Types Of Oranges
A Brief Introduction to Types of Oranges
There are many different types of oranges, and each offers its own particular taste sensation. Here are some types you may be familiar with, and others that may be new to you.
The Hamlin orange is generally oval or round shaped, and it has an orange or dark yellow color, and a smooth, thin peel. It is average sized, and seedless, and this makes it ideal for juicing.
The Valencia orange is one that is widely known, although it likely came originally from China. It is now grown in many areas around the world, and is known by different names. The Valencia is one of the types of oranges that ripen later in the season than the Navel orange, so it makes the overall orange season longer. This orange is also fairly adaptive to different climates, and it makes up about fifty percent of Florida's orange crop. The typical Valencia is about three inches wide, and it has up to six seeds (some have none). The season for its harvest is generally from March until June.
The California navel orange is considered to be the best orange to eat right from your hand. It typically has meaty flesh, thick rinds, and segments that are easy to separate. It also does not have any seeds. The California navel season starts in November, and can last until late in the spring. It's best to select oranges picked in the middle of the season, rather than early or late. In the peak of its season, this orange is very sweet. Early or late-picked oranges will tend to be puffy and dry, and more expensive. The California navel orange is one of the types of oranges that's better to omit during the summer. You can select fruits that are more tasty, and harvested at that time of year, instead.
Navel oranges are also grown in Florida, where they market from late in the Autumn, into January. They are not as rich in color as the California navels, but they have their own taste. They can be as big as a softball, or as small as a tennis ball. The Florida navels generally have a color like a light orange or bronze. Florida navels have no seeds, and have more juice than their California cousins. They are one of the types of oranges with a thinner rind, which makes them harder to peel, but although they are paler in color, they are very tasty, and relatively sweet.
Most people are aware of the fact that oranges are better during the winter season, but each orange has its own season. Whenever you buy them, citrus fruits should always feel heavy in your hand – this means they're fresh.