What is the Difference between Cara Cara and Navel Oranges?
What is a Cara Cara Orange?
The Cara Cara orange is a natural mutation of the Washington Navel Orange. This orange variety is a result of the cross pollination between a Washington navel orange and Brazilian Bahia navel orange. This variety was first discovered in mid-70s at the Hacienda Caracara in Valencia, Valenzuela. Hence its name.
Cara Cara Oranges are classified as citrus sinensis and are also called “Red Fleshed Navel Oranges” or Pink Navel because of its distinct inner pinkish-red, orange flesh that resembles the color of a ruby grapefruit. Cara oranges are typically medium-sized and have a glossy, textured peel that clings to the flesh.
Just like regular navels, Cara Cara has a bright exterior and has a crisp citrus aroma. But unlike your run-of-the-mill navels, Cara Cara’s flavor is more complex; it is extremely sweet with a tinge of raspberry or cranberry zing and a hint of cherry and rose. It is also low in acidity and is not sour like other citrus fruits.
Nutrition Facts of Navel and Cara Cara Oranges
| Serving Size: 1 Navel Orange (154g)
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 80g Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0g 0% Saturated Fat 0g 0% Trans Fat 0mg 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 0mg 0% Potassium 250mg 7% Total Carbohydrate 19g 6% _____________________________________ Dietary Fiber 3g 12% Sugars 14g 0% Protein 1g 0% Vitamin A 2% Vitamin C 130% Calcium 6% Iron 0% Thiamin 10% Riboflavin 4% Niacin 2% Vitamin B6 4% Folate 10% Panthothenic Acid 4% Phosphorus 2% Zinc 0% Magnesium 4% Selenium 2% Copper 4% Manganese 2% |
| Serving Size: 1 Cara Cara orange (154g)
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 80g Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0g 0% Saturated Fat 0g 0% Trans Fat 0mg 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 0mg 0% Potassium 250mg 7% Total Carbohydrate 19g 6% _____________________________________ Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 14g 0% Protein 1g 0% Vitamin A 30% Vitamin C 150% Calcium 2% Iron 0% Thiamin 6% Riboflavin 2% Niacin 2% Vitamin B6 6% Folate 15% Panthothenic Acid 4% Phosphorus 4% Zinc 0% Magnesium 4% Selenium 2% Copper 2% Manganese 4% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Additional Facts
- You can find Cara Cara oranges for sale from December to May, while navel oranges are available from November to June.
- Cara Caras have 30 per cent more Vitamin A and 20 per cent more Vitamin C compared to regular navels.
- Cara Cara orange is seedless and has rich pink flesh due to lycopene.
- Placed on your counter, the fruit will last for 4 days, but when stored in a fridge can last up to 2 weeks.
- Cara Caras are great for fresh, out of hand eating or squeezed orange juice. It can also be added to shakes, smoothies and salads. You can also use it for cooking main dishes like roast beef, seafood and poultry.
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