The sweet orange is the most widely cultivated citrus fruit in the world and, after bananas, is the most widely consumed fruit. It probably originated in southern China and seems to have appeared in Europe in the 15th century thanks to the Portuguese. The main use of oranges is fresh consumption, but a significant portion of orange production is intended for industrial processing.
Today oranges are produced in many parts of the world. The possibility of cultivating the orange and its adaptability derives in particular from the very large number of cultivars present.

Variety of oranges

Orange types can be classified based on some characteristics, such as ripening period , acid content, internal and external colour. However, the most commonly used distinction is the following:

• Blonde oranges;
• Navel oranges;
• Pigmented oranges.

Variety of Blonde Oranges

It is the largest and most heterogeneous type of oranges to which most of the oranges grown worldwide belong. The different varieties differ from each other in ripening period (from early to late), acidity content, presence of seeds, color of the peel and pulp. Generally they have a high juice yield and a low limonin content (which gives the juices a bitter taste), which is why they are the ones mainly used in the processing industry.

Valencia Orange

It is the most widespread variety of blond orange in Italy and worldwide, as it has a high soil and climate adaptation and good production yields. The Valencia orange has a spherical shape, medium-small size (140-190 grams), medium thickness peel and light orange color. The pulp, light orange in color, is characterized by good organoleptic characteristics, few seeds and a high juice yield, which is why the production is often destined for industrial processing.
The fruits remain on the plant for a long time and the harvest period starts in March/April and can continue until late summer.

Belladonna Orange

It is a variety of blond orange that is not very widespread, due to its alternate production. It has a medium-large size (150-250 grams), a yellow-orange and very thick peel. It is a variety of blond orange with excellent organoleptic characteristics with a very juicy and seedless pulp. The Belladonna Orange is used both for fresh consumption (often found in private gardens and orchards) and for industrial processing.

Calabrese Oval Orange

It is historically considered one of the most valuable cultivars. Today the Calabrese Oval Orange is rarely cultivated due to its low yields compared to the Valencia Orange. The fruit, as the name suggests, is oval in shape, medium in size (160-200 grams) with a medium-thick peel and a light orange color. The pulp is juicy and has few seeds. Ripening occurs in March and harvesting can be carried on until May/June, after which the fruit may turn green. Calabrese Oval Oranges are best kept in a cool place during the summer season.

Variety of Navel Oranges

These varieties of oranges have a scar at the apex that is called navel. It is a second partially developed fruit that is incorporated into the main one. These fruits are also seedless, as the flowers are sterile and pollen is not produced. Navel oranges are mainly intended for fresh consumption as they are not suitable for industrial processing.

Washington Navel Orange

It is the progenitor of Navel Oranges and after the Valencia Orange it is the most widespread cultivar in the world. It probably derives from the spontaneous mutation of the Selecta orange and only after its introduction in the United States did it become widely distributed. Washington Navel oranges have a large size (up to 350 grams), a spherical or slightly elongated shape. The peel is an intense orange color, while the pulp, without seeds, is fine and rather firm. The ripening period goes from the end of December to March. Today there are several clones of Washington Navel Oranges.

Navelina Orange

It is an original mutation of the California Orange and is also called "Early Navel". The Navelina orange has a smaller size than the Washington Navel. The peel is an intense orange color with an average thickness, while the pulp, of firm consistency, has a very pleasant flavor. Ripening is earlier than the Washington Navel and can be done from November (starting from November on this site you can find organic oranges for sale with home delivery). It lasts a long time on the plant increasing the sugar content.

Newhall Orange

This variety of Navel is an original mutation of the California Orange. It has a large size, medium-thick peel and a fairly intense orange color. The shape is slightly more elongated than other varieties of Navel. The pulp is tender and has good juiciness.

Navelate Orange

It is a mutation of the Washington Navel. The Navelate fruits have a medium-large size (200 grams), oval or slightly elongated shape. The pulp is orange, tender and very juicy. It also has an excellent flavor. The ripening period is medium-late and the harvest can continue until June. Its diffusion is limited due to the low productivity compared to some varieties of Blonde Oranges (e.g. Valencia).

Varieties of pigmented (or red) oranges

The fruits belonging to the pigmented orange varieties are characterized by the presence of red pigments, anthocyanins, in the peel and pulp. These fruits have a peculiar flavor due to the high acidity and sugar content. Pigmentation is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, in particular by the climate. In fact, pigmentation is accentuated when there are strong temperature variations during the day. Furthermore, fruits of the same variety can present a variable level of pigmentation in different years or in different places of cultivation. The production of blood oranges at a global level is limited almost exclusively to Southern Italy (Calabria and Sicily) and reaches approximately 50% of the production of Italian oranges (a decrease compared to the past).

Blood Orange

This variety of red orange has been quite popular in the past due to the good quality of the fruit and the late ripening period. It has a spherical shape and a medium size (150-200 grams). The peel, of medium thickness, is an intense orange color with red hues, while the pulp is red and has a very good flavor. The citric acid content is high.

Orange Moro

It is the variety of red oranges with the highest pigmentation, even though the cultivated area has decreased in recent years. It has a globular shape, a medium size (150 grams) and a medium-thickness peel. The color of the pulp is dark red, almost purple. Ripening occurs at the beginning of December, but the Moro variety oranges reach their optimal organoleptic qualities in January.

Tarocco Orange

This variety now includes numerous clones with different characteristics , such as ripening time, size, intensity of pigmentation and organoleptic qualities.
The main clones are:

• Tarot from the Snout
• Nucellar Tarot
• Rooster Tarot
• Scirè Tarot
• Cocuzza Tarot
• Tarot Meli

During the winter months on this site you can buy organic Tarocco Oranges with home delivery throughout Italy.