Common Varieties and Types of Oranges
Facts on Naval, Valencia, Blood Oranges – Taste and Nutrition
Believe it or not there are over 600 varieties of oranges, with Naval and Valencia being the most common. The orange is a very unique fruit because it is one the very few fruits that will not over ripen if left on the tree. The majority of oranges grown in North America are grown in Florida and Southern California. Due to the warmer climates and different varieties, oranges are available year round.
Nutritional Value of Oranges – One Cup Sliced
Oranges have some good nutritional values. A one-cup sliced serving of oranges only has about 85 calories and no fat. Total carbohydrates are about 21 grams and about 4 grams of dietary fiber. Oranges are loaded with vitamin C at about 95 grams for a whopping 160% of the daily value of vitamin C.
They are a bit heavy in sugars with 17 grams. Oranges are not a good source of proteins with about 1.7 grams or 3% of the daily value. However with a balanced diet, oranges would be a great addition for a balanced diet, especially for Vitamin C.
Facts on the More Common Varieties of Oranges
Valencia Oranges
- The Valencia Orange derived its name from the town of Valencia, Spain.
- Valencia Oranges are the primary orange grown in Florida, with over 50% of its orange production.
- The Valencia is the most sweet of all oranges and has virtually no bitter taste.
- Because of its sweetness, the Valencia Orange is the most popular for the production of orange juice.
- The average size of the Valencia Orange is about 3 inches in diameter.
- The typical growing season is from March to June. They have a very small amount of seeds in the fruit if any at all.
Naval Oranges
- Naval Oranges got their name because one end of the skin has a protrusion that looks similar to a navel. Inside the fruit, under the naval, there’s an extra section of the orange.
- Naval Oranges are the primary orange grown in California.
- The Naval has a slight bitterness flavor but overall have a sweet flavor that over powers the bitterness.
- The Naval Orange is probably the best orange to eat by itself because their thick skins makes them easy to peel and the slices separate easily.
- Naval Oranges are the largest varieties of oranges, but come in a variety of sizes. T
- he typical growing season for the naval is between November and May.
- Another reason they’re the most popular orange to eat by themselves is the Naval Orange is seedless.
Blood Oranges
- Blood Oranges get their name because the inside of the orange has dark red streaks through the majority of the orange.
- Blood oranges are primarily grown in California.
- They have a very unique sweet flavor and depending on the variety can have a raspberry or strawberry type flavor.
- Blood Oranges are exceptionally juicy and are great eaten by themselves.
- Blood oranges are generally a smaller variety of orange and are available from November through May.
- Even though Naval and Valencia are two most common varieties of oranges, blood oranges are becoming increasingly popular because of their unique flavor.
When choosing an orange its best to pick one that feels heavy. An orange that’s heavier in weight as proportionate to its size is usually juicier. A good orange should have no soft spots and it’s best to look for oranges that have a bright orange coloring. Try not to choose oranges that are late in the season because they tend to be drier and stringy.
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