How to Choose Delicious Oranges

Beyond the size of the navel, here are three important factors to help you pick the best oranges:

1. Color

Bright, deep orange color is a sign of sweetness.

Darker shades mean the fruit received more sunlight, leading to more sugar accumulation and a richer flavor.

Avoid pale or greenish oranges, as they are often underripe or less sweet.

2. Shape

Round oranges are usually juicier and sweeter.

While you may see slightly oval or wrinkled oranges, round fruits are the better choice for taste and texture.

3. Feel by Hand

Weight: A heavy orange means it’s full of juice and fresh.

If it feels light, it may have been picked long ago and stored too long, causing it to dry out inside.

Firmness: Gently squeeze the fruit.

A good orange has slight elasticity when you pinch it.

If it’s too hard, the peel may be thick, and the segments inside less juicy.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re at the market, take a closer look at the navels, color, shape, and weight of your oranges. With a little attention to these details, you’ll always bring home the sweetest, juiciest fruit—perfect for snacking or making fresh-squeezed orange juice.