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Oranges are very sensitive to the cold, and like my bony fingers can be damaged and sometimes destroyed by several hours at just a few degrees below freezing. That’s why Florida orange farmers get chills at the prospect of weather like this.

It seems like every few years there is a news-worthy cold snap that extends as far south as Florida; one look at our food map shows what effect that can have on the year’s orange crop. About one-third of the nation’s orange-growing land is located in California, but the bulk of it is down in Florida.

If the Sunshine State experiences a prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures, the national orange harvest can really take a huge hit. For example, suppose that 15% of Florida’s orange crop is destroyed by a cold snap. Doesn’t sound like much, does it? But get this: 15% equals 1 million tons of fruit. That’s 3.2 billion oranges!

Sadly, that means oranges and orange juice will cost you more at the store, but you know what? I’m OK with that, because they’re worth it.

Especially the blood orange. Contrary to its evil appearance, the blood orange might be the healthiest of the bunch, because on top of the vitamin C that oranges are so famous for, blood oranges pack an extra punch.If this reminds you of red wine, it’s because they both contain anthocyanins, which are those valuable antioxidants you’ve been hearing so much about that make tea, wine, and coffee so famous these days. So go ahead and spend a little extra on oranges this year. Your body will thank you for it.

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