Oranges
Oranges are one of the most ubiquitous crops in the world, grown throughout Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and both South and
North America. The United States and Brazil are the world’s leading producers; most U.S. grown fruit is consumed within the country,
while the bulk of Brazil’s output is exported. In the United States, top orange growing states are Florida, California, Texas, and
Arizona. Florida continues to lead the charge, despite major losses due to citrus greening in recent years. Sunshine State production
is divided between Valencia and Navel varieties.
Oranges are believed to have originated from a wild variety in the Southern China/Northern India region, although these cultivars
can no longer be found. Originally valued for medicinal purposes, oranges were brought to the Mediterranean region by Italian traders
in the 1400s, then were introduced around the globe by Portuguese explorers. The Spanish brought oranges to South America and to
missions in Arizona and California, and the French brought oranges to what is now Louisiana. In the 1800s, orange groves were
planted in Florida to much success.
References: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products, USDA.
TYPES, VARIETIES & CUTS
The bulk of U.S. orange crops consist of three main varieties: the Washington Navel, the Valencia, and the Hamlin, complimented by
several other varieties such as the ‘Pineapple,’ Homosassa, and Queen.
The Washington Navel has a thick, easy-to-peel rind and is easy to segment, making it one of the most popular eating oranges.
However, it is not a good variety for processing into juice, as a higher limonene content makes it bitter. Valencia oranges are
smaller and juicier than Washingtons, with a thinner rind, and are popular for juice with few seeds. Valencias can also produce two
overlapping crop yields each year.
The Hamlin is similar to the Valencia—juicy and flavorful, but with a lighter color fruit and juice. It is a seedless variety and also
a popular choice for orange juice. ‘Pineapple’ oranges are a seedy, mid-season variety with rich color and flavor, and Queens are
similar, but hardier, able to withstand cooler and drier temperatures.
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Oranges
TYPES, VARIETIES & CUTS—CONTINUED
A popular specialty variety is the Blood Orange, so named because of its red flesh color and strong flavor. Blood oranges are grown
selectively in Florida, but most are produced in the Mediterranean region.
References: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products, University of Arizona
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
SEASONAL AVAILABILITY
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
TEXAS
AUSTRALIA
CHILE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
ISRAEL
ITALY
MEXICO
MOROCCO
SOUTH AFRICA
VENEZUELA
References: Produce Marketing Association, Purdue University, University of Arizona Extension, Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
PESTS & DISEASE
Oranges are subject to several molds and rots, particularly after harvest, including green mold, blue mold, stem end rot, brown rot,
and sour rot. Prevention includes proper handling to avoid physically damaging fruit, treatment with fungicides, rapid postharvest
cooling, and proper storage temperatures.
A serious challenge to orange growers is Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. Bacteria-based, it causes bitter and
malformed fruit and eventually kills trees. Citrus greening has been especially devastating in Florida, but has wiped out acres of trees
in California and other states as well. To address the problem, the USDA has been working with commodity groups and growers in an
emergency response group, earmarking millions of dollars to find solutions.
Citrus canker, another bacterial disease, was brought to Florida on hurricane winds in the 1980s and 1990s. It causes early fruit and
leaf drop, as well as lesions on the fruit.
References: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center; UC Davis Postharvest Technology website.
CULTIVATION, STORAGE & PACKAGING
Orange trees need well-drained, looser soils. Clay and tight soil can lead to root rot and will shorten the life of the tree. Many varieties
are grafted onto other tree stock; newly planted trees can bear fruit in about three years.
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CULTIVATION, STORAGE & PACKAGING—CONTINUED
Preharvest:
Oranges are still largely harvested by hand, although some mechanical harvesting is used (mostly for juicing varieties). The challenge is
getting the fruit to fall without damaging the tree, as oranges are firmly fixed to their branches. Some tests have been done using
abscission compounds that weaken the stem connection and allow the fruit to fall easier, although these chemicals have yet to be
approved for use.
Postharvest:
Chilling injury can occur during storage at low temperatures where fruit can become pitted, stained, or suffer decay. Waxing or
film-wrapping to maintain water content reduces chilling injury. Rind staining occurs when mature fruit is harvested late and can
be controlled by a preharvest application of gibberellic acid.
Grades:
Oranges grown in Arizona and California are divided into U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1, U.S. Combination, and U.S. No. 2 grades; for
Florida oranges (and tangelos) the grades are U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Golden, U.S. No. 1 Bronze, U.S.
No. 1 Russet, U.S. No. 2 Bright, U.S. No. 2, U.S. No. 2 Russet, and U.S. No. 3.
References: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, UC Davis Postharvest Technology website.
GOOD ARRIVAL GUIDELINES
Generally speaking, the percentage of defects shown on a timely government inspection certificate should not exceed the percentage of
allowable defects, provided: (1) transportation conditions were normal; (2) the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspection was timely; and (3) the entire lot was inspected.
ARIZONA & CALIFORNIA
U.S. Grade
Days Since
Standards
Shipment
10-3
5
4
3
2
1
% of Defects
Allowed
15-8-5
15-8-5
14-8-4
13-7-4
12-7-3
Optimum
Transit Temp.
38-48
Days Since
Shipment
5
4
3
2
1
% of Defects
Allowed
15-[8 VSD]-5
14-[8 VSD]-5
13-[7 VSD]-4
11-[7 VSD]-4
10-[7 VSD]-3
Optimum
Transit Temp.
32-34
Days Since
Shipment
5
4
3
2
1
% of Defects
Allowed
15-[8 VSD]-5
14-[8 VSD]-5
13-[7 VSD]-4
11-[6 VSD]-3
10-[5 VSD]-3
Optimum
Transit Temp.
32-34
FLORIDA
U.S. Grade
Standards
12 (7) 3
TEXAS & OTHER STATES
U.S. Grade
Standards
(see standards)
There are no good arrival guidelines for this commodity specific to Canada; U.S. guidelines apply to shipments unless otherwise
agreed by contract.
References: DRC, PACA, USDA.
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ORANGES: WEEKLY MOVEMENTS & PRICES, USA
Source: Chart by Gallo Torrez Agricultural Price Trends (GTAPT), [email protected], compiled from USDA data.
INSPECTOR’S INSIGHTS
• Skin breakdown, usually a sunken pitted area found around the stem end, is scored as a defect when affecting an area greater than
a quarter-inch on California oranges, and affecting an area greater than half an inch on Florida oranges
• Smooth scars, affecting more than a third of the surface are scored as “Excessive Discoloration” on Florida oranges
• Dryness or mushy condition from freezing injury is scored as a defect when affecting all segments more than quarter-inch at the
stem end, or the equivalent by volume.
Source: Tom Yawman, International Produce Training, www.ipt.us.com.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
A medium-sized orange has 80 calories, no fat, and is an excellent source of Vitamin C. The fruit also includes potassium, calcium,
fiber, and Vitamin A.
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