Orange fruits can help you eat the "rainbow." While most of us think of the traditional navel orange, you can eat many other fruits of a similar hue. The flavors of the fresh fruits in this post range from sweet to tangy and everything in between. They are packed with essential nutrients, including Vitamin C and antioxidants. Orange fruits are also an excellent source of fiber that contributes to a well-rounded diet.
While the traditional orange often takes center stage, the orange fruit family offers a wide range, from sweet oranges to bitter oranges. For example, tangerines make for convenient and satisfying on-the-go snacks. Clementines are known for their sweetness, and how could I possibly forget the cuties? They are my absolute favorite—loads of flavor, easy to peel, and perfect size.
Did you know tomatoes, bell peppers, butternut squash, and pumpkin are considered fruit? I was surprised to learn that while searching this post.
Keep reading while I break down each fruit by flavor, texture, general health benefits, and the best ways to savor them! If you're looking for more fruits by color, check out my posts on yellow and red fruits!
Berries
Golden Berry
Golden Berry, also known as Inca Berry or Peruvian Ground Cherry, is from South America. Encased in a papery husk, the fruit resembles a small tomato. Its flavor profile balances sweet and tangy, and its texture is juicy and slightly chewy.
Health Benefits: Golden Berries contain vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They promote immune system health, support collagen production for skin vitality, and aid digestion.
How to Enjoy: Golden Berries can be enjoyed as a snack, added to yogurt or cereal for an extra crunch, or incorporated into baked goods like muffins and granola bars. They can also be used in both sweet and savory sauces.
- How to Know When Golden Berry is Ripe:
- The husk turns dry and tan, and the berry inside is golden.
- The berry should be plump and firm to the touch.
- Peak Season: Late summer to early fall.
- Flavor: Sweet tart with tropical hints.
- Texture: Juicy and slightly chewy.
- Size: Similar to a cherry tomato.
- Seeds: Small edible seeds within the berry.
Orange Cherry Tomatoes
Orange cherry tomatoes are a colorful addition to the tomato family. These small, round tomatoes are bursting with a sweet flavor. Originating from the Americas, orange cherry tomatoes add color to dishes.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, they contribute to skin health, immune function, and overall wellness. They also contain antioxidants like lycopene, which may have potential health benefits.
How to Enjoy: Enjoy as fresh fruit and a healthy snack, add to salads for an extra burst of color and flavor, or roast them to intensify their sweetness. They can also be used as toppings for pizzas, added to pasta dishes, or even incorporated into sauces.
- How to Know When Orange Cherry Tomatoes are Ripe:
- The color should be a vibrant shade of orange.
- Gently squeeze; the tomato should yield slightly.
- Peak Season: Summer to early fall.
- Flavor: Subtly sweet with a tangy undertone.
- Texture: Juicy and tender.
- Size: Small, typically cherry-sized.
- Seeds: Numerous tiny seeds within the flesh.
Orange Sweet Bell Peppers
Orange peppers, also known as sweet bell peppers, are a colorful variation of the bell pepper family. With a mild and slightly sweet flavor, they can add a crisp element to various dishes. Originally from Central and South America, these peppers are an excellent way to introduce a pop of color and taste to your meals.
Health Benefits: Orange peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin vitality. They also provide dietary fiber and antioxidants that contribute to overall wellness.
How to Enjoy: Orange peppers can be enjoyed raw as a crunchy snack or sliced into salads for added color and crunch. They also work well when roasted, grilled, or used in stir-fries and fajitas. Their mild sweetness makes them versatile in savory and sweet dishes.
- How to Know When Orange Peppers are Ripe:
- The color should be a vibrant shade of orange.
- The pepper should feel firm and smooth.
- Peak Season: Summer to early fall.
- Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet.
- Texture: Crisp and crunchy.
- Size: Varies; typically bell pepper-sized.
- Seeds: Edible seeds within the core.
Persimmon
Originally from Asia, persimmons offer a unique taste that ranges from sweet to subtly tangy. Their texture can vary between varieties – some are crisp, while others are soft and custard-like.
