Valencias
For ultimate refreshment, try Valencias. Generally a summertime fruit, Valencias are heavy with juice and have a sweet, delicate texture. Known as the ultimate juice orange, a Valencia’s flavor is a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
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Key Attributes of Valencias
- Very high juice content
- Sweet, juicy flesh
- Available from February through October, peaking in July, August and September
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The History of Valencias
Most people assume that the Valencia originated in Spain, but it was first discovered on the Azores Islands in Portugal. In 1870, an Englishman named Thomas Rivers recognized that the variety matured later than most and brought the plant to Florida, where it was cultivated and named the “Excelsior.”
The Valencia’s name changed many times until it was eventually named after a late-maturing orange grown in the Valencia region of Spain, which was later found to be the same variety.
Did You Know?
Valencia oranges are the most widely planted variety of orange worldwide.
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How to Care For and Store
Valencia oranges should be stored in a cool, well ventilated area. Typically, storing oranges between 45°–48° F is best. They can stay at room temperature for a week. If refrigerated, they can last for up to 2 weeks or longer.
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Selecting your Valencia
- Select a Valencia that is firm and heavy for its size
- Make sure that the orange doesn’t have soft spots or wrinkled skin
- Check its scent – it should smell good, not rotten or fermented
- Valencias turn golden as they ripen but will re-green as they remain on the trees during warmer weather. Therefore, color is a less important trait as the fruit is actually ripe, sweet, juicy and bright orange on the inside.
Tips
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2–4 squeezed Valencia oranges = 1 cup juice
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1 medium Valencia orange = 10–12 segments
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1 medium Valencia orange = 4 teaspoons of orange zest
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Consume freshly squeezed juice within 48 hours.
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You can store the juice and zest in the freezer for up to one year.
How to Enjoy
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Juice them for a refreshing drink!
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Peel and eat for a quick, easy and nutritious snack on the go!
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Toss slices with any salad to add color, sweetness and extra nutrition.
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Use the skin to make candied peels or preserves.
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Marinate chicken in the juice, zest and fresh herbs for a light meal.
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Dip orange segments in chocolate for dessert.
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Add a slice to your beer for extra flavor.
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