Fresh Pick of the Week: Navel Oranges

Picture of the Cara Cara variety from Sunkist

Navel Oranges have a long season in California, from early November to late spring. The season peaks now, February through April, when the oranges are their orange-est and sweetest. Like other citrus fruits, navel oranges are packed with Vitamin C, perfect to boost immunity during cold and flu season. They are also a good source of folate- an especially important nutrient for women- as well as potassium. They're the ideal on-the-go snack at about 60-80 calories per fruit (depending on the size).

How do you select your Navel Orange? Find an orange with a "navel" (like the one pictured). Choose a fruit that feels heavy in your hand and has a sweet odor. That one will be the most delicious! My favorite variety is Cara Cara, which has a redder inside hew.


In addition to snacking, navel orange wedges are great additions to salads. Or try mixing the juice of 1 orange, 1 lime, dollop of sour cream, drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper and other herbs/spices (like cilantro, basil, cayenne pepper) for a light, citrus salad dressing.