Next time you take a drive along Metro Parkway south of Fort Myers, allow yourself a little extra time to call in at Sun Harvest Citrus. Just look for the huge green packinghouse on the corner of Metro and Six Mile Cypress Parkway.
Stop in for freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice, treat the kids to a soft-serve ice cream or try one of the delicious fruit smoothies packed with healthy vitamins and nutrients.
Photo courtesy Sun Harvest Citrus
Photo courtesy Sun Harvest Citrus
This family-owned citrus company has been growing oranges, tangerines and grapefruit for over 70 years. In fact the Edsall family has been in business for three generations.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Family History of Sun Harvest Citrus
Robert Edsall, Sr. began the citrus company in 1940 in Vero Beach, on Florida’s east coast. He knew the soil, climate and conditions were ideal for producing some of the best citrus in the world. In due course Robert’s son Bobby joined the business, and more recently grandson David McKenzie has taken over the reins.
The Sun Harvest retail store on Metro Parkway opened in 1990 by another of Robert’s grandchildren, Sandy McKenzie Nicely. She wanted to make the delicious Indian River fruit available to the public right here in Fort Myers.
The business is very easy to get to for any residents enjoying life in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Bonita Springs. Along with the store, the site has a packinghouse for the Edsall citrus groves. It is now run by Sandy, husband Dave and cousin Drew Edsall, also a third generation member of the family.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Delicious Citrus Varieties at Sun Harvest Citrus
Sun Harvest Citrus offers far more than just bags of tasty fresh citrus fruits. They sell freshly squeezed fruit juices which are hard to beat, gourmet foods, gift items and candies. If you are looking to send a ray of Florida sunshine to family and friends in other states, checkout the gift boxes with a variety of citrus fruits that are crammed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Oranges include sweet Navels, dark skinned Temples and popular Valencia oranges. Grapefruit lovers will adore the Ruby’s pink grapefruit, white grapefruit or Star red varieties. They offer that delicious mix of tart sweetness that certainly does not need any extra sugar adding. The latest offering from the Sun Harvest groves are the sweetest Florida peaches, sold instore within 24 hours of picking.
Photo courtesy Sun Harvest Citrus
Honey Tangerines, known for their sweet honey-like flavor, are one of many gift items offered by Sun Harvest Citrus for shipping from the on-site U.S. Post Office. The old-fashioned Grove Baskets are always in demand with 9 pounds of the freshest assorted citrus fruits and two optional extras – a jar of Orange Blossom Honey and an 8oz jar of tangy citrus Marmalade. Other specialty gift baskets include a range of items to complement the delicious fresh fruit.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
You can find everything from Key Lime Cheesecake to gourmet citrus candies in the gift shop, so if you’re looking for a foodie gift, Sun Harvest Citrus is a great place to find something different.
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