Learn all about the best oranges for juicing, when they are available, tips to make the freshest OJ, and how to store them so that they won’t spoil.
Oranges are a popular fruit worldwide, best known for their high Vitamin C content. They’re not just a delicious snack, but also a key ingredient in a refreshing glass of juice. But did you know that not all oranges are created equal when it comes to juicing? In this guide, we explore the best oranges for juicing, their availability, and tips for making the freshest orange juice.
Some Fun Facts
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The Health Benefits of Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice is not just a refreshing drink, but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and other minerals and nutrients that protect us from diseases, aid in weight loss, protect our heart, and boost our immune system.
Making your own orange juice at home is much more affordable than buying from a juice bar. Plus, you are not losing out on any of the nutrients. On the other hand, bottled orange juice often contains preservatives and added sugar, which can be harmful to our health.
The Best Oranges For Juicing
Let’s explore the best oranges for juicing, their unique characteristics, and why they are a great choice for your next glass of OJ.
| Orange Variety | Taste | Yield | Unique Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valencia | Sweet | High | Used commercially, high in potassium and fiber |
| Blood Oranges | Very sweet | High | High in antioxidants, unique red color |
| Navel Oranges | Sweet | High | Large size, seedless, easy to peel |
| Tangerines | Sweet | Medium | High in synephrine, aids in weight loss |
| Clementine Oranges | Citrusy | Medium | Small size, juicy, some varieties are seedless |
| Tangelo Oranges | Sweet | High | Large size, high in Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and potassium |
| Satsuma Oranges | Sweet with a hint of tartness | Medium | High in fiber, good for the digestive system |
| Hamlin Oranges | Sweet | High | Widely grown in Florida, low in acidity |
| Cara Cara Oranges | Sweet and tart with undertones of cherries and berries | Medium | High in vitamins A and C |
Valencia Oranges
Valencia oranges are the sweetest oranges for juicing and are used commercially for their taste and wide availability. They are packed with potassium and fiber, making them great for your immune system. Valencia oranges have a low LARL because they remain on the tree for a longer period of time than other oranges, which means they don’t become bitter over time.
Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are very sweet and juicy and have the highest amount of antioxidants among all oranges. They are perfect for your Christmas parties due to their unique red color. However, they ferment fast, so it’s best to consume the juice immediately after juicing.
Navel Oranges
Navel oranges are a great option for juicing due to their large size, which yields more juice per orange than any other variety. They are also seedless and easy to peel, making them a convenient choice for juicing.
Tangerines
Tangerines are high in synephrine, a compound that aids in weight loss. They are generally sweet, and most tangerines come without seeds, making them easy to juice.
Clementine Oranges
Clementine oranges are small but pack a delicious citrusy flavor. They are quite juicy and some of the varieties come without seeds, making them one of the best oranges for juicing.
Tangelo Oranges
Tangelo oranges are one of the sweetest oranges for juicing and also produce a lot of juice, thanks to their large size. They are high in Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making them a healthy choice for juicing.
Satsuma Oranges
Satsuma oranges contain high amounts of fiber that are good for the digestive system. They are small in size, but the wonderful mix of sweet orange juice with just a hint of tartness brings a very balanced and refreshing flavor to the glass.
Hamlin Oranges
Hamlin oranges are widely grown in Florida and have a high yield of juice per fruit. They have low acidity and are very juicy, making them a great choice for juicing.
Cara Cara Oranges
Cara Cara oranges have a unique taste that is a combination of a sweet and tart flavor with undertones of cherries and berries. They are high in vitamins A and C, making them a healthy choice for fresh squeezed juice.
How To Choose The Best Juicing Oranges
As you have just seen, not all oranges are not made equal. So, how do you choose the best oranges for making orange juice? Well, here are some of the things that you should consider before going bonkers over the cascades of oranges that you see in the supermarket.
Ease Of Juicing
If you don’t have the time to do a lot of prepping before squeezing a fresh glass of OJ, look for oranges with fewer seeds like Valencia. Or, go for navel oranges as they are seedless and easier to juice. Easy peeling also cuts down on your prep time so look for varieties that are easier to peel like tangerines and satsuma oranges.
