Don't Be Fooled! This Is How to Choose a Sweet Orange From the First Glance

Illustration of how to choose sweet oranges (freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - How to choose sweet oranges is often a challenge because the outer appearance does not always reflect the taste inside. For those of you who often zonk, especially when buying in traditional markets, read the following article!

The fact is that many people are disappointed because the orange looks fresh, but it tastes sour or bland. In fact, there are some simple characteristics that can be recognized before buying.

Dilansir VOI dari laman seriouseats, berikut ini beberapa hal yang perlu Anda ketahui terkait dengan jeruk dan tips memilihnya:

Characteristics of Sweet Orange as Seen from its Appearance

Oranges are one of the world's most popular citrus fruits with more than 600 varieties. Their sweetness varies greatly, depending on the type, harvest season, and maturity level.

Knowing how to choose sweet oranges is also important because oranges are often consumed directly, made into juice, to be used in cooking. Here are the general characteristics of sweet oranges:

Orange Skin Color

Sweet oranges generally have a bright and even color. However, color is not the only determinant. Some perfectly ripe oranges remain slightly greenish, especially oranges harvested in subtropical areas.

Orange Skin Texture

Choose oranges with smooth, firm skin, and not too thick. Hard and very thick skin often indicates that the fruit is not perfectly ripe, so it tends to be sour.

How to Choose a Sweet Orange from Weight and Shape

Sweet and juicy oranges usually feel heavy when held compared to their size. This indicates a high water content, especially in Valencia or navel oranges.

In addition, oranges with a round and symmetrical shape are also often a sign of good fruit growth.

On the other hand, you avoid oranges that feel light or thin because they are likely to have lost a lot of fluid and their freshness has decreased.

Read also the article discussing the Benefits of Drinking Warm Grapefruit Water Before Bedtime

Aroma and Jeruk Bottom Often Ignored

Aroma is an important indicator. A perfectly ripe orange will emit a fresh citrus aroma from its skin. If the orange has almost no smell, it is likely that the fruit was harvested too early.

Also pay attention to the base of the orange. A slightly concave base usually indicates that the orange is ripe and has a sweeter taste.

The Difference Between Sweet and Sour Orange

Interestingly, not all oranges are created equal. Sweet oranges such as navel, Valencia, and blood orange are suitable for direct consumption or made into juice. Navel is known to be sweet and seedless, while Valencia has the ideal balance of sweet and sour for juice.

Conversely, sour oranges such as Seville oranges are more suitable for cooking because their sour and bitter taste is very strong. For snacks, mandarin types of oranges such as clementine, satsuma, and tangerine tend to be sweeter, easier to peel, and low in acid.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Oranges at the Market

The most common mistake is choosing oranges based only on their large size or striking color. In addition, many people ignore the aroma and weight of the fruit.

In addition, buying oranges out of season also increases the risk of getting fruit that has been stored for a long time.

Well, in order for the sweetness of oranges to remain intact, store oranges in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator and consume within two to three weeks. Avoid storing oranges in closed plastic bags because it can accelerate decay.

Thus, how to choose sweet oranges can be done by paying attention to the type of orange, weight, aroma, texture of the skin, and the harvest season. By recognizing these natural characteristics, the risk of buying the wrong one can be minimized!