How Much Does an Orange Weigh? Average Weights of Different Orange Types

How Much Does an Orange Weigh?

Oranges are one of the most popular and nutritious fruits around. Known for being an excellent source of vitamin C, oranges also contain fiber, antioxidants, and many other vitamins and minerals. Their sweet, juicy taste makes them a refreshing snack or addition to various dishes and beverages.

But if you've ever tried picking out oranges at the grocery store or farmers market, you may have wondered - how much does an orange weigh? The answer isn't straightforward since there are many different types and sizes of oranges.

Average Orange Weights

On average, a medium-sized orange weighs about 131 grams or 4.6 ounces. However, there is a wide range when it comes to orange sizes and weights. Here are some approximates for different orange types:

• Mandarins: 90-100 grams or 3-4 ounces
• Clementines: 70-90 grams or 2.5-3 ounces
• Tangerines: 80-120 grams or 3-4 ounces
• Navel oranges: 130-180 grams or 4.5-6 ounces
• Valencia oranges: 130-160 grams or 4.5-6 ounces
• Blood oranges: 130-150 grams or 4.5-5 ounces

As you can see, mandarins and clementines are generally the smallest orange varieties, averaging under 100 grams or 4 ounces per fruit. Meanwhile, navel and Valencia oranges tend to be on the larger side, averaging 150 grams or 5 ounces each.

What Impacts Orange Weight

Several factors account for the wide range in orange sizes and weights, including:

• Variety - The natural genetics of the orange variety affects size. For example, mandarins are naturally smaller than navel oranges.
• Age - Oranges gain weight as they ripen on the tree. A longer time on the branch results in a heavier fruit.
• Growing Conditions - Climate, soil quality, watering frequency, and other agricultural practices impact orange weight.
• Processing - Dehydration during storage and processing removes moisture from oranges, decreasing their weight.

Weight Ranges by Orange Type

To give you a better idea of the range of weights for different orange types, here are typical size spectrums:

Navel Oranges

• Small navels: 120-150 g (4-5 oz)
• Medium navels: 150-175 g (5-6 oz)
• Large navels: 175-220 g (6-8 oz)
• Extra large navels: 220-250 g (8-9 oz)

Valencia Oranges

• Small Valencias: 120-140 g (4-5 oz)
• Medium Valencias: 140-160 g (5-6 oz)
• Large Valencias: 160-180 g (6-7 oz)
• Extra large Valencias: 180-220 g (7-8 oz)

Blood Oranges

• Small blood oranges: 110-130 g (4-5 oz)
• Medium blood oranges: 130-150 g (5-6 oz)
• Large blood oranges: 150-175 g (6-7 oz)

Mandarins

• Small mandarins: 70-90 g (3-4 oz)
• Medium mandarins: 90-110 g (4-5 oz)
• Large mandarins: 110-130 g (5-6 oz)

Factors That Don't Impact Orange Weight

Some people assume that certain factors affect orange weight, but they actually have little to no impact:

• Peel thickness - Thicker, rougher peel generally does not make the orange weigh more.
• Navel formation - The navel at the top of the fruit contains undeveloped seeds and fibers but does not add weight.
• Juiciness - While juicier oranges may seem heavier, moisture content does not significantly affect weight.
• Acidity - More acidic oranges weigh about the same as less acidic ones.

Average Weights of Orange Sections

Oranges are commonly divided into segments known as slices or wedges. On average, here is how much these orange sections weigh:

• 1 orange slice = 15-25 grams / 0.5-1 ounce
• 1 orange wedge = 7-15 grams / 0.25-0.5 ounce

Of course, these weights vary based on the size of the original orange. Wedges and slices from larger oranges will be heavier than those from smaller ones.

How to Pick Oranges by Weight

Now that you know the average weight of oranges, you can use a scale as a handy tool for orange selection. Weighing your oranges offers several advantages:

• Get a consistent size for easier peeling, slicing, juicing, and baking.
• Ensure you have enough oranges for recipes calling for specific weights.
• Compare weights to judge ripeness and moisture content.
• Purchase exactly how many oranges you need rather than guessing quantity.

Choosing the Right Scale

For weighing oranges and other produce, a small kitchen scale that measures grams and ounces is ideal. Digital scales provide the easiest and most accurate readings. Models that toggle between units and zero out make the process even simpler.

You can find high-quality kitchen scales for under $20 online or in stores like Target and Bed Bath and Beyond. Investing in your own scale makes regularly weighing oranges and other fruits a breeze.

Weighing Individual Oranges

When selecting individual oranges at the store, simply place them one at a time on the scale plate to get their exact weight. Compare oranges of the size you desire to find matches. This method works great for oranges sold individually rather than in bags.

Weighing Bagged Oranges

For oranges sold in bulk bags, take the following steps:

1. Place the empty bag or produce bag on the scale and press tare to zero it out.
2. Add oranges to the bag until you reach your target weight.
3. Write the total bag weight on the bag with a marker.

This allows you to portion oranges into the needed amounts for recipes or juicing. You can clearly see if you have excess oranges to keep or return.

Weight Ranges for Common Uses

Target these orange weight ranges for certain purposes:

• Juicing: 800 g - 1200 g (2-3 lbs)
• Eating fresh: 100 g - 150 g (4-6 oz) per orange
• Baking: 200 g - 250 g (8-10 oz) per orange
• Citrus salads: 70 g - 110 g (3-5 oz) per orange

Weight Compared to Size and Appearance

While weight provides objective data to help pick the perfect oranges, you can still make visual and touch assessments.

Judging by Orange Size

In general, larger oranges weigh more than smaller ones. But you can't always trust size alone. Factors like moisture content and peel thickness can throw off size-weight correlations. Weighing gives you an exact number to be sure.

