Where Was the First Navel Orange Tree Planted?

The navel orange, also known as the Washington navel orange or simply navel, is a popular citrus fruit that is prized for its sweetness and seedlessness. The fruit gets its name from the peculiar shape of the blossom end that resembles a human navel. Today, it is one of the most commonly grown citrus fruits in the world, but where was the first navel orange tree planted?

Origins of the Navel Orange

The origin of the navel orange can be traced back to the early 1800s in Bahia, Brazil. It is believed that the original navel orange tree was a mutation that occurred naturally on a sweet orange tree. The unique mutation produced a fruit that had a second small fruit embedded in the blossom end, giving it the appearance of a human navel. The fruit was propagated through grafting and eventually found its way to the United States in the 1870s.

The First Navel Orange Tree in California

It was in Riverside, California where the first navel orange tree was planted. In 1873, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a shipment of two dozen navel orange trees from Bahia to Eliza Tibbets, a Riverside resident. Tibbets was a horticulturist who had been experimenting with growing citrus fruits in the area. One of the trees in the shipment produced fruit that was unusually sweet, seedless, and easy to peel. The fruit was an immediate hit and Tibbets began propagating the tree to sell the fruit commercially. It wasn't long before the navel orange became one of the most popular citrus fruits in California, and Tibbets became known as the "Mother of the California citrus industry."

The Impact of the Navel Orange

The introduction of the navel orange had a significant impact on the California economy. Prior to the navel orange, citrus fruits were not commercially viable in California due to the weather and soil conditions. The navel orange, however, thrived in the Mediterranean-like climate of California and quickly became an important crop for the state. Today, California is the largest producer of navel oranges in the world, with the fruit being grown in the Central Valley and other regions of the state.

The Worldwide Popularity of the Navel Orange

The navel orange is a popular fruit not only in the United States but all over the world. It is grown in many countries, including Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and Spain. The fruit is known for its juicy sweetness and ease of peeling, making it a favorite snack for adults and kids alike. It is also a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts.

In Conclusion

The first navel orange tree was planted in Riverside, California in the 1870s. The introduction of the navel orange had a significant impact on the California economy and eventually led to the state's dominance in the production of the fruit. Today, the navel orange is a popular citrus fruit grown and enjoyed all over the world.