Fruit

Navel

S tier

Navel oranges grow a secondary fruitlet at the apex—the “navel”—and are typically seedless, easy to peel, and sweet enough for pure snacking. Flesh is firm-juicy rather than the thinnest-skinned juice-sponge. Winter season fruit defines many temperate markets' fresh orange experience. Peak for lunchboxes and segments; juice is fine but can turn bitter if held because of limonin development in some navels. Zest is excellent. Washington Navel is the archetype within the class. Compared with generic market options, Navel rewards a little attention to timing, especially for Segments, where Navel Scar matters.