Find out when you can find the Cara Cara Navel orange - the Navel that is red on the inside.
I am such a foodie - particular a produce foodie that I can actually remember where I tasted many varieties of fruit.
Circa December 2009. Fort Wayne, Indiana.
My family and I were given free hotel tickets. We took a little weekend winter retreat around New Year's to Fort Wayne, Indiana. As I looked up local grocery store (again serious foodie problems here) to visit, I came across the Fresh Market. I have never been to or even heard of this store.
I looked in their ad and saw an advertising for Cara Cara Navel oranges. Never heard of such a thing. My interest was certainly peaked and I couldn't wait to get to this store and check out this new to me variety.
How could you not be excited for a navel orange that is red on the inside!
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❄️ When in Season
The first Cara Caras of the season show up right at the start of the California season in early December (sometimes even late November). I would not recommend buying the early ones. I find that the first ones always tend to be subpar in flavor and sweetness. Some growers rush to get them to the market and it shows.
Later in the month and into January, the flavor should be there. The Cara Cara seasons runs into April, you may be able to find them into May as well.
While visiting Florida I found them at different farm stands, most of the time just being called Red Navels instead of Cara Cara.
I have noticed in recent years that you will find them in the summer sometimes as well, imported from Southern Hemisphere countries (Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa). I have never found any of these to be worth the money, quality is poor. I would stick to the domestic ones, unless you live in one of those countries.
⚖️ What is the Difference
The Cara Cara was first discovered in Hacienda Cara Cara in Valencia, Venezuela. That is where the name comes from. There is also a species of bird called the Crested Caracara.
It was believed to be a mutation of regular or Washington Navel oranges. It's so fun when those things naturally happen and we get a new variety. It has happened with the Honeycrisp apple, producing the Sugar Bee apple.
When comparing a Cara Cara to a regular Navel, I tell people these two things about Cara Cara:
- They are have low acidity
- They have a subtle berry undertone
If the acidity in citrus is bothersome to you but you still want to partake I would start with Cara Cara and see how you do.
Compared to Blood Oranges
Blood oranges also have a different colored flesh and sometimes skin. They are very different from Cara Caras. They are more acidic. You really can't swap the two out for each other. Still blood oranges are delicious and have their place. They are my favorite citrus to use in recipes, especially sweets because of their color and acidity that balances out the sugar in the dessert.
RELATED - Learn about When Blood Oranges Are in Season.
💡 Top Tips
While a good number of stores are carrying Cara Caras now, the quality isn't consistent, particularly the Sunkist brand. They are a big brand that gathers citrus from multiple farms, so quality isn't always the same. Same with the Cara Caras you find at Trader Joe's. They are all packed into their bag, but there is no way to know exactly what farm they came from.
There are two companies that I find produce amazingly consistent and delicious Cara Caras. One is Ripe to You and the other is Cecelia.
You typically need to go to the higher end grocery stores (but not always) to find these brands such as Whole Foods. Look at the PLU stickers before you buy.
Also since they look just like regular navels it's important to sticker read so that you are sure that they didn't get mixed up by regular navels, whether by a careless worker or by customers putting things back where they don't go. A lot of companies may use pink in some form on their Cara Cara stickers. If you buy them in bags this is not an issue.
I also recommend to choose smaller fruit. Bigger isn't always better and sometimes the larger fruit ends up being more bland. Before you buy place the fruit in the palm of your hand. It should fell heavy for it's size - this is a good test of juiciness for any piece of citrus.
If you happen to be in California during the winter months, find a nearby farmer's market. I have found some amazing Cara Cara at these markets. They blew my mind (and taste buds!). Most vendors are more than willingly to offer up a sample, so you can taste what your buying.
📦 How to Store
The oranges will last longer if you keep them in the fridge, but if you don't have space or you eat through a bag of them in a week or less they are fine at room temperature. In fact, they will taste better at room temperature as the flavor will be more prominent.
🧃 Can You Juice Them?
Yes you can juice them. They can be a delicious juice, however since they are related to Navels you need to drink the juice quickly. It won't store well. There is a reaction that happens when Navels are exposed to air that will turn the juice bitter. It usually takes about 30 minutes for that to happen. So if you are going to just a Cara Cara, drink it right on the spot, don't put it in the fridge for later.
🛒 Where to Buy
Here are some stores where you should look for Cara Cara oranges at. No doubt my favorite place to buy them is directly from the farmers at farmers markets across California.
- ALDI
- Central Market
- Costco
- Fresh Market
- H-E-B
- Hy-Vee
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Plum Market
- Rainbow Grocery
- Sam's Club
- Sprouts
- Trader Joe's
- Walmart
- Wegman's
- Whole Foods Market
✋ Where do you find Cara Cara oranges? Leave a comment below.
🍊 Other Varieties to Try
Here are some other types of citrus you will want to try.
- Satsuma Mandarins
- Blood Oranges
- Sumo Citrus
- Ruby Tango Mandarins
- Kishu Mandarins
- Ojai Pixie Tangerines
You may also want to check our post on California mandarin season.
Larry
Costco does carry them in season. At least in Tucson, AZ
diane
Never had a better orange ! Also at Walmart.
Sharon Harris
My mother planted a tree from seed and we are thoroughly enjoying this delicious fruit !
We didn't expect the red inside and weren't sure what kind of arms this was until I did some research and found out that we were the proud owners of a Cara Cara orange tree !
Jack and Gail Bechtold
We have purchased Cara Cara oranges from Sam's Club for years. Rather than my contacting each store could the merchant contact us when they are in stock?
Traci Lynn Graeser
Cant find them anywhere in Colorado
Eric Samuelson
Not surprising. They are out of season from California now. You may see some imported from places like Chile or South Africa, but they usually aren't as good. I see those more often starting in August or so.
Pat Dawydowych
Looking forward to the new season of cara caras, our family's favorite orange. Here in the desert southwest, when our cara cara orange tree is depleted, we find them at Costco and Sprouts. We agree that oranges imported from the southern hemisphere are not as good. The long trip is hard on citrus. Nothing beats seasonal, and local is best of all.
Nancy Murphy
I 'discovered' Cara Cara oranges last year. I am now addicted. I eat 4 to 5 a day when I can find them. Nothing better, very sweet and low in acid.
Eric Samuelson
I am glad that you have discovered Cara Cara. Nothing beats a good one.
Annemarie
Found them at Wal-Mart and slide in maryland. Can't wait for the season to start!
M W
Do you happen to know how to properly pronounce it?? I have heard both "Care-Uh" and "Car-Uh". I searched the internet but can't seem to find it!
Eric Samuelson
That is a very good question. I don't know either. I have always said "Care-Uh" myself. So that probably means it should be "Car-Uh".
Kris
I find them at Costco and Sams club, in South Florida
Eric Samuelson
Thanks for sharing.