How to pick the sweetest, juiciest oranges this winter
December is the time when oranges are at their best. But how do you choose the ones that are truly sweet and juicy? Oranges with a distinctive "navel" are usually a reliable choice for those who love sweet and juicy fruit.
Oranges are an essential part of winter days. We eagerly reach for them as a healthy snack, an addition to cakes, or an ingredient in salads. Unfortunately, not every orange is equally tasty. Here’s how to recognise the sweetest and juiciest ones.
Pay attention to the skin
The first thing that catches your eye is the colour of the orange. A bright orange, uniform skin usually indicates the fruit is ripe. However, if you notice green spots, it's better to set that fruit aside – it means the orange hasn't fully ripened and may be sour.
Avoid fruits with spots, discolourations, or visible damage. Such blemishes may indicate the fruit's low quality or its dryness.
The condition of the skin is another crucial factor. Firm, slightly "waxy" skin with shallow pores is a sign that the fruit is juicy and fresh. On the other hand, oranges with thick, wrinkled skin may be dry and less tasty.
Also, be cautious of fruits that shine unnaturally – they are often coated with a layer of wax, which can affect their taste and freshness.
The weight of the orange is also an important clue. Lighter fruits usually have thicker skins and less juice, while heavier ones are full of juicy pulp. Just pick up a few fruits and compare their weight – the difference can be noticeable at first touch.
Another element to pay attention to is the fruit's ends. Highly raised ends suggest a thick skin and consequently less pulp. It's best to choose oranges with rounded ends, as they have thinner skins and more sweet pulp.
Look for oranges with a "navel"
Oranges with a distinctive "navel" – a small indentation at one end of the fruit – are usually a safe choice for sweet and juicy fruit lovers. This detail is not accidental. The "navel" is a characteristic feature of the Washington Navel variety, one of the most valued in the world. Interestingly, these fruits result from a natural genetic mutation, which causes a small undeveloped second fruit at the "navel" location.
Additionally, this variety tends to have thinner skin, meaning you get more pulp relative to the fruit's volume. "Navel" oranges are also easier to peel, as their skin often comes off smoothly, making them ideal as a quick and convenient snack.
