TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Florida's friendship with citrus fruits goes back centuries.
Historians say the first trees in the Sunshine State were planted in the 1500s, and their fruits were farmed commercially starting in the mid-19th century.
According to Visit Florida, the state currently provides 70-percent of the all citrus fruits across the country, and is second only to Brazil in producing the most oranges in the entire world.
It wouldn't be a Florida summer without citrus, and thanks to some new technology, you never have to decide which fruit you want to enjoy.
Developers have created a new three-in-one tree that produces different fruits grown from the same plant.
"No grafting is involved. You don't have to buy two trees in order to have the fruit bear," said Cristie Duncan of Home Depot.
These newly engineered trees require the same amount of work as a regular citrus tree, but give you a lot more variety - from oranges, to lemons, limes, even grapefruit.
"You do the normal planting using a citrus soil and a regular soil and just add your nutrients as you go," Duncan
And while they may come with a higher price tag, local garden experts say they'll more than pay for themselves in long run.
"It's a new technology. It's $99 for one tree, but you get three types of fruits, so that's awesome," said Duncan
All citrus trees need to be planted in sunny areas that are protected from the wind. Experts say it's important to add nutrients for the first few years after it's planted.
According to Visit Florida, the citrus industry generates close to $1 billion in Florida tax revenue and provides 76,000 jobs.
