Do you like citrus fruits, but always reach for the sour ones? We assure you that among oranges you will find many sweet varieties that will impress with their juiciness and excellent taste. They go well with desserts, but often they are simply made into juice or even eaten directly after peeling. We recommend what to look for when buying oranges to ensure that the ones you choose are sweet and not sour.

Which oranges are the sweetest? Sweet varieties of oranges

The sweetness of oranges depends on their variety. Therefore, you can already assess in the store whether the fruit will meet your requirements. You will not be disappointed if you reach for:

  • Navel oranges

Navel is probably the best known and most popular orange variety in the world. They have a distinctive “belly button” on the underside of the fruit, which makes them easy to recognize. Navel oranges are extremely sweet and juicy, ideal for eating raw. The best time to buy Navel oranges is winter and early spring when they are at their sweetest and freshest.

  • Red orange

The Blood Orange variety, also known as blood orange, has distinctive red flesh. Although their sweetness is slightly more complex and less intense than Navel or Valencia, Blood Oranges have a unique flavor with a hint of bitterness. They were originally grown in Sicily, today their Spanish versions Sanguinello and American Moro are better known.

  • Valencia oranges

Valencia is an ideal variety for juicing, but it also tastes great as a snack. The fruits are very juicy and have a mild sweetness, especially when ripe. Valencia is available for sale during most of the year, but its peak is in spring and summer.

  • Cara Cara oranges

Cara Cara is a variety of orange characterized by a pinkish-red flesh similar to a grapefruit. Although their flesh is not as intensely orange, they are exceptionally sweet and have a mild, almost raspberry flavor. Cara Cara is the perfect choice for those looking for something unique and sweet.

How to choose sweet oranges?

Sometimes it is difficult to come across a specific variety of oranges or they are not clearly marked. What then? Fortunately, you can learn a lot about the fruit itself by looking at it.

  • Check the color and peel – sweet oranges usually have an intense orange color, which indicates their ripeness. Avoid fruits with green spots, as they may be less ripe and sour. The peel should be smooth, firm and slightly shiny. If it is wrinkled or dull, the orange may be overripe.
  • Smell the fruit – a sweet orange should have a distinct citrus aroma, even through the peel. If the fruit emits a strong aroma, it is a good sign that it is ripe and full of sweetness. If the aroma is weak or absent, the orange may not be fully ripe.
  • Gently squeeze the orange – it should be firm but not rock hard. Squeeze it gently – if it’s slightly springy, it’s a sign that it’s fresh and juicy. However, too soft fruit may be overripe or begin to spoil.
  • Pay attention to the shape – it turns out that even the shape of an orange can have meaning. Oranges with a rounder shape tend to be sweeter than those that are slightly flattened. Although not a rule, it can help you quickly identify sweet specimens.
  • A prominent navel – if the orange has a prominent navel, i.e. a small undeveloped fruit in the middle, this is a very good sign. It indicates that it will not only be sweet, but also seedless.
  • It depends on the weight – heavier oranges tend to be juicier and therefore sweeter. When buying, hold the fruit in your hand – if it is heavy for its size, it is a sign that it is full of juice and ready to eat.
  • Choose the right season – oranges are available all year round, but their sweetness can vary depending on the season. For example, Navel achieves its best quality in winter and early spring, and Valencia in summer. Check which variety is in season to make sure you’re picking the sweetest fruit.
  • Avoid fruits with green tips – sometimes you can see green tips or stems on oranges. Although it is natural, it often indicates the immaturity of the fruit. If you crave a sweet taste, it is better to choose those that are completely orange.

Choosing sweet oranges is pretty easy once you know what to look for. The fruit can delight with the aroma that surrounds the whole house, as well as the taste. You can use juicy varieties in many ways, including squeezing vitamin-packed juices.

Do you freeze food this way? Better change your habits. Therefore, it spoils quickly and loses its taste