Which type of orange is sweeter: large orange or small orange?

Oranges are known for being rich in nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, folate, and other antioxidants but low in calories. Eating oranges regularly helps boost immunity, increase fiber intake, relieve constipation, improve eye health, and promote a healthier heart…

Many people who buy oranges notice that some of them have large navels. Is there a difference in taste between oranges with large navels and those with small navels? How do you choose the sweetest and juiciest oranges?

“Another important thing is that this fruit has a wonderfully delicious taste. However, the taste of oranges varies depending on the variety and the shape of the fruit. When buying oranges, we often come across two types: ‘large-navel oranges’ and ‘small-navel oranges’. So how are these two types different and how can we choose the best-tasting and sweetest oranges?”

The difference between large-navel oranges and small-navel oranges

When choosing oranges, we can hold each one and pay attention to its navel. Some oranges have a prominent circular navel with a visible depression in the center, while most others only have a small dot.

In terms of quality, what is the major difference between large-navel oranges and small-navel oranges? When you cut open large-navel oranges, you will find that the navel part has a white membrane covering it, with fewer segments inside, mainly consisting of the rind, and the taste is not appealing. Generally, the segments of large-navel oranges are less sweet and less juicy than normal oranges.

The difference between large-navel oranges and small-navel oranges. (Photo: Istock)

On the other hand, small-navel oranges do not have a clear navel, they have thin skin, plump segments, and are sweeter. It can be said that the difference in sweetness and water content is the major difference between large-navel oranges and small-navel oranges. When buying oranges, you should pay attention to observe the navel part in order to choose the best-tasting ones.

Tips for choosing delicious oranges

In addition to the navel part, when buying oranges, you can rely on the following factors to choose the most satisfying ones.

Based on color

Bright yellow color catches our attention first when we approach the orange section, but if you observe carefully, you will notice that oranges come in various shades. For the same variety of oranges, the ones with a darker color receive more sunlight and accumulate more sugar inside, resulting in a sweeter and juicier taste. You should choose these oranges.

Based on shape

In a pile of oranges, we often see slightly oval-shaped oranges, round and plump ones, firm ones, wrinkled ones, and rough ones. To enjoy delicious oranges, you should choose the round and plump ones as they will be juicier and sweeter.

Feel the weight

You should hold the oranges in your hand to feel their weight because a big orange is not necessarily heavy; it may have more rind and less juicy flesh.

When holding the oranges, if you feel that they are heavy, it means they are still fresh and juicy; on the contrary, if you feel they are light, it means the oranges have been harvested for a long time and stored for a period, making them less delicious.

Additionally, holding the oranges can also help you feel their firmness. Fresh and ripe oranges will have some elasticity when squeezed, while if they are hard to squeeze, it means the fruit has thick skin and will not taste good.

Source: VTC news