Navel oranges are one of the most widely recognized and consumed citrus fruits globally. They are a popular choice for their refreshing sweetness and appealing appearance, commonly found in grocery stores and markets.
Defining Navel Oranges
Navel oranges are medium to large, globular to slightly oval, typically 6 to 10 centimeters in diameter. Their rind is moderately thick, firm, and bright orange, often with a pebbled texture due to numerous oil glands. A distinguishing feature is the “navel” formation at the blossom end, which is actually a smaller, undeveloped “twin” fruit embedded within the peel. This genetic mutation also results in their seedless nature, making them convenient for consumption. The white pith beneath the rind is easily removed, revealing juicy, tender, pale yellow-orange flesh divided into 10 to 12 segments by thin membranes.
The Origin Story
The navel orange originated from a natural mutation on an orange tree in a monastery garden in Bahia, Brazil, around the early 19th century. This spontaneous genetic change led to the development of a seedless fruit with the characteristic “navel” formation. Because they are seedless, new trees are grown by grafting cuttings from existing trees. In the 1870s, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) imported several cuttings from Brazil. Two were sent to Eliza Tibbets in Riverside, California, in 1873, where they thrived in the favorable climate and contributed to widespread cultivation in the region, becoming known as “Washington Navels.” Today, every navel orange tree is a genetic clone of that original Brazilian mutant tree.
Nutritional Benefits
Navel oranges are high in Vitamin C. A single medium-sized orange can provide nearly 100% of the daily recommended amount. This powerful antioxidant helps protect cells from damage, supports collagen synthesis for healthy skin and wound healing, and enhances iron absorption.
They contain other beneficial antioxidants, including flavonoids like hesperidin and carotenoids such as beta-cryptoxanthin. These compounds contribute to overall health by neutralizing free radicals and may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Navel oranges offer dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. They provide smaller amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, potassium, and calcium, supporting vision, nervous system function, heart health, and bone strength.
Enjoying Navel Oranges
Selecting ripe navel oranges involves choosing fruits that feel firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. The skin should display a bright orange color without any soft spots or blemishes. For short-term storage, navel oranges can be kept at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated area for up to a week. If planning to store them longer, refrigeration is recommended, where they can remain fresh for up to two weeks in the crisper drawer, ideally at temperatures between 35°F and 45°F (2°C and 7°C).
Navel oranges are versatile in the kitchen, especially suited for fresh eating due to their seedless nature and easy-to-peel rind. Their sweet and subtly tangy flavor makes them an excellent addition to fruit salads, green salads, or fresh salsas. While juicy enough for snacking, their flesh contains limonin, which can turn bitter when exposed to air after juicing, making them less ideal for large quantities of juice not consumed immediately. They can also be sliced for garnishes or incorporated into desserts and sauces, with the zest providing citrus flavor.