If you’re serious about fresh-squeezed citrus, choosing the best oranges for juicing makes all the difference. In this guide, we break down the juiciest, sweetest picks to help you find the best oranges for juicing at home or beyond.
Not all oranges are created equal—especially when it comes to juicing. Some are sweet and bursting with liquid sunshine, while others are… well, better left for snacking. If you’ve ever tried to squeeze a dry, pithy orange and ended up with a sad tablespoon of juice, you know the struggle. This guide will help you find the best oranges for juicing so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff.
Whether you’re a weekend mimosa-maker or just trying to upgrade your morning OJ, picking the right orange matters more than you’d think. We’re talking maximum juice, minimal seeds, and flavour that actually tastes like an orange, not orange-ish. From supermarket staples to juicer goldmines, I’ll walk you through the top choices. Consider this your citrus cheat sheet.
If fresh oranges aren’t available, check out my guide to the best orange juice substitutes to keep your recipes flowing.
TOP ORANGE VARIETIES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR JUICING
1. VALENCIA ORANGES (THE CLASSIC JUICING ORANGES)
Valencias are basically the MVP of juicing. They’re super juicy, sweet without being too sugary, and they don’t have too many seeds. They also stay fresh longer than most, which is why they’re the go-to for commercial OJ. If you’re juicing in the summer, these are your best bet—they’re in season and at their absolute sweetest.
2. NAVEL ORANGES
Great for quick, fresh juice — but drink it fast.
Navel oranges are the big, friendly ones with a little “belly button” on the bottom. They’re super easy to peel and usually seedless, which makes them great for hand juicing. The only downside? They contain a compound called limonin that turns the juice slightly bitter if it sits too long, so they’re best for drinking right away. Ideal for casual, drink-it-right-now situations.
3. CARA CARA ORANGES
Pink, sweet, and low-acid.
These look like navel oranges on the outside but have a gorgeous pinkish flesh inside (like nature’s version of rosé). Cara Caras are super sweet, lower in acidity, and make a smooth, mellow juice. They’re not the juiciest of all, but the flavour is worth it—especially if you want a juice that’s a little different and a little fancy.
4. BLOOD ORANGES
For drama, depth, and tang.
Blood oranges are the moody artist of the citrus world—deep red flesh, tart-sweet flavour, and a little less juice than the others. But what they lack in volume, they make up for in character. Use them when you want a juice with a kick, or mix them with other varieties for a flavour (and colour) boost. Great for cocktails, brunch, or just showing off.
5. HAMLIN ORANGES
Mild, sweet, and super juicy.
Hamlin oranges aren’t as famous as Valencias, but they’re a solid choice if you can find them. They’re one of the top choices for commercial juicing because they’re high-yield, sweet, and easy to process. They do have a few more seeds, but nothing you can’t strain out. A good option if you’re juicing in bulk or just want something affordable and reliable.
6. TANGELO (MINNEOLA)
Big flavour, easy squeeze.
Technically a hybrid of a tangerine and a pomelo, tangelos are bright, zesty, and super juicy. They have a knob-like shape at the top and peel easily, kind of like mandarins. The juice has a bold citrus punch—great on its own or mixed with sweeter oranges like Valencias. If you like your juice with a little edge, give these a go.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It depends on how you’re juicing! If you’re using a manual citrus press or handheld juicer, no need to peel — just slice in half and press. But if you’re using a blender or masticating juicer, definitely peel them first. Orange peels are bitter and waxy, and they’ll mess with both the flavour and texture of your juice.
Look for oranges that feel heavy for their size—that’s a good sign they’re full of juice. The skin should be smooth and slightly soft when squeezed, not rock-hard or shriveled. And while perfectly bright colour looks nice, it doesn’t always mean better flavour—trust the weight and feel more than the look.
They’re not bad, but they’re not the top pick either. Mandarins (like clementines and satsumas) are super sweet and easy to peel, which makes them great for snacking — but they’re smaller and less juicy than true juicing oranges. You’d need a bunch of them to get a decent glass of juice, but they’re a fun option if you want something sweet and mellow.
Both are sweet, but Navel oranges are usually a bit sweeter and less acidic. Valencias have a more balanced flavour — still sweet, but with a little tang, which makes them better for classic, refreshing orange juice. If you like your juice sweet and mild, go Navel. If you want that bright, citrusy punch, go Valencia.
You can—and it actually helps! Microwaving an orange for 10–15 seconds warms it up just enough to loosen the juice inside, making it way easier to squeeze. It won’t cook the fruit or mess with the flavour, just makes it a bit more cooperative. Just don’t overdo it—you want warm, not hot (no one needs steamy citrus burns before breakfast).
Now that you know which oranges bring their A-game, picking the best oranges for juicing doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you go classic with Valencias or mix it up with blood oranges, there’s a perfect citrus waiting to brighten your glass. Juicing is way more fun when you actually get a decent amount of juice—and better flavour too. So next time you’re at the store, skip the sad, dry oranges and go for the ones that’ll make your morning squeeze worth it.
Juicing is all about the flavor and the fun, and choosing the right fruit makes all the difference. No matter which type you pick, fresh juice beats the store-bought stuff any day of the week. Keep these tips handy and you’ll be a juicing pro in no time. So, cheers to delicious mornings and endless vitamin C!
LOVE THIS LIST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
Got a favourite orange you use for juicing I missed? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear!
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