Floridian’s 3 Favorite Citrus Desserts: And Why Florida Citrus Matters More Than Ever!
These are Florida’s 3 favorite citrus desserts, the stories behind their popularity, and why saving small citrus farms is critical to preserving this cultural tradition
From family picnics to roadside diners, citrus flavors have long been the heart of Florida’s dessert culture. With the state's subtropical climate perfect for growing oranges, grapefruits, and key limes, it’s no wonder Floridians have developed a sweet tooth for citrus-inspired treats. But as small, family-owned citrus groves continue to vanish under pressure from Big Ag and urban development, these beloved desserts are becoming more than just indulgences—they're edible memories of a fading legacy.
1. Key Lime Pie
Location: Key West, FL
Tart, creamy, and unmistakably Floridian, Key Lime Pie is not just a dessert—it’s an institution. Made with juice from the tiny, aromatic key lime (which thrives in South Florida’s climate), the pie is typically served chilled with a graham cracker crust and a dollop of whipped cream or a toasted meringue topping.
"My grandma used to make Key Lime Pie with limes from the tree in her backyard in Islamorada. That taste—you can’t replicate it with bottled juice. It’s Florida in a forkful." — Luz M., 46, Key West, FL
Why this dessert matters:
Small citrus growers are the backbone of Florida’s key lime supply. Many of these groves are family-run operations struggling to stay afloat amid disease outbreaks and lack of state support. If they go under, authentic key lime juice becomes harder to source, and the true taste of Florida disappears with it.
2. Orange Blossom Honey Cake
Location: Orlando, FL
This fragrant cake blends the sweetness of locally harvested orange blossom honey with zest from Florida oranges. Light, floral, and deeply nostalgic, it’s a staple at springtime gatherings and Sunday brunches.
"Every time I bake one for my neighbors, they say it reminds them of when citrus groves used to line the highway here in Central Florida. It’s more than cake—it’s memory.” — Debra S., 62, Orlando, FL
Why this dessert matters:
Orange blossom honey relies heavily on the pollination of citrus trees. With small groves closing, not only are we losing orange production—we’re impacting local honey production as well. This dessert connects two crucial agricultural industries, both at risk of being bulldozed into shopping plazas.
3. Tangelo Sorbet
Location: Sarasota, FL
The juicy, slightly tart hybrid of tangerines and grapefruits (called tangelos) makes for a refreshing, vibrant sorbet loved during Florida’s sweltering summers. Popular in artisanal ice cream shops and home freezers alike, it’s a hidden gem among citrus treats.
"I grew up grabbing tangelos from my uncle’s grove in Fort Meade. That sorbet flavor? That’s what childhood tastes like to me." — Marcus J., 33, Sarasota, FL
Why this dessert matters:
Tangelos are often grown in small, specialized groves. Their niche status means they aren't a corporate priority—but they are a cultural one. Without support, these groves are the first to vanish, taking with them the chance to enjoy fruits that define Florida’s uniqueness.
Florida’s 3 Favorite Citrus Desserts—And Why They Matter More Than Ever
Why This All Ties Back to the Florida Citrus Groves
The Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation was established to help protect these very traditions—by supporting the small citrus farmers who make them possible. Through direct financial grants, volunteer resources, and advocacy support, the foundation empowers family-owned farms to continue producing the fruit that flavors Florida's identity.
Without these growers, your favorite citrus dessert could be replaced by mass-produced imitations or vanish altogether.
These desserts are more than sugar and zest. They’re heirlooms passed down through generations, symbols of Floridian pride, and flavors rooted in the soil of family farms.
When you support the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, you’re not just saving fruit—you’re saving recipes, memories, and a state’s sweet legacy. Donate. Share. Preserve Florida's citrus culture—one dessert at a time.
The time to act is now.
Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation: Donate today to help save the future of the iconic Florida orange