Cara cara navel

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Cara Cara Navel Oranges
Cara Cara Navel Oranges
Cara Cara Navel Oranges
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus
Species: C. sinensis

The Cara cara navel, or red navel orange is an early-to-midseason navel orange believed to have developed as a cross between the Washington navel and the Brazilian Bahai navel [1]. Discovered at the Hacienda de Cara Cara in Valencia, Venezuela in 1976 [2], the parentage is apparently uncertain enough to occasionally warrant the distinction of a mutation, with only the tree on which it was found--the Washington navel--being an accepted progenitor. Cara caras did not enter the U.S consumer produce market until the late 1980s[3] and were carried only by specialty markets for many years thereafter.

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[edit] Characteristics

Cara cara is a medium-sized navel. Noteworthy for its deep rosy interior, the flesh color is comparable to the red grapefruits, while exterior differences from more common navel are inconspicuous. Sweet and low in acid, the flavor is more complex than most navel varieties and has been described as evoking notes of cherry, rose petal and blackberry[4].

[edit] Season

From the major growing regions, South African cara caras are ready for market starting in August, Venezuelan fruits arrive in October and Californian fruits make their seasonal debut in late November.

[edit] References

  1. ^ [[1]] Allen Susser, The Great Citrus Book: A Guide With Recipes
  2. ^ [[2]] UC Riverside, Cara Cara navel orange
  3. ^ [[3]] Seattle Weekly, Cara Cara Mia
  4. ^ [[4]] UBC Botanical Garden, Botany Photo of the Day

[edit] External links