Jaffa fruit

Jaffa fruit, particularly known for the Jaffa orange (or Shamouti), began as a specific variety developed by Arab Palestinian farmers in the mid-19th century near the city of Jaffa in Ottoman Palestine. Its thick skin and sweet, nearly seedless interior made it exceptionally durable for export to Europe, where it became a premium household name. Following the events of 1948 and the establishment of the State of Israel, the name was registered as a trademark and came under the management of the Citrus Marketing Board of Israel.

Today, Jaffa has transitioned from a single variety grown in a specific location to a global brand. While it originally signified fruit from the Jaffa region, the trademark now covers a wide array of citrus including mandarins, grapefruits, and lemons. Because the Citrus Marketing Board of Israel licenses the brand globally, Jaffa-branded fruit can be grown in and sourced from multiple countries, including Israel, Spain, South Africa, and Morocco, ensuring year-round availability in international markets like the UK and Europe.