topic Re: Honeybelles in Kitchen

Honeybelles

catmama — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 17:48:37 GMT

I was going to put a review on the product page, but since it's sold out I can't.

I had never ordered these before so thought I would give them a try. Luckily I didn't order a big box for I'm not impressed. They are juicy, no doubt about that, but almost tasteless. Several of the oranges are still 1/2 green.

But the biggest issue I have is that I did not know they were owned by Harry and David. I have over the years received or ordered gift baskets through them. In all cases, the fruit was of very poor quality. Once, when my boss was ill, a client sent a box of their pears to him and they were so old they couldn't be eaten. We let the client know so that she could contacdt H&D and they did refund her money. I have not ordered from them for several years and will not. I think QVC should clarify the ownership during their presentations.

Re: Honeybelles

colleena — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:01:28 GMT

@catmama Let customer service or customer care know that you were not happy w/quality of these & they should credit you.

I'm unsure how long Cushman's has been owned by Harry & David but it's been years.

Good luck.

Re: Honeybelles

luvmybeetle — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:06:59 GMT

@catmama I totally agree with you. The first Honeybelle I ate from this order was very bland. Very juicy but very bland tasting. My cousin sends me a H&D box for Christmas every year that includes their pears. Every year I have to throw most of them in the trash because they ripen too quickly and are inedible. I don't have the heart to tell her because she thinks this is a big time gift. She's very concerned with the looks of things. There is also cheese and crackers in the pack so I eat those.

Re: Honeybelles

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:12:34 GMT

Hi @catmama I am so sorry for your disappointment. I have sent you an email.

Re: Honeybelles

fthunt — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:18:02 GMT

I last ordered ten years ago - they were big big and juicy juicy. You had to lean over the sink or get soaked.

Decided to order this year - didn't need the bib at all - better than what's at the stores - but agree they have gone downhill.

Re: Honeybelles

itsmagic — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:36:30 GMT

I’ve noticed the Florida oranges in our area stores are very limited and that the bags of oranges they do have also have oranges that are partially green. I’m not sure if the Honeybelles that you received are from Florida but if they are it doesn’t seem to be a good year for Florida oranges. Our stores have plenty of oranges from California and elsewhere but I’ve always liked getting Florida oranges during the season - but not this year.

Re: Honeybelles

aroc3435 — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:08:41 GMT

@catmama My Honeybells were delivered earlier this week and are fine. There is a booklet in cellophane enclosed in the box and on the back cover it explains about the green patches, etc., that can occur.

Remember, too, that each growing season is different. I am a repeat customer and long before the Q I ordered them directly from Florida. I didn't last January, 2019, because I had read the weather hadn't been good for Florida citrus that year.

I think they were absorbed by Harry and David circa 2014.

If you are unhappy with the quality of your Honeybells, do let QVC know, and they will help resolve your concerns.

Re: Honeybelles

Kachina624 — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:10:15 GMT

Aren't most commercially grown oranges picked green and then dyed to make them orange? I believe ive read this to be the case.

Re: Honeybelles

Spacrazy — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:36:50 GMT

Good info to have because I have often wondered. Glad I didn’t waste my money. I’m often leery with the hype and time they give “pushing” a product.

Thanks for the post.

Re: Honeybelles

froggy — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 19:48:19 GMT

Honeybelles are not oranges. They are tangelos. We are getting very good ones in our local supermarket for 1.49 per pound. I am squeezing two everyday for breakfast.

Re: Honeybelles

catmama — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:15:39 GMT

I did hear from QVC and they have credited me for the honeybelles. I've been eating Satsumas and oranges all winter and they have been delicious this year. Don't know where they are from. My biggest concern was the H&D connection.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Re: Honeybelles

songbird — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:21:04 GMT

You're under the mercies of the weather per the quality of the Honeybells. So far mine (from Hale Groves) are pretty good. The only odd thing is that each fruit is different in taste from the other. One could be especially sweet, the other not so sweet to almost sour. I won't order again, because it's too much for me to eat. My husband and son are fans. Still, I'm glad I tried it.

Re: Honeybelles

Nutzy — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:35:48 GMT

Last year I started ordering directly from Sun Harvest Citrus in Ft. Myers, FL. I received them about a week ago and they are delicious! I highly recomment Sun Harvest Citrus

Re: Honeybelles

drizzellla — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:53:28 GMT

I have bought numerous times, Harry and David pears. I always bought the pears in their stores. They have always been fresh and juicy and delicious. I am so pleased with them that if the store has them, I am buying.

I have also bought honeybelles from QVC. And have been pleased with them. Never had a problem.

Re: Honeybelles

rezski — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:16:06 GMT

Sumo oranges are amazing and availab;e at grocery stores. You can look up on their site to find out the stores near you that carry them. Pricy but oh so good and you can just buy a few with no shipping.

Re: Honeybelles

chowmom — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:24:52 GMT

Years ago, I ordered a small box of Honeybelles. Had never tasted them and didn't know what to expect. They were wonderful! Juicy; tasty; very flavorful. Couldn't wait to order them the next year. Unfortunately, when I ordered the following year, they were drier, less flavorful and full of seeds. I swore I'd never order them again. This year, though, they looked delicious and juicy in the presentation; so, I gave them another try. This is my very last time. They are VERY juicy; however, they are virtually flavorless. Also, the pulp is fine; but the membrane between sections is tough and chewy. Good grief. I can't believe I ordered the largest box. I'll be paying for these stupid things for months.

Re: Honeybelles

jannabelle1 — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 01:42:14 GMT

@rezski, you are so right. The Sumo oranges are available now at my favorite grocer (Midwest) and they are wonderful. And, I can buy as few or as many as I want with no shipping while they're available.

Re: Honeybelles

mrssims — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 07:30:32 GMT

I agree. I wouldn't have ordered if I knew. Probably why they neglected to mention.