Oranges Key Terms

Locate the juiciest key terms when dealing with this orange fruit

By Darcy Chadwick

Oranges are a versatile fruit: you can eat them alone, mix them with desserts or entrées, or even make them into juice. Since it has so many uses, you must familiarize yourself with the different varieties of this citrus fruit. That way, once you locate a reputable orange broker, you will know that you're purchasing the best orange variety to meet your business' needs. Educate yourself with some common orange key terms, and you'll be well on your way to juicier profits.

Mandarin

People often confuse the terms mandarin orange and tangerine, as they appear to be similar fruits. Tangerine is the most common type of mandarin orange. The small and sweet mandarin orange has a loose, thin peel that is easy to remove.
Try: Visit Purdue University to learn more about the mandarin orange.

Blood orange

Blood oranges normally have a scarlet red interior, and you can use them in cocktails. They are slightly less acidic than regular oranges. You can find the blood orange fresh or in juice form at local grocery stores.
Try: Visit GourmetSleuth.com to learn more about the varieties of blood oranges.

Navel

Best eaten from November through May with peaks during January through March, navel oranges have a button formation on the opposite side of the stem end. Many people find these to be the best for eating, because they are seedless and easy to peel.
Try: Check out the University of California-Riverside for information on he different varieties of navel oranges.

Berna

Berna oranges are ideal for cooking, since they are almost seedless. This medium-size fruit is moderately sweet and tends to reach maturity at the end of March.
Try: Check Citrus Pages to learn more about the history of the Berna oranges.

Valencia

Valencia oranges are a popular type of citrus fruit. Oftentimes called summer oranges, they peak during the months of May, June and July. These are ideal for juice.
Try: Visit Sunkist to learn more about Valencia oranges.

Tangelos

Tangelos are a hybrid of a mandarin orange and a grapefruit or pomelo. This type of fruit ranges in size from a standard orange up to the size of a grapefruit. The peel is easy to remove, and you can differentiate them from an orange by the nipple that forms around the end of the fruit. Tangelos taste like a tangerine and are an ideal source for juice.
Try: The University of Florida provides information on the tangelo, its history and varieties.