California is the land of oranges-- The typical American consumes around 270 pounds of fruit and tree nuts (fresh and processed products) each year. Apples, bananas, grapes and oranges are the most popular fruit while almonds, pecans and walnuts are the most preferred tree nuts.

The nation's largest fruit-producing states are California, Florida and Washington. California accounts for more than half of the harvested fruit acreage, Florida more than 10 percent, and Washington around 8%.

Oranges one of top commodities in Tulare County, top ag county, Tulare leads state with over half of oranges grown and sold. Crop values several years past were estimated at $716 million.

Oranges rank 7th among commodities in California ( top 3 are milk, grapes, almonds)

California oranges are its 6th most valuable export with bulk going to Canada, South Korea, China and Japan. Only about 10% are exported to other countries and 90% used domestically.

Growing season November through mid-June

Valencia and Navel are top 2 types of oranges in California

California Citrus State Historic Park SHP

This park preserves some of the rapidly vanishing cultural landscape of the citrus industry and to tell the story of this industry's role in the history and development of California. The park recaptures the time when "Citrus was King" in California, recognizing the importance of the citrus industry in southern California.

In the early 1900s, an effort to promote citrus ranching in the state brought hundreds of would-be citrus barons to California for the "second Gold Rush." The lush groves of oranges, lemons and grapefruit gave California another legacy - its lingering image as the Golden State - the land of sunshine and opportunity.

The design of the park is reminiscent of a 1900s city park, complete with an activity center, interpretive structure, amphitheater, picnic area, and demonstration groves. The land contained within the park still continues to produce high-quality fruits.

In 1873, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forever changed the history of Southern California when it sent two small navel orange trees to Riverside resident Eliza Tibbets. Those trees, growing in near perfect soil and weather conditions, produced an especially sweet and flavorful fruit. Word of this far superior orange quickly spread, and a great agricultural industry was born. The second "gold rush" was on.

The park is located in Riverside, at 9400 Dufferin Avenue, Riverside, CA

Hours of Operation:
October-March
8am-5pm Friday to Monday
April-September
8am-5pm Friday and Monday
8am-7pm Saturday, Sunday

Park Closed every Tuesday-Thursday
The Visitor Center open
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
Call: (951) 780-6222
9400 Dufferin Ave.
Riverside, CA 92504
 
nass.usda.gov
califcitrusspecialties.com

If you love apricots, you'll also want to check out California apples and California almonds.