What is a honeybell, you ask? A honeybell is a hybrid citrus fruit that combines the sweet taste of a tangelo with the tangy taste of grapefruit to produce a delightfully juicy and sweet piece of fruit. It is oddly shaped with a small “bulge” at the end, giving it a bell shape…hence the name.
Where are Honeybells grown?
Honeybells are primarily grown in warm and sunny areas like California and Arizona with the largest crop coming from Florida.
When are they available?
Honeybells have a relatively short season. They are harvested during the month of January, give or take a day or two, and shipped to markets for everyone to enjoy. Unlike other fruit that is picked from a tree, hoping they are ripe, honeybells signal they are ripe by simply dropping to the ground.
Where can I buy Honeybells?
Growers ship the fruit to markets and other buyers across the country, making it possible to purchase them at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. There are also many online suppliers who are able to ship the fruit directly to you after harvest. These packages often include orange blossom honey, chocolates, candy, gifts and sometimes a bib! As we said, the season is short so you need to buy them when you find them.
What is the difference between a honeybell and an orange or tangerine?
The honeybell fruit combines the flavors of an orange or tangerine with the flavors of a grapefruit, resulting in a unique taste. They tend to be juicier than the other fruits and, best of all, they are usually seedless. (occasionally nature takes over and a honeybee plants a seed or two but, for the most part, they are seedless)
What is the best way to enjoy a honeybell?
As part of a healthy diet, you can peel them and eat them straight out of your hand but you better use a bib as they are very juicy!! You can blend them with other fruits to create a delicious and healthy smoothie. Make your own juice and freeze for use throughout the year. A glass of honeybell juice in the morning is sure to wake you up! In recipes calling for orange rind or grapefruit sections, honeybells can be used as a replacement. Imagine a honeybell cheesecake or crème brule–decadent!
Take a moment to enjoy this unusual fruit during its very short season; you won’t regret it.
Thanks for the tip on Amazing Honeybells! The sweet juicy, seedless Fruit…I just Love Honeybells
Susan Pallotta