Health Benefits: Persimmons are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and dietary fiber. They contribute to heart health, aid digestion, and support the immune system.
How to Enjoy: Enjoy firm persimmons in salads, pies, or cakes. Blend them into sauces or use them to add a touch of sweetness to savory dishes.
- How to Know When Persimmons are Ripe: For the Hachiya variety, extremely soft, jelly-like texture; for Fuyu variety, firm with slight softness.
- Peak Season: Fall.
- Flavor: Hachiya: Very sweet when fully ripe; Fuyu: Sweet with a hint of spice.
- Texture: Hachiya: Custard-like, Fuyu: Crisp.
- Size: Varies based on variety.
- Seeds: Hachiya: Few, soft seeds; Fuyu: Few or none.
Citrus Fruits
Did you know there are over 400 varieties of oranges? It goes without saying they are a popular fruit!
Between varieties, the benefits are generally the same. Consumption is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin C. They are also a great source of dietary fiber, as long as they are eaten as whole fruit and not juiced.
Fun fact: Did you know Christopher Columbus brought orange seeds to America?
Blood Orange
Originally from the Mediterranean, blood oranges are known for their distinctive deep red flesh and unique flavor, sweet and tart, reminiscent of berries.
Health Benefits: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, they promote immune health and combat oxidative stress. Their anthocyanin content contributes to heart health.
How to Enjoy: Enjoy raw are part of a cocktail, salad dressings, or create eye-catching desserts, including tarts and sorbets.
- How to Know When Blood Oranges are Ripe: Deep red to orange skin color, slightly heavy for their size.
- Peak Season: Winter.
- Flavor: Sweet with raspberry-like undertones and a slight citrusy tang.
- Texture: Juicy and tender.
- Size: Medium
- Seeds: Variable, can have few to many seeds.
Clementine
Initially from North Africa and Spain, clementines are a variety of mandarin oranges known for their small size, easy-to-peel skin, and sweet, tangy flavor.
Health Benefits: Clementines are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and protecting against oxidative stress. They also provide dietary fiber for digestion.
How to Enjoy: Peel clementines for a quick and portable snack, toss them into salads for a burst of citrus or use their segments to garnish desserts and beverages.
- How to Know When Clementines are Ripe: Bright and glossy skin, slightly soft to the touch.
- Peak Season: Winter.
- Flavor: Sweet and tangy with hints of citrus.
- Texture: Easy-to-peel, tender segments.
- Size: Small and round.
- Seeds: Generally seedless, some may have a few seeds.
Kumquats
Kumquats, originating from Southeast Asia, are a petite citrus fruit that packs a powerful punch of flavor. Unlike traditional citrus, you eat the entire fruit, skin, and all. The skin provides a burst of tanginess, while the interior has a delicate sweetness. The result is a perfect balance of flavors.
Health Benefits: Kumquats are a rich source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production for radiant skin. Their fiber aids digestion and contains essential oils that offer potential health benefits.
How to Enjoy: Kumquats are versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways. Eat them fresh as a snack, use them to garnish drinks and desserts, or include them in salads for a burst of color. Kumquat can be blended into marmalades, sauces, and chutneys.
- How to Know When Kumquats are Ripe:
- Vibrant color.
- It should feel firm and plump.
- Peak Season: Winter to early spring.
- Flavor: Tangy skin with sweet, zesty flesh.
- Texture: Thin, edible skin and juicy flesh.
- Size: Similar to an olive or small grape.
- Seeds: Edible seeds within the fruit.
Mandarin / Cutie
Mandarins are often sold under the adorable name "Cuties." Initially from Southeast Asia, these small, round fruits are synonymous with sweetness and easy peeling.
Health Benefits: Mandarins are a rich source of vitamin C, essential for immune health and promoting collagen synthesis. They also contain antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and contribute to overall well-being.
How to Enjoy: Mandarins are popular for school lunches, picnics, and midday snacks. You can also incorporate them into salads, desserts, and yogurt parfaits.
