Fun Fact #365
Lost Limes
In 1992 Florida was a powerhouse in the Lime Industry known for their “Florida Key Limes”' named after the Florida Keys. Then came what was regarded as the perfect storm: Hurricane Andrew –one of only 5 recorded Category 5 Hurricanes to hit the US. In the end it would kill 65 people, Cost $27.5 Billion in damages, and destroy almost all Lime trees in Florida allowing Mexico to take over the market.
But this is not the end of the story; as Florida is on the rise once again. In 2022 Farmers began to plant Lime trees in record numbers as the demand for limes continues to expand. Although it will take 7 years for the first trees to come to maturity and have their crops harvested, it is expected to be a huge success and bring much needed jobs to the area. To further drive demand Companies like Kroger, Simply, and Minute Maid have unveiled their own versions of Limeade –though they differ from traditional recipes by not featuring Vodka as an ingredient. They are a little late to the party however as Sprite has dominated the limeade market since 1961.
Thanks for reading and I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s fun fact.
