RECEIVING
Good-quality product should be firm, heavy for its size, well-colored and reasonably fine-textured for the variety. Florida and Texas oranges frequently are subject to russeting; quality is not affected. Avoid oranges that are light, puffy or spongy because they lack juice. Decay is indicated by soft surface areas that are watersoaked in appearance and may break under slight pressure. Also, age or injury may cause fruit to be wilted, shriveled or flabby. The seedier the orange, the less edible pulp and juice it has.

Ripeness
Oranges ripen on the tree and are not picked until fully ripe, regardless of color. Before they are fully ripe, Valencias turn golden. As they continue to ripen on the tree, they begin to turn green again. The warm temperatures cause chlorophyll to return to the peel. "Regreened" summer Valencia oranges are fully ripe; flavor, juiciness and maturity are not affected. Use point-of-purchase materials to explain that to shoppers. Cut a "regreened" Valencia in half to show consumers the orange interior.

Back to top