Grapefruit vs. Navel Oranges: Top 5 Differences

Certain foods, especially fruits, can have a special place in our hearts as they often remind us of childhood, good times, or our favorite seasons. Citrus fruits are particularly good at this game because of their floral scents, bright citrus colors, and combinations of both sweet and tart flavors. The vivid orange color of a tangerine can remind us of youthful summer days that seemed to last for years. Tart and satisfying grapefruit juice may make us recall breakfasts with a cherished friend. Eating a Ruby Red Grapefruit half could conjure memories of the days when our children were still little and ate with their feet swinging well above the floor.

There are many citrus varieties and some that seem similar can have noticeable differences. Even though Navel Oranges and Grapefruit are somewhat related, they are different in a number of ways. Here are the top five ways that these remarkable fruits vary from one another.

Grapefruit vs. Oranges

1. Cultivars

• There are many sweet orange cultivars being sold commercially. There are Valencia Oranges, Navel Oranges, Cara Cara Navel Oranges, and Blood Oranges to choose from, and they are available from January until December.
• Among the many orange cultivars commercially sold, grapefruit is one. You will find different grapefruit varieties like white grapefruit, pink grapefruit, and ruby red grapefruit available throughout the year.

2. Flavors

• Orange cultivars have no to few seeds, are refreshingly sweet and juicy, and give off a delightful floral aroma that will make you smile. Some oranges are sweeter than others but all are definitely pleasing to the palate.

• If you have never had grapefruit and are wondering which grapefruit variety is sweeter, then Red Texas grapefruit is the winner. White or yellow grapefruits are more acidic and somewhat bitter, while pink colored grapefruits tend to be a tad sweeter than their white-fleshed ancestors. On the other hand, Texas Ruby Red grapefruit is less acidic, has a sweet flavor, and is the darling of the crowd when it comes to flavor.

3. Availability

• Oranges are available year round. Navel oranges are available from November to June, Valencia Oranges are in season from February to early November, Cara Caras are in peak season from December to May, while Blood Oranges are available from December to mid-April.
• Sweet grapefruit is available any time of the year with October to June considered to be the best time of year to get the juiciest and freshest Texas grapefruit harvest.

4. Size

• Oranges typically range from 5 to 12 centimeters or 8 centimeters in diameter and weigh around 96 grams.
• Grapefruits are bigger than regular oranges and their size ranges from 10 to 15 centimeters in diameter with a weight of around 230 to 250 grams.

5. Nutritional Value

• Oranges are good source of Vitamin A and C and contain essential nutrients like Protein, Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc and more. Oranges also contain phytochemicals, whose main role is as an antioxidant that has been shown to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
• Studies show that grapefruits can help decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Grapefruit also contains high levels of vitamin C, a hefty dose of vitamin A, Potassium, and other nutrients that are said to help the body fight off illness and lower bad cholesterol. What’s more, grapefruit is 92 percent water and is good for keeping you hydrated.