Buy Oranges in Season or Out

In the modern world due to new ways of cultivation most fruits like oranges, apples, cantaloupe, etc can be had at anytime of the year. But most fruits still have a season as to when they will be at the their best. This article will discuss what time of year is best to buy oranges, tangerines and other Florida citrus fruits.

Overall the best time to grab a sack of citrus fruits is sometime in January when a variety of grapefruits, oranges, honeybells and tangerines are at their peak. This time of year is the best because the trees have spend the summer sopping up moisture that is then used during the fall months to turn the lovely, scented blossoms in the tasty and juicy citrus treats.

People can buy navel oranges nearly any time of year, but true navel orange lovers will be best to buy oranges between November and January when the taste is at perfection. The fruit will be fine during other times, but this is the season when natural growers release their best treats.

If people are still looking for an in season orange after January they should look for the temple orange, which is considered in season from December until March. These types of oranges are similar to the navel, but the taste is very unique to this strain of citrus fruit. Also available are Honey Tangerines, they're easy to peel and perfect for snacking.

Shoppers who like to buy oranges out of season will want to make sure that the oranges they are buying are still the best they can get. Out of season oranges have different shades to them then the in season varieties. People will want to avoid taking home oranges that are pale in color, have random spots on the rind and/or are too soft to the touch.

A good quality orange should have a nice, rich, orange color (this varies depending on the particular type of orange), should be firm to the touch and the skin should be smooth. If an orange is heavy that means it is loaded with juice and will be great to make a bunch of freshly squeezed OJ.

Another great way to make sure the orange is fresh when a person goes to buy oranges is to do the sniff test. A good orange should smell fresh and citrusy, while an orange on the edge of going bad will have a tinge or sourness to it and it will be very soft to the touch. Older oranges are no good to eat. They won't harm a person's health, but they will be very sour and dry on the inside.

People should only buy oranges that are fresh and juicy.