Taste
In my family, half of us like our orange juice sweet while the other half like a more tangy, sour taste. Valencia oranges are more popular with most people because they are sweet and juicy. So are navel oranges that are sweeter than their tart counterparts. However, I need to buy blood oranges or tangerines too to juice oranges and satisfy those who want more tangy orange juice. Therefore, you need to keep your taste preference in mind before buying oranges for juicing.
Color Of The Juice
As there are varieties of oranges with different colors, fresh orange juice is also not the same shade of orange. Some are very light in color – like juice from tangerines – while others have a tinge of red in them, for example, blood oranges. Hence, the name. I like to have a deeper reddish-orange color in my orange juice so I make the most of blood oranges when they are in season.
Nutrient Content
Besides having orange juice just as a refreshing drink, you can choose to have it for various health benefits. If you’re looking for plenty of potassium and fiber to amp your immune system, then Valencia oranges are the best oranges for orange juice. For high fiber content, you can also go for satsuma oranges. Blood oranges have the highest content of antioxidants that protect you from free radicals that can cause cancer and other diseases.
Affordability
Don’t forget to check out the price of the oranges your mind is set on. Sometimes you may like a variety that is higher in price as it might be available in a rare season, for example, tangerines. Navel oranges score high on affordability.
Size And Weight
Before buying the best oranges for juicing, check out the size and weight of the fruit. A large size variety like the navel oranges yields more juice. However, don’t expect the same from clementines as they are small and will not yield as much juice although they are quite juicy. Satsuma oranges are also small and you will need to juice a few to get fresh squeezed orange juice. When you pick an orange and it feels heavy, then you will get more juice out of it.
Skin Texture
Look for oranges with a firm and smooth texture. Those that have blemishes on their skin won’t give you the best freshly squeezed orange juice. Also, feel the skin to check how ripe the oranges are. Oranges that are overripe will be difficult to juice.
Tips To Make The Best Orange Juice
- Pick the right orange variety as per your taste preference.
- Make a small batch and taste before juicing a larger batch.
- Get a citrus juicer like this to make juicing more convenient.
- Refrigerate leftover orange juice for a longer shelf life.
- Stir the orange juice after taking it out of the fridge.
FAQs
What Are The Best Oranges For Juice?
Valencia, navel, tangelo, cara cara, and blood oranges are the best oranges for juice because of their large size which yields a high amount of juice. They are also easy to peel, leading to shorter prep time.
Are Navel Oranges Good For Juicing?
Navel oranges for juicing are the best as they have no seeds and are easier to peel, making them some of the best oranges for juicing. Moreover, they are sweet, easy to peel, and have a higher juice yield compared to other types of oranges. They are also readily available and more affordable.
Can You Juice Oranges In A Juicer?
Yes, you can juice oranges in a juicer. However, it’s recommended to peel the oranges before juicing as the skin can make the juice taste bitter. A citrus juicer is especially designed for juicing citrus fruits and can make the process easier and more efficient.
How Many Oranges Does It Take To Make A Glass Of Juice?
On average, it takes about 2-4 medium-sized oranges to make a glass of juice. However, this can vary depending on the size and variety of the orange. For example, larger oranges like navel or Valencia oranges may yield more juice than smaller varieties.
Is It Better To Drink Orange Juice Or Eat An Orange?
Both drinking orange juice and eating an orange have their own benefits. Orange juice allows you to consume a large amount of vitamin C and other nutrients quickly and easily. However, eating an orange provides you with fiber and other nutrients that may be lost during the juicing process. It’s best to incorporate both into your diet for maximum health benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best oranges for juicing are those that are sweet, juicy, and easy to peel. Valencia, navel, tangelo, cara cara, and blood oranges are particularly popular for juicing due to their taste and high juice yield. However, the best orange for you will ultimately depend on your personal taste preferences. So, why not try juicing different varieties and find your favorite? Happy juicing!
References
- “Orange Varieties for Juicing.” Citrus.com. Accessed on 20th March, 2022.
- “The Best Oranges for Juicing.” Healthline.com. Accessed on 20th March, 2022.
- “The Health Benefits of Orange Juice.” MedicalNewsToday.com. Accessed on 20th March, 2022.
While exploring the best oranges for juicing, we also delved into the organic vs. non-organic debate; find out more in our detailed guide on [Organic vs. Non-Organic Coffee and Grilled Foods: What’s the Real Difference?].
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