Orange (Cara Cara) | The Ruby Blush of Citrus

Get ready for a delightful surprise! The Cara Cara Orange is a vibrant, pink-fleshed navel orange with a unique berry-like sweetness. Sourced directly from South Africa, it offers a refreshing twist on your favourite citrus.

Hailing from the sun-kissed orchards of South Africa, the Cara Cara orange is a delightful discovery. It's a special type of navel orange, first found at Venezuela's Hacienda Cara Cara in 1976. This unique fruit combines the best qualities of its lineage with an exciting blush.

Don't let its humble orange exterior fool you; slice open a Cara Cara and prepare to be enchanted. Its peel is a bright, warm orange, typical of a navel, often with a charming little "belly button" at one end. But the real magic lies within: a striking, deeply pink-red flesh, radiating warmth and promising a juicy bite. It's a visually stunning fruit, sure to brighten any plate.

This is where the Cara Cara truly shines. Each segment bursts with a sweet, subtly berry-like flavour, reminiscent of cranberries or raspberries, yet undeniably citrus. What sets it apart is its remarkably low acidity, making for an incredibly smooth, mellow eating experience that's never tart. The texture is wonderfully juicy and tender, with very few seeds, if any, making it a joy to eat fresh.

At Terra Fresh, we believe in bringing you the finest exotic fruits with integrity. Our Cara Cara oranges are sourced directly from trusted farms in South Africa, chosen for their commitment to quality and sustainable practices. We ensure careful handling and swift transit, so each ruby-blushed orange arrives at your door bursting with farm-fresh flavour and vitality.

Indulge in the unique sweetness of Cara Cara oranges during their peak season, typically from December through April. This limited window is when the fruit is at its most vibrant and flavourful, making it a seasonal treat not to be missed.

Nutrition Information

Each Cara Cara orange is a fantastic source of Vitamin C, known to support a healthy immune system and contribute to collagen formation for skin health. Its vibrant pink hue comes from lycopene and other beneficial antioxidants, which help protect your body's cells from damage. You'll also find dietary fibre, important for digestive wellness, and potassium, which plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure.

How to Eat & Store

How to tell it's ripe

• Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size – a sign of juiciness.
• The skin should be firm, smooth, and have a vibrant, even orange colour.
• A slight give when gently squeezed is good, but avoid anything soft or bruised.
• Smell the stem end; a fragrant citrus aroma indicates ripeness.

How to cut and eat it

1. Rinse the orange under cool water.
2. For easy snacking, simply peel the skin using your fingers or a knife, then separate the segments.
3. For a beautiful presentation, slice the orange horizontally into rounds.
4. Alternatively, cut off both ends, then carefully slice downwards around the circumference to remove the peel and pith. Then, segment the fruit by slicing along the membranes.
5. Enjoy fresh as is, or add to salads, smoothies, or desserts.

Storage instructions

• Store Cara Cara oranges at room temperature for up to a few days if you plan to eat them quickly.
• For extended freshness, keep them in a breathable mesh bag or the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks.
• Avoid storing them in airtight containers, as this can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage.

Ripening at home guide

Cara Cara oranges are harvested when they are already ripe and ready to eat. Unlike some fruits, they do not ripen further after being picked. Focus instead on proper storage to maintain their freshness and flavour until you're ready to enjoy them.

Recipe Ideas

Cara Cara & Avocado Salad with Pistachios

This vibrant salad combines the sweet, tangy notes of Cara Cara with creamy avocado, crunchy pistachios, and a light citrus vinaigrette.

• Method: Segment two Cara Cara oranges. Combine with sliced avocado, a handful of toasted pistachios, and tender greens like baby spinach or rocket. Whisk together Cara Cara juice, olive oil, a touch of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper for the dressing. Drizzle over the salad and serve immediately.

Sunrise Cara Cara Smoothie

Start your day with a burst of sunshine! This refreshing smoothie is packed with vitamins and natural sweetness.

• Method: Blend one peeled Cara Cara orange (seeds removed), half a banana, a small piece of fresh ginger, half a cup of plain yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), and a splash of water or coconut water until smooth. Add ice if desired for a colder, thicker consistency.

Cara Cara Orange Glaze for Grilled Chicken/Fish

Elevate your savoury dishes with a sweet and tangy citrus glaze that caramelises beautifully.

• Method: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh Cara Cara orange juice, 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook until the glaze thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Brush over grilled chicken or pan-seared fish during the last few minutes of cooking, or serve as a dipping sauce.

FAQ

What is a Cara Cara orange? A Cara Cara orange is a unique type of navel orange, distinguished by its beautiful pink-red flesh and a distinctive sweet, berry-like flavour with low acidity. It’s often called a "red navel" orange.

Where do Cara Cara oranges come from? Our Cara Cara oranges are primarily sourced from the high-quality orchards of South Africa, where the climate is ideal for growing this delicious citrus fruit.

What do Cara Cara oranges taste like? They are wonderfully sweet with a unique berry-like undertone, often described as hints of cranberry or raspberry. They have very low acidity, making them exceptionally smooth and refreshing, without any tartness.

Are Cara Cara oranges good for you? Absolutely! Cara Cara oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports your immune system. Their vibrant colour indicates the presence of antioxidants like lycopene, beneficial for cell health. They also provide dietary fibre for digestion.

How is it different from a regular navel orange? While both are navel oranges, Cara Caras stand out with their distinctive pink-red flesh (due to lycopene), a sweeter, berry-like flavour profile, and significantly lower acidity compared to standard navel oranges, which are typically orange-fleshed and more tart.

When are Cara Cara oranges in season? You can enjoy the peak freshness and flavour of Cara Cara oranges during their season, which typically runs from December through April.

How should I store Cara Cara oranges to keep them fresh? For short-term storage (a few days), keep them at room temperature. For longer freshness, store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks.

Can I use Cara Cara oranges for juicing? Yes, Cara Cara oranges make fantastic juice! Their sweet, low-acid profile produces a deliciously smooth and vibrant pink juice that is both refreshing and packed with nutrients.