There are over 50 different navel orange varieties. The most common and important variety is the Washington navel orange. The Washington navel provides parentage to most of the navel varieties available in the commercial and non-commercial citrus landscape. There is only one surviving original parent Washington navel tree still producing fruit today in Riverside, California.

The navel orange is a ubiquitous orange variety. It has the quintessential orange, smooth but pebbled and easy-to-peel skin with a trademark "belly button" at its stem end. Its translucent yellow orange flesh is perfectly segmented, seedless and rich with sweet juices.

Serving Ideas

Navel oranges are one the most popular, fresh-eating varieties. Sweet and easy-to-peel, they may be segmented and used as a salad ingredient or in baked goods. Pair with dried fruits, nuts, onions, olives, cheeses, fresh herbs, bananas and berries. Use juice and zest to flavor syrups, curds and doughs. Navel oranges will keep, refrigerated, for up to two weeks.

Geography/History

The original navel orange was discovered growing as a mutation on a sweet orange tree in Brazil in 1820. Seedlings were brought to California in 1873 and in 1878 a navel tree produced its first fruit. In a few short years, the navel orange grew from one tree to millions of trees out of near obscurity. It is one of the most popular varieties in the world, second only to the Valencia orange.

Seasons/Availability

California navel oranges are typically available winter through spring.