An orange is a berry- originally a bitter berry. But after three thousand years of cultivation, sweet varieties now predominate.
Health Benefits: Oranges are famed for their high vitamin C content. They also contain potassium, and some calcium and are a good source of pectin. The interior white orange membrane is a superior source of bioflavonoids that enhance the absorption of iron from plant foods, defend against cancer, and have antioxidant properties.
Use: Nearly 80 percent of sweet oranges are grown for juice the remainder are eaten fresh. Oranges are easiest to digest when eaten alone or with other tropical or subtropical fruits. They challenge the digestive system when eaten with carbohydrates, sweets, or dried fruits.
Buying: Oranges are tree ripened - in fact, sate regulations require that oranges be mature before being harvested - and therefore skin color, be it green or orange, is not a reliable index for quality. Do avoid oranges with dark brown spots, soft spots, or a puffy looking peel. Select those heavy for their size. Store loose in a dry and cool, but nor cold, place. Do not wrap in plastic.
Seedless, named for the belly-button-like spot at the blossom end. Native to Brazil and favored for eating rather than juicing, the navel’s bumpy skin indicates a thick, easy-to-peel rind. Peak season is from November to May.
Favored for juicing, with numerous pips (seeds), a sweet and juicy pulp, and thin and smooth skin. Valencia’s are at their peak from late March through June.
 Hamlin's annual yield is the highest and most consistent of all sweet oranges. Hamlin is the leading early-season juice orange in Florida. They are considered commercially seedless (0-6 seeds per fruit). It is fairly easy to peel. Medium size, round to oval, deep yellow to orange color with a smooth, thin peel. An excellent juice orange.
 Cara Cara's are an excellent source of vitamin C, A and fiber; a good source of foliate and potassium, and a natural source of Lycopene, the disease-fighting antioxidant. The bright orange exterior covers a deep, rich pink pulp, which is extremely sweet, and few to no seeds. This power-packed citrus is gaining in popularity and with its lower acidity; it is a great treat for kids.
 Tart, tangy and enticingly sweet, Temples peel easily with mouth-watering sections, a flavor & fragrance all their own. Temple oranges are a true "classic" when it comes to fresh fruit. With their own special tantalizing aroma, Temples are a memorable favorite. Easy to peel. Fun to eat. Sweet. Tangy. And robust.
 An excellent juice or eating orange. A midseason fruit, medium to large size, round to oval, orange color, pebbly peel. Has seeds. The Pineapple orange is acclaimed for it juicy sweetness.
from Rebecca Wood's The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia |
