Navel Oranges are one of the most popular and unique citrus fruit. Oranges have many important health benefits to humans and millions drink orange juice daily as a source of vitamin C. Other important nutrients in navel oranges are beta-carotene, which prevents cell damage, calcium for strong bones, magnesium to maintain healthy blood pressure and potassium for cell electrolytes in balance.

Navel oranges are high in fiber and can help improve cholesterol ratios in the body, which is important in controlling pre and full blown diabetes. Other nutrients in navel oranges are also known to help prevent some types of cancer. One of the best ways to get the right amount of these essential nutrients and others is to drink a fresh squeezed juice or just peel and eat while enjoying their delicious nectar.

The navel orange is also a favorite addition to fruit salads or is used to make preserves or jams, such as the ever popular orange marmalade. Orange oil from naval oranges is a byproduct of the orange peel which is used to flavor food and drink as well as an important ingredient for fragrance in perfumes and aromatherapy. Orange blossoms can be dried and then used to make a delicious, aromatic tea. Gardeners often use orange peels to repel slugs and other garden pests.

Navel oranges are seedless, and the flesh inside is naturally very sweet and juicy, and its taste is very refreshing. The blossom end of a navel orange looks like a human navel, which is how the fruit acquired its name. Notice that when a navel orange is peeled, there is a partially formed, undeveloped conjoined "twin" fruit on the inside of the blossom end.

Although navel oranges are clones of a tree originally from Brazil, today they are a very important industry in the United States and grown primarily in Florida, Arizona and California. Depending on your region of the country, fresh navel oranges are available from winter through late spring. The kind of navel orange you should buy at the market is one that feels heavy for its size and has no soft spots, outward pitting or mold.

The thick skin of a navel orange makes it very easy to peel, and the taste is indescribably sweet, refreshing and most importantly good for you. Try different varieties of Florida oranges by ordering a box, a basket or better yet-- become a monthly fruit club member so you can have fresh citrus delivered right to your door!