- How to Know When Mandarins are Ripe:
- The skin should be firm and glossy.
- A sweet aroma is emitted from the peel.
- Peak Season: Winter to early spring.
- Flavor: Sweet and refreshing with a tangy undertone.
- Texture: Juicy and tender segments.
- Size: Compact and smaller than an average orange.
- Seeds: Generally seedless, but some varieties may have a few tiny seeds.
Navel Oranges
Navel oranges are known for their sweet and tangy flavor. Originating in Brazil, they are now primarily grown in regions with warm climates, including California, Florida, and Spain.
Health Benefits: Packed with vitamin C, they boost the immune system and promote healthy skin. The fruit's dietary fiber content aids digestion and contributes to maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. Rich in antioxidants, they can combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, while their potassium content supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure.
How to Enjoy: Enjoy as a quick snack, or incorporate them into salads. When squeezed, navels make the perfect orange juice. You can also reduce them into sauces for savory dishes!
- How to Know When Navel Oranges are Ripe: When their color is deep. Their skin should be firm and smooth, yielding slightly to gentle pressure.
- Peak Season: Late fall to early spring, generally from November to April.
- Flavor: Balance of sweetness with a hint of tanginess.
- Texture: Smooth and easy-to-peel skin,
- Size: Medium to large, easily recognizable by the "navel" or small second fruit that often protrudes at one end.
- Seeds: Most varieties are seedless.
Tangerine
Tangerines, originating from Southeast Asia, are known for their bright orange color and pebbled skin.
Health Benefits: Tangerines provide vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting immune health and protecting against free radicals. They're also a source of dietary fiber for digestion.
How to Enjoy: Peel tangerines for a quick and refreshing snack, use their juice to add zing to beverages and dressings or incorporate their segments into salads and desserts.
- How to Know When Tangerines are Ripe: When their skin develops a vibrant color and feels smooth and slightly loose, indicating that they are easy to peel.
- Peak Season: Winter months, from November to April, depending on the variety and location.
- Flavor: Sweet and aromatic
- Size: Small to medium. They are generally smaller than oranges but larger than mandarins.
- Seeds: Most varieties are seedless.
Mellons
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe, originating from India and Africa, features a sweet and refreshing flavor with a tender, juicy texture. Often cantaloupe is enjoyed cubbed or in slices.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, cantaloupes support healthy skin, vision, and immune function. They also contain hydration-promoting properties due to their high water content.
How to Enjoy: Savor cantaloupe slices independently, add them to fruit salads for a burst of juicy sweetness, or create chilled cantaloupe soups for a refreshing summer treat.
- How to Know When Cantaloupe is Ripe:
- Color: Look for beige-yellowish skin with a rough texture, with possible green streaks.
- Smell: Sniff the stem end for a sweet aroma.
- Texture: Gently press the blossom end – it should yield slightly without being too soft.
- Sound: Shake gently to hear seeds inside.
- Peak Season: Late spring to early fall.
- Flavor: Sweet, juicy, with hints of tropical and floral notes.
- Texture: Juicy, tender flesh with slight crispness near the rind.
- Size: Usually 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg) for a medium-sized cantaloupe.
- Seeds: Edible, but many prefer scooping them out. Modern types have fewer or smaller seeds.
Stone Fruits
Apricot
Originally from China, the apricot is the first stone fruit on this list. An apricot boasts a delicate balance of sweetness and tartness. Its skin can range in color from pale to deep orange.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, apricots support eye health, skin vitality, and immune function. Their fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
How to Enjoy: Enjoy apricots as a healthy snack, or incorporate them into sweet and savory dishes. They make fantastic additions to breakfast parfaits, jams, tarts, and even roasted meat glazes.
- How to Know When Apricots are Ripe: Slight softness when gently pressed, vibrant color.
- Peak Season: Late spring to early summer.
- Flavor: Sweet with a hint of tartness.
- Texture: Tender and juicy.
- Size: Small to medium-sized.
- Seeds: Large, smooth pit that is easily separated from the flesh.
