ORANGES FOR JUICING: WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON IN SPAIN?
Spain is known for the quality and quantity of its citrus fruits, especially oranges. Whether for fresh consumption or for making delicious juices, choosing oranges at their best time guarantees a sweeter, juicier taste. In this article, we will explore the ideal season for oranges in Spain, focusing on how to make the most of this fruit during the peak production months.
The orange season in Spain: November to May
The season for juice oranges in Spain begins in late autumn, in November, and extends into spring, ending in May. During these months, orange trees produce the juiciest and tastiest fruit of the year, due to ideal climatic conditions: mild temperatures, good balance between rainfall and sunshine, and a suitable ripening cycle.
Peak quality: December and January
Although the season lasts several months, the months of December and January are considered the peak quality of oranges in Spain. During this period, oranges reach their maximum sweetness, with optimum juice content. This makes oranges for juicing particularly appreciated at this time, as they offer a fresh, natural and vitamin C-rich drink, ideal for winter.
Varieties of oranges for juicing
In Spain, there are several varieties of oranges grown for different uses. However, when it comes to juicing, there are two types that stand out above the rest: the Navel Orange and the Valencia Orange.
Navel Orange
The Navel orange is one of the most popular varieties in Spain, especially during the winter months. This orange is recognized by its characteristic navel (hence its name in English, navel). Navel oranges are juicy and have a sweet flavor, with a slight acidity that makes them an excellent choice for making fresh juices.
- Season: Navel oranges are at their best between November and February.
- Flavor: Sweet and slightly acidic, with a large amount of juice.
- Uses: Perfect for making homemade juices, as well as for fresh consumption.
Valencia Orange
Valencia orange is another favorite for juicing. This variety is distinguished by being a later variety, extending its season until the spring months. The Valencia orange is known for its high juice content, making it an ideal choice for those looking to get the most out of every fruit.
This orange, like many of the white orange family is especially recommended for juicing, making it one of the favorite oranges for making delicious juices in summer, highlighting its sweetness and subtle acidity.
- Season: Its best season is between February and May.
- Taste: Sweet and very juicy, ideal for extracting juice.
- Uses: Mainly used for juicing, but also perfect for fresh consumption.
Why are seasonal oranges better for juicing?
Choosing oranges in their optimal season not only ensures better flavor, but also has other important benefits.
Higher juice content
During their season, oranges have a higher juice content. This means that, when squeezed, more liquid is obtained per fruit, resulting in a higher yield for those who use them with professional juicers such as those offered by Mizumo. Taking advantage of the high production season guarantees a more efficient process and higher profitability.
2. Sweeter flavor
Winter oranges, especially during the months of December and January, tend to be sweeter and less acidic. This is because lower temperatures favor the concentration of natural sugars in the fruit, making them ideal for preparing fresh, delicious juices without the need to add artificial sweeteners.
3. Fresher fruits
Being in season, oranges arrive fresher at the markets, which means they have spent less time in storage. This directly influences the quality of the juice, as fresh oranges have a better texture and flavor. In addition, freshness ensures that oranges retain more of their nutrients, such as vitamin C, which is essential for strengthening the immune system.
Benefits of orange juices during winter
Drinking orange juices is especially popular during the winter months, when the body needs a vitamin C boost to combat the cold and colds. Oranges, being rich in this nutrient, are ideal for strengthening the immune system. A glass of fresh orange juice in the morning not only helps to start the day with energy, but also offers a large amount of antioxidants and essential nutrients for health.
In addition, orange juice is a refreshing and natural drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, either on its own or combined with other fruits to create delicious flavor blends.
How to choose the best oranges for juicing
When selecting oranges for juicing, there are some key aspects to keep in mind:
- Weight: The heaviest oranges are usually the juiciest, as the extra weight indicates a higher water content.
- Skin: Although the skin of juice oranges need not be perfect, look for fruit with smooth, firm skins, as this is an indicator of freshness.
- Variety: Opt for seasonal varieties, such as Navel in winter and Valencia in spring, to ensure you get the best flavor and the most juice.
Conclusion: Take advantage of the orange season to make the best juices.
The orange season for juicing oranges in Spain offers a unique opportunity to enjoy this fruit at its best. From November through May, Navel and Valencia oranges offer sweet flavor, plenty of juice and all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy through the winter. If you have a Mizumo professional juicer , be sure to take advantage of these months to offer the best fresh juice to your customers.
Remember, the fresher and more seasonal the oranges are, the better the juice, so don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the taste of Spanish oranges at their ideal moment!
