With a mission that’s "pure, organic, and simple," Uncle Matt's Organic is all about growing a healthier generation. Founded in 1999 by Matt McLean, a real-life uncle to ten nieces and nephews, the business was born from his commitment to healthy living and a family tradition of growing citrus in Florida. Matt’s vision was clear: produce the highest quality juice using only premium, 100% organically grown fruit—free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Standing there among the vibrant groves, I couldn't help but feel the energy in the place. It was clear that these trees, growing under organic practices, were nurtured with care from the ground up. "There's such a beautiful energy here," I said, taking in the lush surroundings.
Matt agreed, "We feel the energy too. This is our passion, so every day, it doesn’t feel like work."
We started talking about the "organic" label—a term often associated with health but rarely understood in detail. "What is the difference between an orange and an organic orange?" I asked him.
He explained that it starts from the soil beneath our feet. Uncle Matt’s approach prioritizes building a biologically diverse, healthy soil that naturally strengthens the tree. Organic farming, he said, avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Instead of using quick fixes for pests, they look at the bigger picture: "Is the tree weak? Can we boost the tree’s immune system to deter pests? Can we bring in natural predators?" It’s a holistic approach, he explained, moving away from agriculture’s typical “single factor” solutions.
I then asked about the nutrient density of his fruits, which he described as the richness of vitamins, minerals, calcium, and magnesium—the essential nutrients our bodies need. Uncle Matt explained that when you see vibrant colors in fruits, you're seeing the nutrients too. Those colors—pigments like beta carotene—are loaded with antioxidants that support health and immunity.
The colors were indeed remarkable, and every citrus fruit was packed with juice. "What’s your secret?" I asked.
He laughed, giving credit to Florida’s unique subtropical climate. "We get 50 to 60 inches of annual rainfall, which adds to the juiciness of Florida citrus."
Curious about the impact of these nutrient-dense fruits on the body, I asked more about how it works. Uncle Matt explained that when we eat this fruit, the nutrients are in a form that’s instantly recognizable and usable by our bodies, unlike many supplements that need to be processed further. "It’s all about energy, and it goes to work as soon as you eat it," he said.
It’s no surprise that with this level of care, Benny, a key member of Uncle Matt's team, recently won the Organic Trade Association’s Farmer of the Year award. As we wrapped up the visit, I couldn't leave without tasting the juice myself.
Gathered with Uncle Matt and his family, we raised our glasses in a toast, savoring the rich, flavorful juice. No matter how you look at it, Uncle Matt’s Organic fruit and juices truly stand out. "Cheers!"
To learn more about Uncle Matt's, visit: https://www.unclematts.com/
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