Nectarine
A close relative of peaches, nectarines have smooth skin and offer a similar sweet and juicy flavor. They range in color from pale to deep orange, and their flesh is tender.
Health Benefits: Nectarines provide vitamins A and C, benefiting skin health and immune function. Their dietary fiber aids digestion, and their antioxidants contribute to overall wellness.
How to Enjoy: Enjoy nectarines as a snack, incorporate them into fruit salads, or grill them to bring out their natural sweetness. They can also be baked into pies and pastries.
- How to Know When Nectarines are Ripe: Fragrant aroma, slight softness when gently pressed, vibrant skin color.
- Peak Season: Summer.
- Flavor: Sweet and juicy with a hint of tartness.
- Texture: Smooth and firm.
- Size: Similar to peaches, but with smoother skin.
- Seeds: Large, single pit that separates easily from the flesh.
Peaches
Originating from China, peaches are known for their juicy texture and sweet flavor. The exterior color ranges from pale to vibrant orange. The texture is tender and can bruise easily.
Health Benefits: Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, promoting healthy skin and immune function. Their antioxidants contribute to overall well-being and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
How to Enjoy: Savor peaches fresh as a snack, slice them into salads or bake them into cobblers and tarts, and enjoy them as jams and compotes. Their natural sweetness also complements savory dishes like grilled meats and salads.
- How to Know When Peaches are Ripe: Gently yielding when pressed, fragrant aroma.
- Peak Season: Summer.
- Flavor: Sweet and juicy.
- Texture: Soft and velvety.
- Size: Varies based on variety.
- Seeds: Large, single pit that is easily separated from the flesh.
Squashes
Butternut Squash
Originating from the Americas, butternut squash is a fruit. Known for its smooth texture and nutty flavor, it is ideal for soups and purees.
Health Benefits: Packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, butternut squash supports vision, immune function, and skin health. Its dietary fiber aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
How to Enjoy: Roast butternut squash for a caramelized flavor, blend it into creamy soups or use it as a filling for savory pies and casseroles. Its natural sweetness also works well in baked goods.
- How to Know When Butternut Squash is Ripe: Firm skin, matte appearance, and deep color.
- Peak Season: Fall.
- Flavor: Nutty, sweet, and slightly earthy.
- Texture: Smooth and creamy when cooked.
- Size: Medium to large.
- Seeds: Seeds are usually removed before consumption
Pumpkin
Native to North America, pumpkins are a Halloween staple and nutritious food. They offer a mild, sweet flavor and a smooth, dense texture.
Health Benefits: Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They support the immune, the eye and are believed to lower the risk of heart disease. Their seeds are a good source of protein and healthy fats.
How to Enjoy: Roast pumpkin slices and use them in savory dishes like stews, risottos, or puree-cooked pumpkin for pies, muffins, and pancakes. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted for a crunchy snack.
- How to Know When Pumpkins are Ripe: Deep, even color, hard rind that resists scratching.
- Peak Season: Fall.
- Flavor: Mildly sweet and earthy.
- Texture: Smooth and tender when cooked.
- Size: Varies widely, from small to large.
- Seeds: Abundant seeds enclosed in stringy flesh.
Tropical Fruits
Mango
Originating from tropical regions such as India, the mango is known for its orange color, dense interior, and sweet flavor. The taste of a perfectly ripe mango is a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess.
Health Benefits: Bursting with vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber, mangoes contribute to healthy skin, immune system support, and digestion. Their antioxidant properties also promote overall well-being.
How to Enjoy: Indulge in fresh mango slices, blend them into tropical smoothies, or use them to create fruity salsas that complement savory dishes. You can even incorporate them into desserts like mango sorbet or cakes for a burst of natural sweetness.
I also have mangos listed on my yellow fruits post. Depending on the variety, ripeness, or perception. Mango can seem to be orange or yellow.
- How to Know When Mangoes are Ripe: Slight softness when gently squeezed, fruity aroma near the stem.
- Peak Season: Spring to summer.
- Flavor: Sweet, tropical, and sometimes slightly tangy.
