Best oranges for juicing: which to choose and why

What makes an orange good for juicing

Not all oranges give the same juice. When choosing oranges for juicing, look at four things:

• Juiciness: an orange that feels heavy for its size contains more juice.
• Balance of sweet and acid: it decides the taste in the glass. The more acidic the orange, the livelier the juice; the sweeter it is, the mellower.
• Thin peel: less peel and less white pith mean more flesh and less bitterness.
• Few or no seeds: the juice is quicker to make and needs no straining.

Navel oranges: the classic for juice

Navel oranges are seedless blond oranges, recognisable by the small "navel" at the bottom. They give a sweet juice with just the right tangy note: the taste everyone associates with orange juice. We harvest them from late November to March.

An important tip: Navel juice tends to turn slightly bitter if left to stand. Don't squeeze it in advance: squeeze and drink.

Vanilla oranges: the sweetest juice

Vanilla oranges have very low acidity: the juice is sweet and mellow, so much so that you won't feel like adding sugar. They are the right choice for anyone who finds traditional oranges too sour. We harvest them from December to April.

What about blood oranges?

Blood oranges such as Tarocco and Moro also make excellent juice, with an intense red colour and a bolder taste. We grow blond oranges, Navel and Vanilla, which find their ideal climate in the Sibari Plain.

How many oranges for a glass of juice?

It depends on the size and juiciness of the fruit, but a 200 ml glass usually takes 2 or 3 medium oranges. With a 15 kg box, a family drinking one glass each a day is covered for a couple of weeks.

5 tips for perfect fresh orange juice

• Use oranges at room temperature: if you keep them in the fridge, take them out a little earlier. The juice comes out more easily.
• Roll them on the table pressing with your palm before cutting: the flesh softens and releases more juice.
• Don't squeeze the white pith too hard: that is what gives a bitter aftertaste.
• Drink it straight away: flavour and aroma are at their best right after squeezing.
• Mix the varieties: half Navel and half Vanilla give a juice that is sweet but full of character.

How to store juicing oranges

In a cool, dry place away from heat, oranges keep well for one to two weeks; in the fruit drawer of the fridge, even longer. Avoid closed bags and check them now and then, removing any bruised fruit.

Orange juice and vitamin C

Oranges are a source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system. It is important to follow a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Read more in our article on vitamin C in citrus fruits.

Where to buy oranges for juicing

Our oranges grow in the Sibari Plain, Calabria, and are picked by hand only when you order, with no post-harvest treatments. We ship them in 8 or 15 kg boxes, with shipping included in the price. Discover all our Calabrian oranges.