Are Valencia Oranges Good for Juicing?

By: The Hale Groves Team | On: June 10, 2021 | Category: Fruit Facts

Are Hale Groves Valencia Oranges good for juicing? In our opinion (and Hale Groves has specialized in tree-ripened fruit for over 70 years), there are none better! We believe that, not only are Valencia Oranges good for juicing, they are the best oranges for juicing you can get.

What is a Valencia Orange?

Named for the Spanish city, Valencia Oranges are a summer variety that was developed in Southern California during the 1800s. Valencias are available from February through October and reach their peak in late spring through mid-summer. The Valencia Orange has wonderful flavor, but unlike the popular classic Navel Orange, Valencias have seeds, making them less desirable for snacking than the Navel. They’re also drippier because they contain so much sweet juice. The Valencia’s juice and zest make it popular for adding to recipes and cocktails.

Why Valencia Oranges Reign Supreme When It Comes to Juicing

They may be messier than Navels when eating out of hand, but all that juice the Valencia comes in handy when making orange juice! In fact, three Valencia Oranges will produce about a cup of juice, while three Navel Oranges of the same size will yield only a third of a cup. Even more importantly, you can store juice made from Valencias a lot longer than you can store Navel Orange juice. That’s because a natural compound called limonin (a powerful antioxidant found in citrus fruits) resides in the seeds of a Valencia Orange, while the limonin in the seedless Navel Orange can be found in its flesh. That limonin turns bitter when it’s exposed to air, which is why Navel Orange Juice should be drunk fresh before it turns sour, while Valencia Orange juice stays fresh and sweet much longer when stored in the fridge.

Plus, Valencia Oranges possess a perfectly balanced, sweet-tart, citrusy flavor which goes well with your breakfast or in a cocktail.

Hale Groves: The Best Place to Buy Valencia Oranges Online

When you order Heritage Valencia Oranges online from Hale Groves, you know your fruit has stayed on the tree until it’s soaked up every last bit of sunshine possible, so it’s loaded with flavor and sweetness and perfectly ripe. Our Valencia Oranges make great gifts – order a box and add some extra sweetness to someone’s summer today!

Valencia Orange Iced Tea Recipe

1 c. juice from Hale Groves Valencia Oranges (about 3 Heritage Oranges)
2 c. water
7 black tea bags
3 c. sparkling water, chilled
½ Hale Groves Valencia Orange, thinly sliced
Fresh mint for garnish

In a small saucepan, bring juice and sugar to boil over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and cool about 20 minutes. In another small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea bags and allow to steep about 20 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Pour tea and juice mixture into a pitcher and refrigerate. To serve, pour sparkling water into pitcher; add orange slices. Pour tea into four ice-filled glasses, garnish with mint and serve.

Share This Post!