Navel oranges: characteristics, varieties, season and origin

What are Navel oranges

"Navel" refers to the belly button you can see at the bottom of these oranges. It is actually a second, tiny fruit that develops inside the main one, just under the peel. It is what makes Navel oranges recognisable at a glance.

Navels are blond oranges, meaning their flesh is orange rather than red, and they are naturally seedless: that is why the trees are propagated by grafting rather than from seed.

Navel orange characteristics

• Shape: round or slightly oval, with a more or less visible navel at the bottom.
• Peel: deep orange, medium thickness, comes away easily from the flesh.
• Flesh: orange, juicy, crisp, seedless.
• Taste: sweet with a pleasant tangy note, the "classic" orange flavour.

Navelina, Washington and other varieties

"Navel" is not a single variety but a group of oranges with a navel. The most common are:

• Washington Navel: the original of the group, from Brazil. The name comes from the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, from where it spread in the nineteenth century.
• Navelina: an earlier-ripening variety than Washington, now among the most widely grown in the Mediterranean. It is the one we grow, VCR selection.
• Newhall: also early, with a very deeply coloured peel.
• Navelate and Lane Late: late varieties that ripen towards spring.
• Cara Cara: a Navel with pink flesh.

When is Navel orange season

It depends on the variety: early Navels are harvested from November, late ones last until spring. Our Navelina oranges are harvested roughly from late November to March: the best time to enjoy them is midwinter, between December and February.

For the seasons of our other citrus fruits, from clementines to Vaniglia oranges, see our Calabrian citrus calendar.

Where do Navel oranges come from

Born in South America and spread from the United States, Navel oranges are now grown all around the Mediterranean. In Italy the main growing areas are Sicily, Calabria (especially the Sibari Plain and the Gioia Tauro Plain), Basilicata and Puglia.

Ours grow in Corigliano-Rossano, in the Sibari Plain, between the Pollino mountains and the Ionian Sea: the mild climate and the winter swing between day and night temperatures help the fruit develop sweetness and colour.

Navel or Tarocco oranges: what's the difference?

• Colour: Navels are blond, Tarocco is a blood orange with red-streaked flesh.
• Seeds: Navels are seedless, Tarocco has few or none.
• Taste: Navels have the classic blond orange taste, Tarocco a more aromatic flavour with red-berry notes.
• Juice: both work well; Navel juice should be drunk straight away, as it turns slightly bitter if left to stand.

How to choose and store Navel oranges

Choose fruit that feels heavy for its size, with firm peel and no soft spots: those are the juiciest. At home, keep them in a cool, dry place for one to two weeks, or in the fruit drawer of the fridge for longer. Avoid closed bags.

Navel oranges for juice

Navels give a sweet juice with just the right acidity. The only trick is to drink it freshly squeezed. If you prefer an even sweeter juice, try Vanilla oranges or a mix of the two. You'll find all our tips in the guide to the best oranges for juicing.

Navel oranges 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 Navel oranges

We grow Navelina oranges in the Sibari Plain and pick them by hand only when an order arrives, with no post-harvest treatments. We ship them in 8 or 15 kg boxes, with shipping included in the price: order Navel oranges or discover all our Calabrian oranges.