Types of Oranges Hamlin Oranges Hamlin Oranges are usually round to oval shaped and have a dark yellow to orange color with a thin and smooth peel. They are medium sized and are also seedless so that makes them a great juicing orange. Valencia Oranges The Valencia Orange most likely originated from China and has traveled to different parts of the globe in different names. It is valued because it ripens later than the Navel Orange, which lengthens the season. Valencias are the most important late season variety of oranges because it has a climactic adaptability. Valencias are about 50 percent of Florida's fruit crop and principle variety of its processing. The average diameter of a Valencia is 2 ¾ to 3 inches. It has none to six seeds inside of it. Also, its harvest season is March to June. Valencias usually carry two kinds of crops after blooming; old and new. Fruit production would basically be lower than that for early varieties. It has excellent internal qualities including its juice color makes it wanted for both processed and fresh markets. Because it is a late variety, it is unlikely to be harvested before a freeze. Trees would turn to an alternate bearing especially if they're harvested late in the season. While the fruit is stored on the tree regreening on the peel can occur late in the season. Hedging can be done before or after the crop is harvested, but the recommended thing to do is to do it at the same time each year to reduce the wood and fruit removal. California Navel Oranges People know that oranges are best in the season of winter, but what people don't understand is that different types of oranges have particular seasons. You'll have better luck of bringing home fresh oranges if you know when and what their season is. All citrus should be heavy in your hand compared to its size. That is your most reliable guide for freshness. Varieties Two of the most familiar types of oranges are Navel and Valencia oranges. Don't limit yourself to them or else you're missing out on a great treat! Did you know that California Navel Oranges are considered the best for eating fresh out of your hand? California Navel Oranges have characteristics of thick rinds, a meaty flesh, segments that separate easily, and they have no seeds. California Navel Oranges usually come around the second week in November and last through late in spring. They are not that good at extreme ends of a season. The oranges that arrive in the season have a faded orange color and have less sweetness. They are very sweet in their peaking months, February, March, and April. Later, they like to be dry and puffy, which makes them expensive. Don't get them at summertime; get other summer fruits that are better at that time. Don't think all Navel Oranges come from California; they are produced in Florida too. They market in late Fall to January. And although Navel Oranges are produced in Florida too, they have a richer color in the California variety. The oranges can be in a size variety like being as small as a tennis ball or to be as big as a softball. The color of the Florida Navel will be a bronze or a light orange getting a richer color in a later season. Florida Navels are seedless and have more juice content than California Navels. They also have a thinner rind, so they're not as easy to peel. Although Florida's have a rather pale color, they're relatively sweet and very good. Blood Oranges A Blood Orange is a type of orange with a color of red skin on the inside. It is usually pitted, but it also can be smooth sometimes. They're in debt to a pigment called anthocyanin for their appearance. Did you know the Blood Oranges are from an Italian Origin and they have less acid than orange juices? It's from an Italian origin, but it is grown in the U.S. in California. The Blood Oranges' season is December through July. The exact reason why the inside is red is not known. What is believed is that 3 important factors are light, temperature, and the variety. Selecting a Blood Orange Gauge freshness in Blood Oranges as you would in a Navel or any other type of orange. Choose the one that is the heaviest for its size. Remember, if the skin looks red, it might not be red on the inside. Storing Only keep A Blood Orange or any other type of orange in your refrigerator for 2 weeks. The Cleopatra Orange This special orange can't be found at any old store. It is a notstock variety. The Cleopatra Mandarin Orange is native to India. Almost all commercial varieties of oranges originated in Asia. This orange is an easy to peel, tiny orange with many seeds. Interview We interviewed the University of Florida. Here are some of the questions and answers from our Interview. Dr. Steve Gmitter was interviewed. Q: What are some of the main types of oranges in Florida? A: Hamlin Oranges and Valencia Oranges. Q: How are oranges pasteurized? A: We use temperature (heat) to kill the bacteria that is in the juice or on the orange. Q: Where is the Hamlin's origin from? A: It's native to Florida. It was found in 1879 in Glenwood. Q: Where do the Valencia Oranges originate? A:  They originate in Valencia, Spain. Q: Is it true the blood orange is from Italy? A: Yes, 60% of the blood oranges in the world come from Sicily, Italy. Q: Approximately how many types of oranges are there in the world? A: More than 600 types!