OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As Thanksgiving arrives, some families continue a simple, longstanding holiday tradition: adding fresh citrus to the table. Whether sliced into salads, served as marmalade or saved as a treat after a heavy meal, oranges and tangerines remain one of the oldest winter staples in American households.
The custom dates back to the late 19th century, when fresh fruit in winter was considered a rare luxury. Before refrigerated transport was common, citrus shipped from warmer states was hard to find in colder regions. Placing an orange on a Thanksgiving table–and later into a Christmas stocking–became a symbol of prosperity, health and a bit of sunshine during the darkest part of the year.
As citrus production expanded in the early 20th century, families across the country embraced the tradition. Fruit shipments became an affordable way to send something meaningful to relatives, especially those living in states with harsh weather. Over time, citrus became tied to the broader holiday season, appearing in gift baskets, centerpieces and winter recipes.
Citrus also naturally aligns with Thanksgiving because its harvest season begins in late fall. Fresh oranges, tangerines and mandarins, among others, reach peak flavor just as holiday cooking ramps up. Many households use citrus to brighten classic dishes that offer a refreshing break from heavier entrees such as casseroles and desserts.
The tradition carries through December as well. Oranges and tangerines placed in Christmas stockings remain common. The fruit’s round, golden appearance has long been associated with generosity and good fortune, and the practice endures even in homes where it is more nostalgic than symbolic.
For Floridians, the tradition has added meaning. Citrus has been part of the state’s identity for generations, and the holiday season often brings an increase in fruit sold in gifting. Easy-to-peel varieties like clementines and mandarins are especially popular, both as snacks and as decorative touches on holiday tables.
Even as Thanksgiving menus evolve, citrus continues to stand out for its simplicity and adaptability. It complements savory dishes, adds fragrance to kitchens and provides a burst of color during a season dominated by browns, reds and greens.
Whether tucked into a dessert or salad on Thanksgiving, displayed in a holiday simmer pot or slipped into a Christmas stocking, citrus remains a small but endearing part of the holiday season and its appeal is much the same as it was a century ago: bright, fresh and a welcome reminder of warmth during the coldest time of the year.