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Cara Cara is Buena Buena!

Sometimes referred to as red or pink navel oranges, Cara Cara Oranges have a vivid orange peel and reddish-pink flesh. The fruit and juice of the Cara Cara has an intense orange flavor with sweet cherry undertones.

The History of Cara Cara Oranges

Much like the fruit itself, the history of the Cara Cara Orange is short and sweet. A recent addition to the citrus family, it was discovered in 1976 at the Hacienda Cara Cara in Venezuela – hence the name. From there, it was brought to Florida and then was introduced to California, where it adapted very well.

The color of the fruit is a result of the presence of lycopene, a carotenoid that is in the same family as beta carotene. On a rare occasion, the trees will yield multicolored-leafed twigs instead of their usual green leaves. If the twigs are left to grow and fruit, they can sometimes produce fruits with a striped rind.

Selecting Your Cara Cara Orange

• Select a Cara Cara that is firm, shiny and heavy in your hand for its size.
• Make sure that the orange doesn’t have soft spots or wrinkled skin.
• Check its scent – it should smell good, not rotten or fermented.
• While it is important that the navel is heavy and shiny, other elements of its visual appearance are not. Scarring and an imperfect orange color are not indicative of the flavor of the orange.

How to Care for and Store

California Cara Cara oranges should be stored in a cool, well ventilated area. Typically, storing oranges between 45° and 48° F is best. They can stay at room temperature for three or four days.  If refrigerated, they can be kept for up to two weeks.

Healthy Benefits

Can an orange a day keep the doctor away? Scientific studies show that vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and can reduce the severity of colds and allergies. Just one orange gives you all the vitamin C you need for one day! They also have a good amount of lycopene, which may be helpful in preventing some cancers and protecting against cardiovascular disease.

Heart healthy:

fat-free, saturated fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free

Muscle efficiency:

the potassium in an orange helps transmit nerve impulses to muscles, improve muscle contraction and maintain normal blood pressure¹;

Satisfying:

a good source of fiber – with nearly 30% of daily recommended amount, its fiber content helps to fill you up and satisfy hunger²;

Healing:

an excellent source for vitamins A and C to help heal wounds, relieve skin disorders, maintain healthy teeth, gums, and vision and boost your immune system³ – just one Cara Cara orange provides 150% of the daily value of vitamin C and 30% of vitamin A!

¹2007 American Heart Association, Inc. Nutrition Facts. | The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency to help reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

²Copyright 1997-2007, A.D.A.M., Inc. Search MedlinePlus® to find authoritative consumer health information

³Copyright 1997-2007, A.D.A.M., Inc. Search MedlinePlus® to find authoritative consumer health information

Nutritional Information Panel

How to Enjoy

* Best when eaten fresh, Cara Caras are also popular for use in cooked sauces and salads.

• Best when eaten fresh, Cara Caras are also popular for use in cooked sauces and salads.
• Peel and eat for a quick, easy and nutritious snack on the go!
• Incorporate the juice into your favorite cocktail.
• Toss in slices with any salad to add color, sweetness and extra nutrition.
• Add slices to yogurt for a light snack or breakfast.
• Bake into cakes for added exotic flavor.
• Marinate chicken in the juice, zest and fresh herbs for a light meal.
• Mix juice into sauces for a sweet and tangy twist.

Orange Tips

• 2 to 4 squeezed oranges = 1 cup orange juice
• 1 medium orange has 10 to 12 section pieces
• 1 medium orange = 4 teaspoons of orange zest
• Juice orange just before drinking to retain the most vitamins.
• Never store freshly squeezed juice for more than 48 hours.