Maybe at some point in your life you've asked yourself this question. The truth is, there really is a difference between one orange and another. Here at Campos del Abuelo, we're going to try to answer this question that comes up so often…
As proud growers of Valencian oranges, we're happy to bring you this straight from a field full of orange trees. So come along: together with Eduardo, founder of Campos del Abuelo and a very experienced farmer, we'll walk through the field and take the chance to ask him a few questions.
Eduardo loves the countryside, and it shows. Luckily, that love for the land is contagious, so there's nothing to do but smile under the Valencian summer sun. It's July, so there are no oranges left on the trees, but a gentle breeze sways their leaves back and forth. In a few months the trees will be overflowing with orange blossom and then with tiny oranges.
But now, let's get to the point: the question we want to answer is what's the difference between juicing oranges and eating oranges. In the shade of an orange tree, Eduardo tells us:
Well, first of all, every orange can be eaten and every orange can be juiced alike. Just because an orange is a juicing orange doesn't mean you can't eat it, and vice versa.
What is true is that when we say an orange is for juicing, it's because organoleptically, that is, when you put it in your mouth, its pulp isn't as fine as an eating orange's. It's not as delicate as an orange meant for eating. And on top of that, there's also more juice in a juicing orange than in an eating orange.
So, usually, when people make the distinction, the bigger orange is considered the eating orange and the smaller one the juicing orange. It's a distinction we make, well, because in a way it gives the smaller oranges a purpose…
However, the reality is that regardless of size, there are oranges that are specifically for juice. That doesn't mean you can't eat them, but their juice content is much higher than an eating orange's. They're orange varieties, usually from the Blanca family.
We're getting closer to telling them apart. Let's keep going, because the question is still hanging in the air: can I tell an eating orange from a juicing orange just by looking at it on the tree?
Well, look, roughly speaking... Now, it's not always exact, because oranges can be whimsical in shape. But in general you can tell them apart because the Navel family, just as the name says, has a little hole at the bottom that looks like a belly button.
Whereas Blancas don't have that navel and the bottom is tucked inwards so you can't see any kind of navel; that little hole is closed. Also, tBlancas are flatter, not as big or as round, they're flatter and smaller.
Basically, the most important difference you can spot is the navel, because on the Navel it's prominent, very prominent, and in the Blanca family that navel just doesn't exist.
Right, with that cleared up, let's get to know these two orange groups. That way it'll be crystal clear how to tell a juicing orange from an eating orange.
Eating oranges, or the Navel family
So, as Eduardo said, eating oranges are bigger and have a navel, hence the name Navel. Organoleptically, their pulp has that "fineness" when you eat it that he mentioned above, and they're easier to eat segment by segment.
Plus, their colour is a deep, vivid orange. Their peel is thick, which makes them easy to peel when you eat them for dessert. In this picture you can see an orange from the Navel group:
Juicing oranges, or the Blanca family
So, getting to know the oranges of the Blanca group and going back over Eduardo's words: juicing oranges are smaller in size. And, as the name suggests, they have loads of juice inside.
What's more, they have no navel and their peel is thinner, making them easier to squeeze. Their colour is a less intense orange, a little paler. In this picture you can see some oranges from the Blanca group and the amazing juice they give.
As we've seen, eating and juicing oranges do have their differences, but as Eduardo says: every orange can be eaten and every orange can be juiced alike…
So if you want to make juice with a Navel orange, go for it! And if you want to enjoy a delicious orange from the Blanca family by peeling it with a knife like a farmer, of course you can do that too.
Oh! And if you're looking for more information about oranges, we recommend this article about Valencian oranges. Eduardo also joined us there, sharing his citrus grower's wisdom to explore the fascinating world of oranges…
We hope we've cleared up your doubts. And remember, in our online shop you'll find fruit and vegetables straight from the farmer to your home. You'll get them in less than 24 hours, with no post-harvest chemicals of any kind.
Until next time, and thanks for reading!
