How to choose oranges
As a seasonal fruit in winter, oranges are not only sweet and sour in taste but also rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. They are deeply loved by consumers. However, there are many varieties of oranges on the market with varying quality. How to choose fresh and sweet oranges? This article will provide you with a practical orange selection guide from multiple dimensions such as appearance, feel, and smell.
1. Orange varieties and market time
Different varieties of oranges have different tastes and availability. Understanding this information can help you make better choices. The following are common orange varieties and their characteristics:
| variety | time to market | Features |
|---|---|---|
| navel orange | November-January of the following year | The flesh is delicate, highly sweet, and has a navel-shaped depression at the bottom. |
| blood orange | December-February of the following year | The flesh is red, rich in anthocyanins, moderately sweet and sour |
| rock sugar orange | October-December | Thin skin, juicy, high sweetness, small size |
| summer orange | April-June | High acidity, suitable for juicing |
2. Key indicators for selecting oranges
According to the advice of fruit experts, you can start from the following aspects when choosing oranges:
| index | Characteristics of premium oranges | Characteristics of inferior oranges |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | The epidermis is smooth, even in color and without dents | The epidermis is rough, with spots or pits |
| weight | It feels heavy to the touch and has plenty of moisture. | Light, maybe shriveled |
| hardness | Moderate elasticity, rebound when pressed lightly | Too soft or too hard |
| odor | Exudes fresh orange fragrance | Odorless or smelly |
| Gotti | Turquoise, fresh | dry and black |
3. Practical tips for choosing oranges
1.Look at the season: The best season for eating oranges is winter, when they are naturally ripe, sweet and nutritious.
2.Look at the place of origin: The quality of oranges from different origins varies greatly. For example, Jiangxi Gannan navel oranges, Hunan rock sugar oranges, and Hubei Zigui navel oranges are all well-known production areas.
3.Look at the size: Bigger is not always better, medium-sized oranges tend to taste better. Oranges that are too large may not have enough water, and oranges that are too small may be stunted.
4.smell: Fresh oranges will emit a natural fragrance. If you smell sour or other odors, it means they may have gone bad.
5.Feel: Press the orange gently. A good orange should have a certain elasticity. If it is too soft, it may be overripe, and if it is too hard, it may be underripe.
4. How to store oranges
Proper storage methods can extend the shelf life of oranges:
| Storage method | temperature | save time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal temperature ventilation | 10-15℃ | About 1 week |
| Refrigerator | 4-8℃ | 2-3 weeks |
| Cryopreservation | -18℃ or below | 3 months (recommended to freeze after juicing) |
5. Nutritional value of oranges
Oranges are not only delicious, they are also rich in nutritional value:
| Nutritional information | Content per 100g | effect |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 53.2 mg | Enhance immunity, antioxidant |
| dietary fiber | 2.4g | Promote digestion and prevent constipation |
| Potassium | 181 mg | Regulate blood pressure and maintain electrolyte balance |
| folic acid | 30μg | Prevent anemia and promote fetal development |
Conclusion
Choosing oranges may seem simple, but it’s actually a lot of learning. By mastering these picking tips, you can easily purchase fresh and delicious oranges. Remember, good oranges should be bright in color, heavy to the touch, fragrant and moderately elastic. Finally, I would like to remind everyone that although oranges are good, they should not be consumed in excess. 1-2 oranges a day can meet the vitamin C needs.
Hopefully this guide will help you enjoy the best tasting oranges during the winter and choose the best quality fruit for your family and friends. If you have other questions about fruit selection, please leave a message for communication.
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