Produce
Oranges are a vitamin goldmine with their antioxidants, vitamin C and the pigment beta-cryptoxanthin – oranges are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They were first cultivated in China around 2 500 BC and are assumed to have originated in southern China, north-eastern India and south-eastern Asia. In 1987 orange trees were found to be the most cultivated fruit tree in the world.
Navels
Navels are a clone of a mutant orange dating back almost 200 years ago. Easily identifiable from the outside by the navel-like circle at one end, these oranges have additional tiny wedges just inside the navel. The navel is the formative peel of the secondary fruit, developing on the side opposite the stem.
This orange, being seedless, offers a delectable and juicy flavour that makes it ideal to enjoy as a snack.
Seedless navels have juicy flesh, easy-to-peel rinds and an irresistibly pure and sweet orange flavour. All navels have an opening at the blossom end of the fruit that resembles a belly button – hence the name “navel.”
The Navel late is harvested prior to the Valencia types. This type of orange is characterised by its deep orange colour and it delivers a delicious sweet burst of juice.
Seeded Valencias
Valencias are named after the city of Valencia in Spain, even though the variety might have originated in China or India. Valued for their high juice content and availability outside of the typical citrus season, Valencia oranges are usually thin-skinned and seeded. They’re considered one of the best oranges for juicing. Varieties like Bennie, Du Roi, Jassie, Shamouti, Tomango, Valencia late and Turkey are all part of this Group.
Seedless Valencia
This is a seedless, high-quality fruit and very popular because it’s less acidic and thus great-tasting. The seedless Valencia is a smooth-rinded South-African variety that matures somewhat earlier. It has a high juice percentage with an intense flavour, making it excellent for eating or juicing. It includes varieties such as Delta, Midknight, Alpha and G5 Gusocora.
