Discover the Unique Red-Seeded Orange Fruit
Oranges with striking red interior seeds offer more than just good looks. These special citrus fruits provide impressive health and nutrition benefits. Their sweet juicy pulp also makes for a tasty snack or recipe ingredient.
What is a Red-Seeded Orange Fruit?
Oranges containing deep red seeds represent a type of navel orange, a common sweet orange variety. While most commercial navels feature light colored seeds, some cultivars produce the vibrant red seeds surrounded by the familiar orange colored segments.
These unique red-seeded oranges offer similar nutrition as other oranges while providing eye-catching color. They bring healthy sweetness perfect for juicing or eating out of hand. Plus the red seeds add visual interest when used as a garnish.
Other Red-Fleshed Citrus Varieties
In addition to red-seeded oranges, other citrus fruits also produce reddish internal color. Blood oranges famously contain deep crimson colored pulp and juice. Red-fleshed grapefruit, pummelos, tangors and tangelos also exist, offering pinkish-red hues.
Health Benefits
All oranges provide benefits thanks to their nutritious content. Red-seeded oranges offer these same perks along with some special antioxidants from their vivid pigments. Here are some top ways these fruits can boost your health:
Immune Support
Oranges are packed with vitamin C, delivering over 100% DV in one fruit. Vitamin C energizes immune cells while acting as an antioxidant. Getting your daily dose can help fight illness and inflammation.
Heart Health
The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and choline in oranges supports cardiovascular function. They may help lower blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol. The red pigments also contain helpful carotenoids for heart health.
Cancer Prevention
Antioxidant compounds found in all oranges may lower risk for certain cancers. Red orange pulp provides lycopene and anthocyanins which also have anti-cancer abilities according to some research.
Skin Protection
The vitamin C and antioxidants in these oranges guard skin from sun damage. They help stimulate collagen production for smoother, firmer skin less prone to wrinkles and aging.
Nutrition Facts
One large red-seeded orange (about 184 grams) provides:
126% DV Vitamin C
Oranges are best known for their immune boosting vitamin C content. Just one fruit provides all your daily needs.
12% DV Fiber
The pulp and membranes offer 3 grams fiber per orange, helping reduce cholesterol and control blood sugar.
61 Micrograms Folate
Important for metabolism and cell growth, oranges deliver 15% of vitamin B9 needs in each serving.
Uses for Red-Seeded Oranges
Sweet, vibrant red-seeded oranges bring their nutrition, fiber and refreshing flavor to both sweet and savory recipes. Consider using them in:
Fruit Salads
Orange slices jazz up any fruit salad. Let the red seeds show by cutting wheels rather than dicing them up. Toss with berries, tropical fruits, mint and a citrusy dressing.
Citrus Salsa
Bring on the color with chunks of red-seeded orange combined with lime juice, red onion, jalapeño and cilantro. Spoon over tacos, pork dishes or grilled fish.
Juices and Smoothies
Mix orange sections or fresh squeezed juice with carrots, ginger and turmeric for an immunity boosting beverage. The red seeds add texture and fun flecks of color.
Salads and Grains
Liven up veggie-based salads by topping them with sliced red-seeded oranges. They also make a nice addition to cold grain bowls paired with nuts, greens and vinaigrettes.
Selecting and Storing Red Seeded Oranges
You can find red-seeded oranges from specialty grocers, some supermarkets and direct from citrus growers. Choose fruits that feel heavy for their size with bright, glossy peels. Here are some tips once you get them home:
Storage
Keep oranges loose at room temperature or in the crisper drawer of refrigerator for up to two weeks. Do not store wrapped in plastic which traps moisture and speeds spoilage.
Ripening
Oranges won’t ripen further once picked, so select tree-ripened fruits. Check for heaviness indicating juicy sweetness inside and avoid lightweight oranges.
Freezing
Squeeze fresh orange juice and pour into ice cube trays to freeze, then store long term in bags. You can also freeze orange slices or wedges covered in a bit of juice up to about 3 months.
Growing Red-Seeded Orange Trees
Gardeners in frost-free climates can grow their own red-seeded orange fruits at home. The trees require warm weather but reward with an abundance of colorful ripe oranges perfect for juicing or eating fresh.
Source young nursery trees and plant in well-draining soil during spring. Amend the site with compost or manure before planting. Red-seeded orange trees need full sunlight exposure and moderate water during dry periods while establishing.
Fertilize trees with a citrus food each spring and monitor for pests while they grow. After a few years, you can enjoy harvesting bushels of vibrant red-seeded oranges directly from your own garden.
FAQs
Are red-seeded oranges actually blood oranges?
No, blood oranges have red colored flesh while these oranges feature normal orange pulp with striking red interior seeds instead.
What types of oranges have red seeds?
Mainly navel oranges, specifically a type called Washington navels. Other citrus like blood oranges, grapefruit and pummelos can also have reddish coloration.
Do red-seeded oranges taste different?
No, despite their unique seeds the flavor and sweetness is similar to regular juicy navel oranges without the red pigment.
Are red-seeded orange trees hard to grow?
Not at all. They require warm climate, full sun and well-drained soil. Amend soil with organic matter before planting and fertilize during spring growth for best results.
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.
Add Comment