What are blonde oranges?
Blonde orangesare light-fleshed oranges, with a colour ranging from golden yellow to bright orange, with a sweeter flavour and lower acidity compared to red oranges(Tarocco, Moro, Sanguinello). They are the most cultivated citrus fruits in the world and include varieties such as Navel, Navelina, Washington Navel, Lane Late, Ovale and Valencia, which differ in shape, juice yield and ripening period. In our organic blonde oranges, the pulp is juicy, fragrant and almost always seedless.
What is the difference between blonde oranges and red oranges?
The main difference is the flesh: blonde oranges have light flesh and a sweet-delicate taste, while red oranges owe their colour to anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments linked to Sicilian temperature fluctuations. Blonde oranges have a higher juice yield and lower acidity, making them ideal for juicing and fresh consumption.
What are the varieties of blonde oranges from Sicily?
The main varieties of blonde oranges are Navel(with the characteristic "navel" and seedless), the late Lane Lateand Ovaleand Valencia, the most cultivated blonde orange in the world. In our organic assortment you will find:
- Navel / Washington Navel / Navelina— sweet orange pulp, seedless, high juice yield and low acidity (also suitable for gastritis). Ripening: November – mid-February.
- Navel Lane Late— late variety, smooth and thin skin, rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. Ripening: February – April/May.
- Ovale— the latest, oval shape, sweet; when well preserved, it lasts up to 3 months in the fridge. Ripening: March – May.
- Valencia— spherical, very juicy and seedless, perfect for summer juices. Ripening: April – June.
When do blonde oranges ripen? The seasonal calendar
Organic blonde oranges are harvested from November to June: first the winter Navel, then the late Lane Late, Ovale and Valencia. We hand-pick and on order, so you receive freshly picked fruit.
Thanks to the succession of different varieties, our oranges are available for most of the year. It starts in November with Navel, Washington Naveland Navelina(until February), followed by Navel Lane Latefrom February to May. From March comes the Ovale(until May) and the season closes with the Valencia, available from April to June.
What properties and nutritional values do blonde oranges have?
Blonde oranges are rich in vitamin C(about 50 mg per 100 g), water, fiber and minerals, with about 47 kcal per 100 g and a low glycemic index(around 40). Vitamin C supports the immune system and counteracts free radicals; flavonoids and polyphenols promote circulation, help lower cholesterol and support the heart and kidneys.
Why choose organic blonde oranges?
Because organic farming preserves the authentic taste of the fruit and makes the peel safe to use in the kitchen. Our oranges are grown at the Magnanofarm in Francofonte (Syracuse)and are cultivated without pesticides or synthetic fungicides, hand-picked and shipped directly.
How to use blonde oranges: juice, table and cooking
They are perfect for juicing(high yield from Navel and Ovale) and excellent for eating fresh, natural or in salads. The untreated organic peel is ideal for candied zest, desserts, jams and for flavouring dishes.
How to store blonde oranges
Store them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator's fruit drawer; Ovaleoranges, when well stored, last up to 3 months. Prefer an aerated container to sealed plastic bags.
Shipping and freshness
We ship throughout Italy with delivery within 48 hours. Each order is hand-picked upon request, without stopping in the warehouse. Discover all our organic citrus fruits.
