Have you ever wondered, “Why do oranges and lemons appear green at times?” Or, “Do oranges really prevent colds?” And what about, “Is citrus safe if it comes from outside the country?” If you have, you’ve come to the right place. All these questions and more are answered right here on the Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus FAQs section.



Is Tropicana® a higher grade than other citrus?
The Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus specifications allow for only the highest grade possible in fresh citrus, which is US 1 Fancy Grade.

Where can I find Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus?
Retailers all across North America carry Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus. Contact us and we'll direct you to the closest store that stocks Tropicana®.

Is Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus available year round?
Yes. Although some varieties of citrus are only available at certain times of the year, Tropicana® offers fresh citrus items the whole year! View our availability chart.

Why should I choose Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus?
You know and love the taste of Tropicana® Pure Premium juice! Now, we’ve taken one step back in the OJ process to bring you that same delicious, high quality citrus in fresh form. If you’re particular about the fresh fruit you put in front of your family, then Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus is the easy answer for you.

Where does Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus come from?
Most Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus produce is grown in the United States. However, during certain times of the year, citrus needs to come from other countries.

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Why do oranges and lemons appear green at times?
This can be caused in two ways:

  1. In order for citrus to get its bright color, growing conditions must include warm days and cooler nights. When nights remain warm and the citrus doesn’t cool at night, the fruit will continue to ripen on the inside as normal, but will have a greenish hue outside.
  2. A natural process called re-greening may occur when citrus fruit stays on the tree after it is ripe. If a tree is bearing both fruit and flower blossoms, the chlorophyll from the blossoms may be taken up by the fruit, giving it a greenish appearance.

Should I refrigerate citrus?
It’s not necessary to refrigerate citrus. However, it does make the fruit last longer. If you like your citrus juicier, store your citrus at room temperature. For more information on citrus storage, check out our Tropicana Premium Fresh citrus section.

Is all grapefruit tart?
No. Certain varieties of grapefruit contain less acid-to-sugar ratios and are quite sweet. Sweet varieties include Ruby Red and Star Ruby. You can even peel and eat them, just like an orange.

I’m trying to eat my 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. What constitutes one serving of citrus?
That varies on which variety of citrus you’re eating. For instance, you’ll satisfy one of your 5-9 servings by eating:

  • 1 medium sized orange, lemon, or tangerine.
  • 1/2 medium grapefruit

Where did citrus originate?
Scientists believe citrus first originated in the ancient Orient (now China). Today, most citrus comes from Brazil, closely followed by the U.S.

What is citrus “zest”?
Citrus zest is the outer, colorful portion of any type of citrus. The zest contains most of the citrus’ natural oils, so it is very flavorful and aromatic and is often used in cooking and baking.

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How many calories are in 1 serving of each citrus commodity?

  • Oranges: 80
  • Lemons: 15
  • Grapefruit: 60
  • Tangerines: 50

Do oranges really prevent colds?
No one knows what really cures the common cold. However, a regime of washing hands regularly, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods, like fruits and vegetables, may go a long way to help your health.

What types of nutrients are found in citrus fruit?
Citrus fruits contain varying amounts of Vitamin C, folate, fiber, and/or potassium. For more information as to the nutrient content of citrus fruit, check out our Health & Nutrition section.

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Pineapples:
What should I look for when selecting a pineapple?
Pineapples are picked when ripe and do not ripen after harvest. Select pineapples that are fresh looking. Avoid fruit that looks dry, has brown leaves, or is bruised.

How do I cut a pineapple?
Twist off the crown. Cut the pineapple in half, and then cut it into quarters. Trim off the ends, and remove the core from each quarter section. Use a thin paring knife to remove the shell from the fruit. Cut into bite-size pieces.

Should pineapples be refrigerated?
Yes. Pineapples will last up to four days in the refrigerator. Cut pineapple will last a couple of days if placed in a tightly covered container.

Mangoes:
What should I look for when selecting a mango?
Unripe mangoes will be fairly firm with a green skin. Ripe mangoes are fully colored from green to yellow with a red tint and are relatively firm when squeezed. Avoid fruit that is extremely soft and bruised.

Should I cut or peel a mango?
You can cut or peel a mango, but thoroughly wash the mango before doing either one. To peel it, hold the stem end and slice the skin in quarters, peeling it back like a banana. To cut a mango, slide a sharp knife along one side of the mango, cutting as close to the flat seed as you can. Remove the pit, and cut or chop the fruit to the desired size.

What’s the best way to keep a mango fresh?
An unripe mango can be stored at room temperature for up to five days until ripened. Place ripe mangoes in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator crisper for up to four days.

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Kiwis:
What do I look for when selecting a kiwi?
Select plump, slightly soft kiwi.

How long will a kiwi stay fresh when refrigerated?
Place ripe kiwi in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The kiwi should keep for up to two weeks.

Limes:
What do I look for when selecting a lime?
Select limes that are brightly colored and smooth-skinned.

Should limes be refrigerated?
Limes can be stored at a cool room temperature for up to two days. Limes will last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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How do I know where citrus comes from?
By law, each package of Tropicana® Premium Fresh product must state the country of origin. Individual stickers on bulk fruit tell you where the fruit was grown, too.

Is citrus safe if it comes from outside the country?
Absolutely! The majority of Tropicana® Premium Fresh product is grown in the United States. However, during certain times of the year, product grows in other countries, under the same strict guidelines that domestic growers abide by.

What type of food safety program does Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus go through?
Tropicana® Premium Fresh citrus goes though a rigorous food safety program. We work with Primus Labs, a third-party auditor who tests fresh produce.

Do I have to wash my citrus?
Yes. Once you’re ready to use/eat your fresh citrus—but before peeling—wash the citrus in clean drinking water. You should not use soap or bleach, since the citrus may soak up the detergent or bleach, which is unhealthy to consume.

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