In the U.S., we usually associate winter with peak orange season. It’s that time of year when we’re all reaching for a Vitamin C boost to fight off those nasty winter bugs while enjoying a sweet, juicy treat. But have you ever wondered if those supermarket oranges were actually picked right before they hit the shelves? The answer might surprise you.
It’s Always Harvest Season Somewhere
Oranges take their sweet time to ripen—usually anywhere from six to nine months from the moment the blossoms appear. In their native tropical and subtropical homes in South Asia, orange trees actually bloom several times a year. This means there’s almost always a harvest happening somewhere! It’s not uncommon to see a single tree sporting delicate blossoms, tiny green fruit, and perfectly ripe, bright orange citrus all at the same time. Today, oranges are grown in warm climates all over the globe, so the specific harvest window really depends on the local climate.
Timing Depends on the Variety
Not all oranges are created equal when it comes to ripening. We aren’t just talking about a difference of a few days, either. Let’s take a look at the harvest schedule in Spain, which is a major global supplier, to see how much the timing varies:
- Bitter Orange: January to February
- Canoneta: January to June
- Navel: January to February
- Navelate: March to May
- Navelina: October to January
- Ortanique: March
- Peret: May to July
- Valencia: May to August
Growing Oranges at Home
Unless you live in a place like Florida or California, professional orange farming isn’t really on the table due to the chilly weather. However, plenty of us plant lovers enjoy keeping a citrus tree as a hobby! These trees love spending their summers outdoors and their winters in a cozy sunroom or greenhouse. Under the right conditions, your indoor orange tree can definitely bloom and even set fruit. The big question is whether they’ll actually ripen before the fall chill sets in. Usually, they need a little extra time.
Oranges Don’t Ripen Off the Tree
Here’s a pro tip: if your oranges are still green in the fall, leave them on the tree! Unlike some fruits, oranges won’t continue to ripen or develop their sweet flavor once they’ve been picked; they need the sun and the tree to work their magic. But don’t worry, those green fruits aren’t a lost cause. Just move your tree to a frost-free spot for the winter. As soon as the days warm up in the spring, the ripening process kicks back into gear, and you’ll be heading toward your very own harvest.
Quick Tip:
Fresh oranges don’t have a super long shelf life when it comes to storage. If you have a surplus, you can actually freeze them. For juicing oranges, your best bet is to juice them first and freeze the juice for later use.