Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There are many reasons why our fruit tastes better than fruit that you can by in the grocery store. The first reason is that it is from Florida. It is an accepted fact that the unique geography and climate of Florida contribute to make Florida citrus the sweetest and juiciest citrus in the world. However, very little Florida citrus tastes as good as ours. There are three reasons for this. 

Grove and fruit selection. First, Florida has approximately 630,000 acres of citrus. That’s almost 1,000 square miles with tens of thousands of different groves. Each grove has different soil, different root stocks, different fruit varieties, and different caretaking practices. All of these factors contribute to the taste and juiciness of the fruit. We spend a great deal of time in Florida’s citrus groves searching out the groves with the absolute sweetest and best tasting fruit. A grove has thousands of trees and we carefully select our fruit from the trees with the best fruit. When the tree is picked only the best fruit is selected, and finally, during packing only the best fruit is packed and shipped.  

Timing of harvest. Second, the different varieties mature over a period of between two and three weeks to up to several months. When fruit first passes maturity it has more acid and less brix. Brix is the natural sugar content of the fruit. As it matures the acid level declines and the brix level increases. The fruit sold in grocery stores generally comes from fruit that has just passed maturity standards. This is because fruit with more acid has a longer shelf life; however, it does not taste as good. Commercial packing houses and grocery stores are willing to make this trade-off to increase shelf life. It is not uncommon for commercial fruit to have a month or more of lag time between the time it is picked and your breakfast table.  Our fruit is only picked at the peak of maturity when the acid in the fruit is low and the brix are high. Also, we do not hold fruit in storage. Within 24 hours of picking it is packed and shipped to you, so generally our fruit has a time lag of about seven days from picking to you. The fruit you get from us is fresher fruit at and at the peak of maturity and therefore, tastes better.

Order volume. Third, commercial citrus sold in grocery stores comes from a whole grove of fruit that was likely picked all at one time. A small grove of 10 acres may have 300 or more field boxes of fruit per acre, which is about six semi-trucks loads, or about 600,000 oranges. This fruit is handled in a packing house that packs ten of thousands of cartons a day and sold to supermarket chains that buy thousands of cartons by the semi-truckload. All Florida citrus is good; however, only a small percentage is exceptional. Our fruit also comes out of groves 10 acres or larger, but we only select the very best fruit. That way when you buy from us you are assured of getting only the very best of the crop.

2. Why does someone have to be home to accept delivery?

If no is home when your fruit is delivered and it is left outside it may freeze or get rained on. If it freezes the fruit will spoil. If it gets wet from rain the fruit will not spoil; however, the carton may split open when you try to move it.

3. If I check the box that says no one will be home to accept delivery how do I get my fruit?

When the shipper attempts delivery if no one answers the door and signs for your order then a note will be left on your door with a number for you to call to make arrangements for the delivery. The shipper will attempt delivery again at the time you specify.

4. Why is there an extra charge if no one is home?

There is an extra $3 charge if no one is home because the shipper charges us extra to get a signature on delivery, for holding the fruit until you are home and making an extra trip to deliver the fruit, if necessary.

5. When I placed my order the web site asked me to enter an affinity program discount code. What’s that and how do I get one?

An affinity program discount is an arrangement we make with your employer or organization that provides a discount off our regular prices for employees or members of your organization.  If you think your Company or organization would be interested joining our affinity program then email, call or fax us. Our contact information is available by clicking on the contact tab above.

6. How long will the fruit last?

Fresh citrus last about 4-6 weeks depending on the variety if it is refrigerated. Without refrigeration it will keep about 2-4 weeks depending on the temperature and humidity. 

7. How should I handle the fruit after it is delivered?

We recommend taking it out the carton as soon as you receive it and placing it in your refrigerator.

8. How much spoilage should I expect?

You shouldn’t expect any spoilage, but one or two pieces of spoiled fruit per carton is possible. If you have more than two pieces of spoiled fruit in your order please contact us and we will either replace the spoiled fruit free of charge or give you a pro-rated credit.

9. Why does fruit spoil?

Generally, if citrus is dropped a distance of more than 2 feet it will be bruised and spoil in one or two days. We do everything we can do to prevent this from happening from discarding all fruit that is dropped during picking and packing.

10. If my fruit is spoiled or I don’t like it what are my options?

It is highly unlikely that your fruit will spoil or that you will not like it: however, we will gladly replace your fruit free or charge or refund 100% of your money if you are dissatisfied with our fruit or service for any reason. Select the contact us tab above and complete the form. You may also write to us, call, fax or email us and specify whether you want a replacement order or refund at:

Jersey Shore Citrus
P.O. Box 453
Ocean Grove, New Jersey 07756
Phone: (732) 425-4085
FAX (732) 774-1889
info@jerseyshorecitrus.com

11. If I want my fruit replaced or a refund how long will it take? 

If you want a replacement box of fruit or refund we will process your request on the day it is received. It generally will take 7-10 days for your replacement to arrive. If you request a refund tt will generally take 3-5 business days before you receive a check or your account is credited.

12. How much fruit is in a 4/5 bushel?

A 4/5 bushel has about 60 to 75 medium size oranges or tangerines, or about 40 medium size grapefruit

13. Do you have any other kinds of fruit other than what’s on the website?

We also have the following varieties available by special order.

·       White seedless grapefruit – November to May

·       Temple oranges – March

·       Pummellos – October to November

·       Pineapple oranges – February to March

.     Duncan grapefruit - November to May 

·       Page oranges – November to December

These are all available at the same prices as all of our fruit, 1 tray (1/4 bushel) for $29.95 and a 4/5 bushel for $49.95. If you would like to specially order any of these then please click on the contact us and let us know what you would like.