Oranges are one of the most consumed fruits in the world. The possibilities they offer, in addition to their benefits and nutritional properties that help take care of our health, make them one of the most important citrus fruits. Do you know how many types there are? Do you know what types of Spanish oranges there are?
From Cítricos Siscaret we offer you this small guide so that you can find out about the different types of Spanish oranges, their properties and what each one is recommended for. Ready to find out more about them? Read on!
How many types of oranges are there?
There are more than 600 types of oranges that can be classified in different ways. Here is a simple classification according to the type of flavor of each orange, so you can learn more about it:
- Sweet variety (citrus sinensis): This type of oranges is used, above all, to eat them fresh, to make juices or to add them to other dishes such as salads. Within this type we find the varieties Roja, Navel and Valenciana.
- Sour variety (citrus aurantium): They have a more sour taste and are not usually eaten in their natural state. This type of Spanish oranges is often used, for example, to make marmalade.
- Loose-skinned variety (citrus reticulata): This type of Spanish orange can be sweet or bitter and is also part of the mandarin orange family. These oranges are usually smaller than other varieties and have an easy to peel skin.
Types of Spanish oranges
The first thing you should know is that, despite what many people think, oranges are not originally from Spain. It is said that oranges were probably first cultivated in Southern China around 314 B.C. Since then, oranges have been modified and subjected to hybridization processes to give rise to the hundreds of variants that now exist around the world.
Therefore, although some oranges do not come from Spain, they have been present in its lands and have been a fundamental hallmark of the country's agriculture for centuries. It is said that Muslims were the first to plant orange seeds in Andalusia 800 years ago.
Since then, the importance that this product has acquired in the country is enormous. Spain produces more than 3.5 million tonnes a year and exports more than 1.25 million tonnes worth around a billion euros. In this sense, it can be said that Spain is by far the largest producer and exporter of oranges in Europe and the fifth largest in the world.
The Mediterranean area is the most important area for the production of oranges. This region is known as the "Orchard of Spain". Valencia's crops account for 75% of the country's total production of oranges and mandarins. Behind are Andalusia, Catalonia and Murcia.
The different types of Spanish oranges offer excellent quality and a great variety for different situations and tastes. Here are some types of Spanish oranges and their main characteristics:
- Berna: It has a sweet taste, very soft, and has practically no seeds. In the kitchen it is usually used for desserts and reductions. It is easily recognizable thanks to its orange-yellow skin and its peculiar flavour that can remind us of pears. This type of Spanish oranges are small or medium sized.
- Oak: It is considered a type of high quality sweet orange with a shiny skin. Its interior is very juicy and ideal for juicing. Its consumption began in the United States thanks to José Roble who, in 1851 began to bring this type of oranges from Madrid to Tampa, Florida.
- Navelina: This is a seedless orange with a very juicy and sweet flesh. Its peel, which also has a very intense flavour, is often used to make jams, preserves, reductions and as candied peel.
- Red orange or blood orange: Its interior has a very characteristic dark red colour while its exterior also tends to be reddish, but softer. It is one of the most recommended types of Spanish oranges for desserts and sorbets.
- Valenciana: This type of Spanish orange is the most widely planted orange in the world, which is why it is known as the "Queen of Oranges". It is recognizable thanks to its smooth, thin skin and its pale, seedless interior. It has an intense and juicy flavour.
- Bitter orange or Sevillian orange: It has a very bitter and sour taste. This type of Spanish orange is often used to make jams, essential oils, tea, honey and marinades. It is characterized by having a very intense color both in its skin and inside. It has a medium size and usually includes about ten segments full of seeds.
Why is it good to eat oranges?
Oranges are a refreshing very healthy and refreshing fruit. Thanks to its great versatility, it is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. The consumption of oranges, such as the types of Spanish oranges mentioned above, provide a large amount of vitamin C and antioxidants essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
The possibilities offered by oranges are almost endless and, depending on what you want to do with them, you can choose, as we have shown you, some types of Spanish oranges or others. From Citrus Siscaret we offer you the best oranges, directly from the trees of our orchards in Valencia to your home, so you can enjoy natural products without having to move.
With oranges you can make delicious desserts that will surprise your family and friends, refreshing sorbets, flavourful cocktails or start the day with energy and a refreshing juice. No matter what recipe you plan to make, a touch of orange is sure to give it that special touch that will make your dish a totally different experience. What are you waiting for to try it?
Remember that you can buy oranges online in our online shop, we send them to your home in 24 hours.
