types of oranges

5 Types of Oranges to Export

Did you know there are over 400 types of oranges, each with distinct characteristics? But the varieties are so physically similar, making it very hard to distinguish them. Lucky for you, we’ll help you distinguish between the top five most popular varieties.

Oranges are the largest citrus fruit, and 75% are grown for juicing.  In Kenya, the fruit is popularly grown in Makueni, Machakos, Mwingi, and Kitui counties. 

Knowing the types of oranges is important, especially if you want to give your consumers more options. If you’d love to source a more specific orange variety, don’t hesitate to request a quote from FrutPlanet Exporters.  

#1: Valencia Oranges 

Valencia oranges are the latest orange varieties and do well on Kenyan soil. They are large and round with bright orange skin. Their main characteristic is the absence of a navel in the fruit, smaller size, and thin, smooth skin that peels easily. 

The fruit has a balanced sweet fruity flavour with a little more acidity. The Valencia oranges have more fresh juice, making them an ideal candidate for juicing and blending.

These oranges are good to export because of their smooth easy-to-peel skin and resistance to physical damage. Ease of peeling is one of the consumer preferences that exporters should be concerned about.

#2: Mandarin Oranges 

These are the smaller type of oranges, and the most common mandarins include Satsumas, clementines, and tangerines. The top export markets in Kenya for mandarin oranges are China, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia.

Mandarin oranges are seedless with soft, loose skin that is easy to peel.  The soft skin makes transporting them a little expensive because they need the extra cushion. However, consumers love them as they are sweet and less acidic.

In addition, they are seedless and are mostly exported to markets that love salads and snacking. It is one of the best fruits to bleed juice with, as consumers don’t have to struggle removing seeds.

#3: Pixie Oranges

This is arguably the most exported orange variety in Kenya. Most of the pixie oranges we export are destined for the American and European markets. The most prominent pixie type is the Clanor type.

Pixies are characteristically small round fruit, flattened at the top and bottom. It is a seedless fruit with a rough rind. The fruit’s skin turns from green to light orange when ripe. 

Most consumer love pixies because they have a mild sweet flavour. Their taste is best appreciated by consumers who love sweet fruits that have less acidity.

#4: Navel Oranges

Navel oranges are large, seedless, sweet, and juicy. Their name originated from the hole at the fruit’s blossom end that resembles the human navel. Despite its high acidity, the orange is most loved because it’s tastier.

When ripe, the orange turns green to orange, and the skin becomes rigid. The fresh fruit is segmented into easily separable juice pulps. 

Navel oranges are perfect for export because their skin is highly damage-resistant. Their high demand can be attributed to their lack of seed and more taste.

#5: Minneola Tangelos Oranges

Minneola tangelos are a grapefruit and tangerine hybrid that are simple to identify because of their bigger size and slightly protruding neck. It is a sweet orange with a mild level of tartness. 

Like most of the oranges we’ve covered in this list, the Minneola Tangelos has an easy-to-peel skin. The skin turns from dark green to bright reddish-orange colour.

The fruit is ideal for export because of its demand in juicing industry and cocktails events. In addition, its skin is thick and, therefore, more hesitant to physical damage.

Conclusion 

This list is not exhaustive; there are over ten types of oranges grown in Kenya. Of them all, Pixies are by far the most popular orange fruit among Kenyan fruit farmers. Its popularity is owed to the vast ready market both locally and internationally. 

So, now that you know the types of oranges to export, how can FrutPlanet exporters help? We’re glad you asked. 

FrutPlanet is an established brand that helps you source, process, and export fruits. We have an extensive reach of farmers and can help you export oranges. We guarantee our customers absolute satisfaction on all orders. You can request a quote to buy oranges online now.

Factors Affecting Wholesale Prices of Oranges
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