Assessing Weight by Squeeze Test

Hefting an orange in your hand and gently squeezing it can provide clues to its weight. The firmer and heavier an orange feels, the more it likely weighs. Soft, light oranges tend to be smaller. But without an actual weight measurement, these tactile tests only provide estimates.

Appearance Cues for Heavy Oranges

Certain visual orange cues may indicate heavier weight:

• Smooth, thin rind
• Bright, deep orange color
• Full round shape with filled-out sides
• Prominent papery nipple at the stem end

But appearance can still be misleading. Only weighing gives definitive results.

Storing Oranges Based on Weight

The weight of oranges also provides helpful storage information. In particular, it impacts:

• Shelf life - Heavier oranges tend to have thicker peel and less surface area, resulting in slower moisture loss and longer shelf life.
• Ripening time - Light oranges ripen faster than heavy ones. Plan to use lighter oranges within a couple weeks before they become overripe.
• Refrigeration - The more an orange weighs, the longer it will last refrigerated. Only keep lighter oranges refrigerated for 1-2 weeks.

Properly storing oranges helps them maintain sweet, juicy flavor and a fresh texture. Allowing them to become overly dried out or soft results in diminished taste and quality.

Weight Loss During Orange Storage

Due to moisture loss from respiration, oranges gradually lose weight during storage. The rate of weight loss depends on several factors:

• Initial weight - Heavier oranges shed more total weight over time.
• Storage temperature - Warm conditions accelerate moisture loss.
• Humidity - Dry air pulls out more internal water.
• Airflow - Good air circulation speeds water evaporation.

To minimize orange weight loss, store them unwashed in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's high-humidity produce drawer. Avoid storing oranges near ethylene-producing fruits like apples, which stimulate ripening and moisture loss.

Signs of Excessive Weight Loss

Look for these signs that indicate your oranges are losing too much weight during storage:

• Shriveling or deflating
• Light, hollow feel when squeezed
• Wrinkling or softening of the rind
• Dull, dry-looking exterior
• Mealy, dried out interior flesh

Excessively dehydrated oranges should be used soon before the flavor and texture degrade further. Adjust your storage techniques to prevent rapid weight loss.

Weight Change During Orange Juicing

Juicing oranges causes significant weight loss since you remove the insoluble fiber-rich pulp, retaining only the liquid. A general rule of thumb is that:

• 1 medium orange (130g) yields ~1/3 cup (80g) of juice
• 1 pound (450g) of oranges produces ~1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups (300-350g) of juice

Therefore, expect a 40-60% weight reduction when juicing oranges. This makes weighing oranges beforehand useful for knowing how much juice you'll end up with.

Tips for Maximizing Juice Weight

To get the most juice and minimize weight loss when juicing oranges:

• Select heavier oranges, which contain more internal moisture.
• Remove only a thin layer of peel/pith, which holds beneficial oils.
• Juice oranges at room temperature when the juice sacs are loose.
• Use a masticating or centrifugal juicer, not a manual press.

Calories and Nutrition by Orange Weight

Another reason weighing oranges can be helpful is determining their nutritional value. The calorie, vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content of oranges correspond to their weight. Heavier oranges contain higher levels of nutrients.

Calories per Ounce

There are around:

• 15 calories in 1 ounce (30g) of orange
• 60 calories in 1 medium orange (4 ounces or 120g)
• 120 calories in 1 large orange (8 ounces or 240g)

Vitamins and Minerals

Some key orange nutrition facts per ounce (30g) are:

• 30 mg vitamin C (50% DV)
• 100 IU vitamin A (2% DV)
• 0.1 mg thiamine (5% DV)
• 200 mg potassium (4% DV)
• 0.5 g fiber (2% DV)

Antioxidants

Oranges also provide beneficial plant compounds including anthocyanins, polyphenols, carotenoids, and hesperidin. In general, larger, heavier oranges deliver higher concentrations of these antioxidants.

The Weight of Orange Peel

The peel makes up a significant portion of an orange's total weight. On average:

• Peel accounts for ~33% of orange weight
• A medium orange peel weighs ~40-50g or 1.5-2 ounces
• A large orange peel weighs ~60-80g or 2-3 ounces

Orange peel contains nutritional benefits from fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids. So don't discard all of the peel when eating oranges or juicing them.

Eating Orange Peel

The outermost layer of orange peel is tough and bitter. But the white pith between the peel and fruit is tender and sweet. Scrape off this pith to add ~5-10 grams of peel per orange when:

• Making infused water
• Crafting orange liqueurs or spirits
• Candy making
• Baking muffins or cakes

Drying Orange Peel

You can dry washed orange peel rings or strips to make:

• Tea
• Potpourri
• Simmering potpourri
• Seasoning rub

It takes around 2-3 medium orange peels (50g) to produce 15g of dried peel.

Weight Conversion for Oranges

When working with oranges, you may need to convert their weight between metric and imperial units. Here are some handy conversions to know:

• 1 ounce = 28 grams
• 1 gram = 0.035 ounces
• 100 grams = 3.5 ounces
• 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
• 1 pound = 450 grams

Weight of Oranges for Shipping

If you need to determine orange weight for shipping purposes, such as through mail order or other delivery service, here are some estimates:

• A box of ~20 medium oranges weighs ~4-5 pounds
• A box of ~10 large oranges weighs ~4-5 pounds
• A 25 lb case has 30-50 oranges depending on size

Tracking orange weight for shipping allows you to calculate the cost accurately and ensure proper postage. It also provides insight into the billable weight for commercial orders and wholesale transactions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.