During the colder months, when sunlight seems scarce, the vibrant world of winter citrus offers a welcome burst of color and flavor. Among these jewels, the Cara Cara orange stands out, a navel orange that’s more than meets the eye. At first glance, it might resemble any other orange, but peeling away its fragrant skin reveals a treasure: a fruit with an exceptionally sweet and nuanced taste, making Cara Cara Oranges a true winter delight.
What Exactly Are Cara Cara Oranges?
In essence, cara cara oranges are a type of navel orange, yet they possess characteristics that elevate them above the standard variety. Often slightly smaller with a thinner skin, the most striking feature of a Cara Cara is its beautiful pinkish-red flesh, reminiscent of a grapefruit. However, it’s the flavor profile that truly distinguishes them. Known for an intense sweetness that surpasses many navel oranges, cara cara oranges offer a unique fruity complexity, often likened to the delicate taste of raspberries.
This exceptional taste and vibrant color have made cara cara oranges a favorite among chefs. Their salmon-pink interior provides a visually stunning element to dishes, enhancing both sweet and savory creations.
Originally discovered in Venezuela, the majority of cara cara oranges are now cultivated in the sunny groves of California. Their season aligns perfectly with winter, typically appearing in farmers’ markets and grocery stores from December through April, reaching their peak ripeness and flavor in January and February.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cara-cara-oranges-4×3-1085800448-edd9309d197f461f87c8fd7a12f5b46c.jpg)
The Exquisite Taste of Cara Cara Oranges
What makes cara cara oranges so special? One taste is all it takes to understand. Compared to other orange varieties, Cara Caras boast a significantly lower acidity and a remarkably higher sugar content. This delightful combination results in an intensely “orange-y” flavor, so sweet that some describe it as tasting like natural orange candy. The dynamic flavor is often characterized as a delicious blend of sweet orange and berries, with prominent notes of raspberry or blackberry. Adding to their appeal, cara cara oranges have a thinner pith than many oranges, contributing to a less bitter taste and a notably juicier texture.
Cara Cara Oranges Versus Blood Oranges: Key Differences
The striking coral hue of cara cara oranges might lead to comparisons with blood oranges, another visually stunning citrus fruit. However, despite their shared vibrant colors, they are distinctly different fruits. Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions:
- Interior Color: Blood oranges exhibit a spectrum of interior colors, ranging from deep red to a rich maroon-purple. In contrast, cara cara oranges maintain a more consistent orange to coral shade.
- Pigment Source: The deep red color of blood oranges comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidant compounds responsible for the red color in raspberries. Cara cara oranges get their unique grapefruit-like color from lycopene, another powerful antioxidant related to beta-carotene.
- Varietal Lineage: Blood oranges can be mutations of either navel or Valencia oranges. Cara cara oranges, however, are exclusively a variation of navel oranges.
- Culinary Applications: While both are celebrated for their vibrant color and intense flavor, blood oranges are frequently used in both sweet and savory recipes. Cara cara oranges, with their pronounced sweetness, are more commonly featured in sweet dishes.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/blood-orange-margarita-4×3-1-2bee19f117fa41eeba9d73a35e8f419d.jpg)
Optimal Storage for Cara Cara Oranges
Like other winter citrus fruits, cara cara oranges thrive in cool, dry environments. For short-term storage, lasting one to two weeks, they can be kept on the countertop, away from direct sunlight and heating vents.
For extended storage, up to a month, the crisper drawer of your refrigerator is ideal. If refrigerating, it’s recommended to bring cara cara oranges to room temperature before eating or using them in cooking. Colder temperatures can diminish their delicate flavors, and citrus fruits release more juice when at room temperature.
It’s important to handle cara cara oranges with care. Their thinner peel and pith, compared to navel or Valencia oranges, make them more delicate and less protected. Combined with their high juice content, this means they are susceptible to bruising, which can lead to soft spots and spoilage.
Culinary Uses for Cara Cara Oranges
While simply peeling and enjoying a cara cara orange is arguably the best way to appreciate its flavor, these versatile fruits are also wonderful for cooking and baking.
Consider using their zest and juice to create a bright vinaigrette. Whisk together Cara Cara zest and juice with whole grain mustard, white wine vinegar, and high-quality olive oil for a dressing that perfectly complements bitter winter greens like endive and radicchio.
The intense, juicy flavor of cara cara oranges makes them an excellent addition to orange cakes, particularly in glazes. Their natural sweetness also makes them ideal for desserts like sorbet, custards, and even cheesecakes. For a refreshing side dish, feature them in an orange and fennel salad, a perfect accompaniment to roasted or grilled meats. Whenever you desire a more pronounced orange flavor in your recipes, reach for cara cara oranges to deliver a richer, more saturated citrus taste.