- Texture: Smooth and juicy flesh.
- Size: This varies based on the variety and can range from small to large.
- Seeds: Large, flat, and single pit at the center.
Marian Plum
Marian Plum, or Muntingia or Strawberry Tree, is from Central and South America. This petite fruit might be small in size, but it's big in flavor.
Health Benefits: Marian Plums are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. These nutritional components support the immune system, protect against oxidative stress, and promote healthy digestion.
How to Enjoy: Marian Plums are best enjoyed when picked fresh. To add a unique flavor, you can also incorporate Marian Plums into fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts.
- How to Know When Marian Plums are Ripe:
- The fruit should have a vibrant orange or reddish color.
- Gently squeeze; it should be slightly soft.
- Peak Season: Late spring to summer.
- Flavor: Sweet with a hint of tartness, reminiscent of cherry and plum.
- Texture: Juicy and tender.
- Size: Similar to a small cherry or plum.
- Seeds: Small seeds embedded within the flesh.
Papaya
Native to Central America, the papaya has a vibrant orange hue, smooth texture, and sweet flavor.
Health Benefits: Packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, and papain enzymes, papayas aid digestion, promote collagen production for skin health, and boost immune support.
How to Enjoy: Savor papaya slices as a refreshing snack, blend them into creamy smoothies, or use them to add a tropical flavor to fruit salads. For a twist, create papaya-based sauces that pair beautifully with seafood and pork.
- How to Know When Papayas are Ripe: Slight softness and yellow-orange skin color.
- Peak Season: Year-round in tropical regions.
- Flavor: Sweet, tropical, and sometimes musky.
- Texture: Soft, buttery flesh.
- Size: Varies from small to large, elongated shape.
- Seeds: Numerous black seeds clustered in the center cavity.
Quick Reference Guide
A short guide with the key characteristics of each orange fruit.
| Fruit | Size | Shape | Seeds | How to Tell When it is Ripe | When it is in Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apricot | Small-Medium | Round | Large pit | Gently press for slight give, vibrant color | Late Spring to Summer |
| Blood Orange | Small-Medium | Round | Mostly seedless | Rich red hue, slightly firm to touch | Winter |
| Butternut Squash | Large | Bulbous | Edible seeds | Hard rind, matte tan color | Fall to Winter |
| Cantaloupe | Medium-Large | Round | Edible seeds | The Papery husk turns brown; the berry is golden | Summer |
| Cherry Tomatoes | Small | Round | Tiny seeds | Deep color, a firm with a slight give | Summer |
| Clementine | Small | Round | Seedless | Orange color, easy to peel | Winter |
| Golden Berry | Small | Round | Tiny seeds | Sweet aroma, slightly soft at the blossom end | Year-round in tropics |
| Kumquats | Small | Oval | Edible seeds | Bright color, firm but yielding when squeezed | Winter to Spring |
| Marian Plum | Small-Medium | Round/Oval | Edible seeds | Soft to slightly yielding, rich color | Summer to Fall |
| Mango | Medium-Large | Oval/Oblong | Large pit | Fragrant aroma, slightly soft when gently squeezed | Spring to Summer |
| Nectarine | Medium | Round | Large pit | Smooth skin, fragrant aroma, slightly soft | Summer |
| Navel Orange | Medium-Large | Round | Seedless | Orange color, firm to slightly soft touch | Winter |
| Orange Peppers | Medium-Large | Blocky | Seedless | Bright color, glossy skin | Summer to Fall |
| Papaya | Medium-Large | Oval/Oblong | Edible seeds | The texture is soft when pressed | Year-round in tropics |
| Peach | Medium | Round | Large pit | Gentle press, sweet aroma, vibrant color | Summer |
| Persimmon | Small-Medium | Round/Heart-shaped | Edible seeds | Soft and glossy skin, jelly-like consistency | Fall |
| Pumpkin | Large | Round | Edible seeds | Deep color, hard rind | Fall |
| Tangerine | Medium-Small | Round | Seedless | Loose skin, orange color, sweet aroma | November to April, |
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