Sassy Mama: Varieties of oranges

It’s citrus season, and with grocery stores filled with an abundance of oranges, it’s the perfect time to explore the variety and benefits of this popular fruit. While many people think of oranges as just another fruit, they belong to the berry family due to their seeds and single-ovary origin.

One of the biggest draws of oranges is their high vitamin C content, which has been valued for centuries. Even Cleopatra was said to have used oranges on her skin to reduce brown spots. Interestingly, the sweeter oranges grow higher up in the tree, benefiting from more sun exposure.

When selecting oranges, it's important to know they stop ripening once picked, so choosing at the right time is key. Here are some popular varieties:

1. Navel Oranges: A favorite for cooking, these seedless oranges are easy to eat and enjoy.
2. Cara Cara Oranges: A natural mutation of the navel orange, these have a pink hue and are even sweeter.
3. Mandarin Oranges (Cuties): Small, easy to peel, and a favorite for kids, these are often used in canned fruit.
4. Sumo Oranges: Originally from Japan, this hybrid of mandarin and satsuma oranges is known as the "gold standard" of citrus. Though pricey, they are incredibly sweet and seedless.

For those looking for an extra tip, don’t toss those orange mesh bags! They can be repurposed as a flower arranger by stretching them over a jar with a rubber band.

With so many delicious options, citrus season is the perfect time to add a little sweetness and health to your diet.