The Secret of Choosing Ripe Oranges

Selecting ripe oranges can make a difference in your enjoyment. Follow these tips to choose the freshest, most delicious oranges throughout the year.

Importance of Finding Ripe Oranges

There’s nothing quite like bringing home a bag of ripe oranges. These fruits are perfect for baking, making drinks, or simply snacking. Oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. This makes them a delightful treat any time of year. They can enhance pancakes or serve as a glaze for salmon. But how do you ensure you pick the perfect orange, regardless of the season? Here are some secrets to selecting the best ones.

Method for Identifying Freshness

Give Them a Squeeze

The tastiest oranges, regardless of variety, should feel firm, full-colored, and smooth with thin skin. Avoid any that are too soft, show mold, or feel bruised. Minor scratches or marks on the skin, known as "wind scarring," are acceptable. These occur when fruit rubs against tree branches during windy conditions.

Go for Heft

When picked up, an orange should have a satisfying weight, akin to that of a small sports ball. This weight indicates the amount of juice inside. Don’t hesitate to give it a sniff. The sweet scent of ripe fruit will come through the skin.

Seasonal Selection Tips

Choose the Season’s Best

Select oranges that are currently in season. Navel oranges are at their best from midwinter to early spring. Valencia oranges peak from late spring to midsummer. Blood oranges shine from early winter through early spring.

Consider the Color

Look for a vibrant color when selecting oranges. For Navel oranges, a vivid orange hue indicates ripeness. Ripe Valencias may have a slight greenish tint as they reabsorb chlorophyll while ripening on the tree during warmer weather.

Proper Storage for Freshness

You can use oranges as a cheerful table accent, as they stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. Alternatively, store them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks.

Earlier, SSP told how to store spices for maximum freshness and flavor.