- Most commercially produced oranges are destined for orange juice.oranges and orange juice image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
The United States ranks third in overall citrus production, behind top-producer Brazil and just behind China. In China, 93 percent of all production is eaten fresh, while Brazil exports much of its production as frozen concentrated orange juice. The United States also exports much of its production. The U.S. citrus producers listed a total export value of $985 million in 2005. - Lemons are more frost-sensitive than many citrus fruits.lemon tree image by Dennis Carrigan from Fotolia.com
Florida claims 74 percent of U.S. orange production. California produces 25 percent, with Arizona and Texas combined making up the last percent. In contrast, California produces the lion's share of lemons, with 89 percent of U.S. production. Florida produces few, if any, lemons, but grows over half of the U.S. supply of tangerines and grapefruit. - Kumquat trees are relatively hardy.kumquat tree with fruit and leaves image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
Citrus fruits survive brief periods of cold weather, but extended times below 29 degrees Fahrenheit harm flowers, fruit or branches of most citrus trees. Commercial orchards use fans, heaters and other methods to protect growing fruit, even in the relatively frost-free orchards of California and Florida.
