)

They may be smaller in size than the Honeybell Tangelo, but Sugar Baby Honeybells are really BIG in flavor and value. Every bit as sweet, definitely as juicy and just as much fun to peel and eat, Sugar Babies are perfectly sized for kids...and grown-ups too!

Valencia Oranges
(Medium to large fruit - available February to March)

It takes an entire growing season of sunny days and warm nights to produce Florida's most famous juice Orange. The wait is worth it! Cut a fragrant Valencia in half and squeeze the rich golden juice into a tall, chilled glass. A delicious glass of sunny Vitamin C! Or, enjoy the grove-fresh flavor of a Valencia Orange sliced or eaten out of hand. Any way you choose to eat them, Valencias are a spectacular Springtime treat!

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How large will my pieces of fruit be?

We do our best to pack the largest pieces of fruit available. Size depends upon the grove where the fruit was grown with a little help from Mother Nature...rain, temperature, sunshine, etc. But always keep in mind, the size of the fruit does not affect the quality.

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What is the difference between regular fruit and Sugar Baby fruit?

The only difference is the actual size of the fruit. Gregory's Sugar Baby varieties are about the size of a tennis ball. Regular citrus varieties can range from the size of a baseball to the size of a softball. The flavor and taste are identical.

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Why does my fruit have a slight greenish tint? Is it ripe?

All oranges and grapefruits ripen on the tree and are only harvested when they are as delicious as they can be. When it's cold, Florida fruit turns orange-gold in color. During a warmer than normal Winter or an early Spring, fruit may have a light yellow-green hue. Certain varieties, like Valencias, often have blossoms and ripe fruit on the tree at the same time. All the extra chlorophyll necessary to form new fruit, will "re-green" the mature, ripe fruit on the branches. A greenish tint here or there in no way affects the fruit inside. Don't worry, your Orange or Grapefruit is still ripe, juicy and sweet.

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There are marks on the skin of my fruit. Is it OK to eat?

Florida's gentle breezes often brush fruit ripening on the tree against branches and leaves, scratching the thin, tender skin. This causes a blemish called "wind scarring." Rest assured, your Florida fruit is fresh and delicious.

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Why does my fruit have a wax coating?

After your oranges and grapefruits are hand-picked, they are cleaned and sorted in the packing house. This thorough washing removes some of the naturally protective oils and wax. In order to extend its shelf life, we re-coat the fruit with a very small quantity of food grade, non-animal source wax. (The waxes have been tested and approved for use on foods and meet the requirements of the U.S. FDA.) Your fruit will stay fresher, longer.

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Is my fruit inspected?

All of our fruit is inspected by the State of Florida and must meet the highest standards of the Florida Department of Citrus to be qualified as Gift Fruit.

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Is my Gift Fruit guaranteed?

All of our gifts come with a 100% Guarantee. If you are unhappy in any way with your selection, we will replace your order and make it right. A Quality Control card is packed in each box. Please contact us at info@gregorysgroves.com if you have any issues with your gift. OUR GUARANTEE IS ONLY APPLICABLE IF WE ARE PROVIDED ALL THE CORRECT INFORMATION.

WHILE WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SEND EACH GIFT AS SHOWN, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT, IF NECESSARY, TO SUBSITUTE PRODUCT WITH EQUAL OR GREATER VALUE. YOUR GIFT MAY NOT BE PACKED AS SHOWN.

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What is the best way to store my citrus and how long will it keep?

Citrus is ripe and ready to eat when it's picked. It will not ripen further or become more orange in color. The best place to preserve the fresh taste of Florida citrus is in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for two to four weeks. Otherwise, store away from heat in a cool, dry place. Citrus needs good air circulation, so don't put your fruit in a plastic bag or plastic wrap. However, you can and should keep a few in a bowl ready to eat on your kitchen countertop.

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Can I freeze whole Oranges?

