There’s no better summer drink than a glass of chilled, freshly squeezed orange juice. The tangy taste is a favorite among kids and grownups alike, but oranges also have several health benefits. A glass of orange juice fulfills the daily required intake of vitamin c. It also reduces inflammation and helps prevent heart disease.
Oranges come in several kinds but are mainly divided into two categories, bitter (due to limonin) and sweet. Sweet oranges are more popular and preferred over their bitter counterparts. The following are the best oranges for juicing.
1. Valencia Oranges
Named after Valencia city of Spain, fortunately, these oranges are available throughout the year from April till December.
These are one of the sweetest orange varieties and are also a preference for commercial juicing. They contain fewer seeds, which leads to easier prep and more juice. Valencia oranges are rich in nutrients like fiber and potassium, which help combat cancer and support heart function. The juice is also used for cooking to enhance the taste.
2. Navel Oranges
The widely popular navel oranges got the name due to the similarity with the human navel. These oranges come in a seedless variety and also with seeds. They peel easily and are readily available in the market. These are mostly consumed for eating and are inexpensive compared to other kinds of oranges.
Navel oranges are big and round and yield a lot of juice. But they do contain limonin which means the juice turns bitter if stored for a long time. That’s why navel orange juice is meant for quick consumption.
3. Blood Orange
The vibrant ruby red hue is how the blood orange got its name. These oranges are packed with flavor and are a great source of antioxidants. They cover for the absence of other orange varieties due to their availability from January till April.
Blood oranges come in three types, the Sanguigno, Tarocco, and Moro. These contain lower acidic content than other kinds. They peel easily, have fewer seeds, and their flavorful juice is also used for cooking. But unfortunately, they are an expensive breed.
4. Clementines
The clementine is a hybrid orange originating from Algeria. These belong to the mandarin orange family but are smaller in size. These are grown in Spain, Israel, Morocco, South Africa, and California in the US.
Clementines are great for snacking, cooking as well as juicing. Its zest is used in marinades, marmalades, sauces, and more. They add a unique flavor to winter salads and are also combined with other fruits for use in desserts.
The only drawback of clementines is their size. These are not the best choice when you have guests because even one cup of juice will take a lot of oranges.
5. Tangerines
Tangerines are light in color and a bit tart in taste compared to clementines. This unique flavor makes these a good addition to cooking.
Tangerines contain Synephrine (bitter taste), which is known as a weight loss aid and is used in several dietary supplements. They consist of seeds but very few.
Unfortunately, tangerines are mostly available from fall to the spring season, which hikes the prices if you buy them off-season. But if you’re willing to wait, you will enjoy every drop of high-quality juice during the season.
6. Satsuma Oranges
Originating from Japan, the satsuma oranges are also a part of the mandarin family and are grown in California and the Gulf Coast.
These are high in fiber which helps control cholesterol levels. Satsuma juice is delicious, but they are not around for very long, so the availability is limited. They are generally expensive and due to their small size, juicing a cup requires a good amount of oranges.
7. Tangelo Oranges
These are a hybrid of the mandarin and pomelo orange. This combination gives this type extra sweet flavor and lots of juice to yield. They do have a slightly tart taste, but the sweetness overpowers it. If you don’t mind a bit of sourness, this variety of orange is perfect for you.
The two types of tangelo oranges available in the market are Honeybell and Orlando. Tangelo oranges are a great source of vitamin A which helps boost visual health. They are also packed with minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
To Conclude
Oranges are one of nature’s sweetest gifts to mankind. They taste great and contain health benefits. Unless you’re picky about the type, you can enjoy different kinds of oranges all year long. Overall, nothing beats the refreshing taste of this wonder fruit.
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