Schacht Groves got its start in the citrus business in 1950 when traveling salesman Henry H…read more Schacht purchased 50 acres of orange groves west of Vero Beach. Indian River County is world famous for its citrus fruit. Over the next seven years Henry expanded his groves as he grew sweet oranges, grapefruits, and honeybells, a hybrid of grapefruit and tangerines that have a bell shape. In 1970, Henry's son, Henry F. Schacht Jr, launched the gift fruit shipping service that started as a hobby but grew to a popular service that ships thousands of orders of fruit across the country. Today, Schacht Groves is 145 acres and it's still a family operation run by Henry F. Schacht and his son, Louis.
In addition to ordering fruit, you can visit the Schacht Groves store and u-pick. There is a scenic 18 acre lake where you can purchase food to feed their friendly turtle and fish population. In the charming, old fashioned store you will find ice cream, fresh squeezed juice, citrus fruit, herbs, vegetables, gift fruit shipments, candy, jams and jellies, local honey, home goods with citrus decorations, candles, clothing, aprons, children's toys, holiday decorations, wild caught seafood, pastries, and so much more. Schacht Groves also offers events that include a Fall Festival in November, a Holiday Festival in December, and grove tours every Monday at 10 AM during season.
The coconut layer cake was really calling my name but I stayed on the healthy track and purchased delicious fresh squeezed orange juice, navel oranges, and honeybells. Citrus fruit can help lower your risk of cancer, boost heart health and your immune system, reduces inflammation and the risk of kidney stones to name just a few of its health benefits.
I loved everything in this delightful store and my overall visit to Schacht Groves. This is exactly the kind of Old Florida vibe that is right up my alley. Orange groves like this one are disappearing in Florida at an alarming rate. Citrus greening, a bacterial disease has taken out many trees while others were lost to housing developments. We need to support this kind of business whenever we find it. I was glad to find Schact Groves and see that they are still carrying the citrus torch for Florida.