Melissa’s World Variety Produce
www.melissas.com try: Exotic and Tropical Fruit Sampler (shown), $44.
navigation notes: Shop by category, like “citrus” or “stone fruits” (loose-fruit orders go from 2 to 6 pounds). The “In Season” link has a rotating list of suggestions for the ripest fruits and best buys year-round.
gift options and wrapping: Shop for gift baskets in a range of prices, buy gift certificates, or send someone a subscription to its fruit-of-the-month club. Fruit comes nestled in straw cushioning.
customer service and shipping: Most fruits are shipped via FedEx overnight or 2-day delivery. Some delicate fruits, such as berries, require overnight shipping.
Hale Indian River Groves
www.halegroves.com try: Pluots, a cross between a plum and an apricot (spring and summer only), $39.
navigation notes: You can buy boxes of one kind of fruit, or mix it up with a gift assortment. Click on a product to check availability. (Most citrus fruits start shipping in November, but you can order in advance.)
gift options and wrapping: The company’s standard orange crates are stylish enough, but there are also gift assortments packed in everything from sleighs to gingham-covered baskets.
customer service and shipping: Allow 10 to 14 days, or pay for express shipping. A $4.15 surcharge is added to all orders because of recent hurricane losses.
Cushman’s
www.honeybell.comSelect a lush specialty fruit, like the honeybell, a sweet hybrid of tangerines and grapefruit.
try: Crown Jewel Honeybells, $25 for 9.
navigation notes: Click on “In Season Fruit” to see which citrus fruits, pears, apples, and peaches are available in the coming months, or browse the several menus of gifts.
gift options and wrapping: Honeybells are harvested at the end of December, but the company can send a gift card in early December. The charming Caroler’s Gift Box plays “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
customer service and shipping: Fruit is sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Average delivery takes 10 to 14 days, but FedEx service is available. A $2 surcharge is added because of recent hurricane losses.
