Cara Cara Worange
Cara Cara (red flesh) is a variety of navel orange, discovered in Venezuela in 1976. It's a new variety discovered through pollination mutation between Washington navel oranges and Brazilian navel oranges. It was subsequently sold in European and American markets. Due to its unique flavor, high nutritional value, long growing cycle, and limited yield, Cara Cara (red flesh) has always been a staple in the high-end fruit market.
For many years, Hong Kong relied on imports for Cara Cara. However, with the successful introduction of red-fleshed Cara Cara and oranges by Zhanxiang Orchard to increase production, these varieties have become more common in the market. The red-fleshed Cara Cara and oranges cultivated at Zhanxiang Orchard require a longer growing period than yellow-fleshed oranges. They mature a month later than yellow-fleshed oranges, and this longer growth cycle results in richer nutrients and higher nutritional value. Combined with Zhanxiang Orchard's specially designed vermicomposting system, the natural flavor of the navel oranges is preserved, enhancing their crisp texture and aroma.
4 Major Features of Cara Cara Worange
1/ Pink pulp, rich in lycopene
The flesh of red Cara Cara and oranges has an enticing pink hue, naturally formed due to its high lycopene content. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that eliminates free radicals and protects cells from damage by harmful external substances. Lycopene contains twice as many antioxidants as beta-carotene and ten times more vitamin E.
2/ The flesh is sweet
While yellow-fleshed and orange flesh are high in sugar (similar to strawberries), navel oranges are rich in organic acids, resulting in a relatively lower sweetness and a sweet-tart flavor. Red-fleshed Cara Cara and oranges, on the other hand, have a longer ripening period, allowing more time for the organic acids in the fruit to convert into sugars, making them sweeter. Although the color of red-fleshed Cara Cara and orange flesh is similar to grapefruit, because they are navel oranges, the flesh is sweet and fragrant, lacking the astringent taste of grapefruit.
3/ Strong fruity aroma with a refreshing grapefruit scent
Red-fleshed Cara Cara and oranges have a longer harvest period, resulting in a more intense fruity aroma. Because these varieties are naturally pollinated and mutated, their aromas are more complex, with a berry-like fragrance and, in some regions, a floral note. Zhanxiang Orchard's red-fleshed Cara Cara and oranges, however, have a stronger fruity aroma with a subtle grapefruit scent.
4/ Other rich nutrientsRed cara caña and orange juice contain other nutrients such as folic acid, potassium, and dietary fiber. Folic acid has a positive effect on regulating blood sugar and blood lipids, and can also protect the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, folic acid is an essential nutrient for women trying to conceive and those who are pregnant. Adequate folic acid supplementation can promote fetal development and prevent premature birth. Potassium effectively prevents high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. Dietary fiber increases the activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, maintaining gut health.
Cara Cara Worange and "Blood Orange"
Often, people categorize red Cara Cara and blood oranges as the same variety, but they are actually different.
1/ Pulp color
The flesh of red Cara Cara is a delicate pink, while the flesh of blood oranges is deep red or almost dark red. This is because the pigments in their flesh are different. The pink flesh of Cara Cara is formed by lycopene, while the deep red flesh of blood oranges is formed by the accumulation of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have powerful antioxidant properties and are a nutrient not commonly found in citrus fruits.
2/ Fruit Varieties
Red-fleshed Cara Cara is a navel orange, a new variety discovered through pollination mutation; while blood orange is a grafted fruit of grapefruit and mandarin orange.
3/ OriginRed Cara Cara originated in Venezuela and is now grown in the United States, Australia, and China; Blood Orange originated in Italy (Sicily) and is now grown in Italy, Spain, South Africa, and China.