When whole fruit is frozen, the juice expands and bursts the cells inside. When the fruit thaws the pulp will be dry and the peel will be mushy. Whole citrus does not freeze with good results. However, you can squeeze, then freeze orange and grapefruit juice.

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How much fruit should I order?

Since our grove-fresh and tree-ripened fruit will last 2 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator, we suggest that you order a minimum of two trays of gift fruit...plenty of citrus for one person for one to two weeks, with a few extra to share. Depending upon the size and selection of fruit, each tray holds approximately 10 pounds. We suggest you use the following chart as a rule of thumb when ordering:

Recipients Trays Approx. Wt.
One person 2 trays 17 pounds
Two or Three people 2-4 trays 17-25 pounds
Four to Six people 3-4 trays 25-33 pounds
Six or more people 4 trays 33 pounds

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How many pieces of fruit will I receive in each box?

We always try to pack as much fruit as possible in each tray. Of course, the amount will vary with the type, size, and weight of the fruit you choose. The chart below will give you a good idea of the estimated amount of fruit you will receive in each tray:

  All Oranges All GrapeFruit Mixed Fruit
1 Tray 12 8 6 Oranges & 5 Grapefruit
2 Trays 24 16 12 Oranges & 8 Grapefruit
3 Trays 36 24 24 Oranges & 8 Grapefruit
4 Trays 48 32 24 Oranges & 16 Grapefruit

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Can I add Grapefruit to my order of Sugar Baby fruit?

Unfortunately, no. Sugar Baby fruit is packaged in special boxes designed just for them. Each box holds 20 pieces of fruit. A grapefruit is too large to fit in a Sugar Baby Box!

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What is "Deluxe?"

We will add our Deluxe Collection: two 3 oz. jar of Orange Marmalade, and 6 of Florida's famous creamy Coconut Patties to most of our standard 1, 2,3, or 4 trays of citrus for an additional charge of only $10.00. Please note that our coconut patties are loosely packed in between the fruit.

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How is my gift packaged?

All of Gregory's gifts are packaged in crush-proof boxes to protect the fruit during shipping.
Fruit is always hand-packed in gift trays. Order two or more gift trays and those trays are placed into a larger carton for shipping. Our cartons are sealed and inspected to make sure your gift arrives just like we packed it.

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Can I customize my gift with a special greeting?

You have the ability to add a personalized greeting to every gift you choose at Gregory's Groves.

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What is a Honeybell Announcement Card?

Order your Honeybells now and during the Holiday season, Gregory's will send a special card to your recipient that says "Your Honeybells will arrive in January!" Recipients who receive their mail via a PO Box will not receive an Announcement card as they are delivered via the USPS. Our gift boxes are delivered by UPS, which requires a physical address for deliveries; therefore, we would not have the recipient's mailing address on file.

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Who will deliver my gift?

Our gifts are delivered shipped via UPS.

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How long will it take for my fruit to arrive?

Once the gift leaves our facility, it takes approximately 5-7 days for delivery to the 48 contiguous United States and approximately 7-10 days to Canada.

YOUR REQUESTED ARRIVAL DATE IS JUST AN APPROXIMATE DATE. WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO HAVE YOUR GIFT ARRIVE AS CLOSE TO YOUR REQUESTED ARRIVAL DATE AS POSSIBLE. HOWEVER, WHEN SHIPPING FRESH CITRUS, THERE CAN BE DELAYS FOR REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL (MOSTLY MOTHER NATURE). WE GUARANTEE YOUR ORDER WILL ARRIVE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

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What is the cut-off date for Holiday Shipping?

We recommend that you place your order by the following dates for Holiday arrival:

Thanksgiving - Nov 16th

Hannukah - Dec 15th

Christmas - Dec 15th

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Do I have to pay two shipping charges to send two gifts to the same person?

In most cases the answer is "Yes." Each gift is packaged and shipped in a box designed for that gift. Please check with us for any exceptions.

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