When you go to the supermarket, you probably end up running around like a headless chicken among the huge variety of oranges out there. Even more so if you're looking to buy quality oranges to make a good juice.
The truth is, with all the families and varieties of oranges, it's not always easy to find your way... In this article we'll talk about the Valencia Late variety, from the family of blond oranges.
The Valencia Late is the best-known and most widely grown orange variety in the world. It has unrivalled characteristics that make it unique. This variety is the latest of the season.
The Valencia Late is like that friend who always shows up late to parties, but when she does arrive, she does it in all her glory!
That's why its name comes with the word late, which means tarde in Spanish.
By the way, if you're one of those who want to know where to buy fruit with real flavour, our fruit -as good farmers- has no post-harvest chemicals. Plus, it's picked to order and reaches your home in less than 24 hours. That's how we make fruit taste like fruit.
Now, back to the Valencia Late. This fruit stays on the tree throughout the month of June. These are especially sweet oranges and full of flavour, with a high juice content.
A journey through the cheerful origins of Valencia Late oranges
You probably think the Late orange comes from Valencia, but that's not actually the case. It originated in Portugal, and then kept travelling through England, Iceland, California and Florida. It was there that it was named Valencia Late by a Spanish citrus expert.
But…Watch out! South Africa has the "Valencia" variety and it's really easy to mix it up with one that comes from Valencia. You need to be very careful, because this fruit contains certain chemicals not allowed in the EU, yet it still gets in. That's why it's better to buy local produce straight from the farmer.
Characteristics of the Valencia Late
They're a variety of the Valencian orange. What sets them apart first is the lack of a navel on the fruit. The Valencia Late takes the prize for the juiciest orange of the year, which is why it's known as a juicing orange. Although, of course, you can also eat it as a table orange.
They have a high juice content and, in case you didn't know, you can freeze orange juice and keep it as fresh as day one!
The Valencia Late has high sugar levels, which makes it perfect for making juice, with a flavour that's tangy and sweet at the same time.
Properties of the Valencia Late
- Sweet and juicy flavour: This variety is known for its sweet taste and generous amount of juice. It has just the right balance between acidity and sweetness.
- High in vitamin C: Like other orange varieties, the Valencia Late is a natural source of vitamin C.
- Dietary fibre: It's rich in dietary fibre, which aids digestion. Fibre can also help regulate sugar levels and promote a feeling of fullness.
- Antioxidant content: Valencia Late oranges contain antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body.
And it doesn't just have great properties: you can make use of almost every part of an orange. There are probably uses for orange peel you didn't know about.
So, if what you're after this summer is enjoying a juicy orange, look no further! The Valencia Late is the perfect choice.
At Campos del Abuelo you can buy directly from us, the farmers, and we'll be delighted to offer you this wonderful variety of juicing oranges.
And the best part is we send them straight from the tree to your front door! In just 24 hours!
