Valencia Oranges Varietal Calendar

“King of the Juice Oranges”

For ultimate refreshment, try a Valencia Orange. Generally a summertime fruit, Valencia Oranges are heavy with juice and have a sweet, delicate texture. Known as the ultimate juice orange, a Valencia’s flavor is a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

History of the Valencia Orange: What’s in a Name?

Most people assume that the Valencia originated in Spain, but it was first discovered on the Azores Islands in Portugal. In 1870, an Englishman named Thomas Rivers recognized that the variety matured later than most and brought the plant to Florida, where it was cultivated and named the “Excelsior.”

The Valencia’s name changed many times until it was eventually named after a late-maturing orange grown in the Valencia region of Spain, which was later found to be the same variety.

Did You Know?

Valencia oranges are the most widely planted variety of orange worldwide?

Selecting Your Valencia Orange

  • Select a Valencia that is firm and heavy 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.
  • Valencia oranges turn golden as they ripen but will re-green as they remain on the trees during warmer weather. Therefore, color is a less important trait as the fruit is actually ripe, sweet, juicy and bright orange on the inside.

How to Care For and Store

California Valencia 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 3 or 4 days. If refrigerated, they can be kept for up to 2 weeks.

Healthy Benefits: The Juicy Details

Looking for a healthy snack? Scientific studies show that vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and can reduce the severity of colds and allergies. Just one Valencia orange gives you all the vitamin C you need for one day!

Heart healthy
fat-free, saturated fat-free, cholesterol-free and sodium-free
Satisfying:
good source of fiber – with nearly 30% of daily recommended amount, its fiber content helps to fill you up and keep you from getting hungry quickly1
Healing:
a good source of fiber – with nearly 30% of the daily recommended amount, its fiber content helps fill you up and satisfy hunger2

1Copyright 1997-2007, A.D.A.M., Inc. | Search MedlinePlus® to find authoritative consumer health information

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

Nutritional Information Panel

Serving Size 1 Medium Orange (154g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 75 Calories from Fat 2
Amount % Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 2mg
Total Carbohydrate 19g 6%
Dietary fiber 3g 14%
Sugars 13g  
Protein 1g  

How to Enjoy

  • Juice them for a refreshing drink!
  • Peel and eat for a quick, easy and nutritious snack on the go!
  • Toss orange slices with any salad to add color, sweetness and extra nutrition.
  • Add slices to yogurt for a light snack or breakfast.
  • Use the skin to make candied peels or preserves.
  • Marinate chicken in the juice, zest and fresh herbs for a light meal.
  • Dip orange segments in chocolate for dessert.
  • Add an orange slice to your beer for extra flavor.

Valencia 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 the orange just before drinking to retain the most vitamins.
  • Never store freshly squeezed juice in the refrigerator for more than 48 hours.
  • You can store the juice and zest in the freezer for up to one year.