Page Oranges
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Page oranges are petite, about half the size of a navel orange, and are said to have the finest flavor of any citrus available. The skin is a dark orange with occasional brown spotting; its medium-thin skin is easy to peel with minimal seeds. This hybrid citrus is juicy with a rich, sweet taste. The Page orange is considered to have the best flavor of any variety.
Seasons/Availability
Page oranges are available in the late autumn and early winter months.
Current Facts
A Page orange is a rare hybrid of a Clementine tangerine and a Tangelo (part Tangerine and part grapefruit or pomello); so it is ¾ tangerine and ¼ grapefruit. It is botanically known as Citrus sinensis, though a Page orange is not a "true" orange, after all.
Nutritional Value
Page oranges are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber. It is also a rich source of folate, calcium, and vitamin A.
Applications
Page oranges make a great snack all on their own. The sweetness of this orange makes a wonderful juice or blended beverage. Add the juice to marinades or sauces for savory dishes. The naturally high sugar content in the Page oranges would make for a nice marmalade or addition to cakes or scones. Store Page oranges on the counter for up to a week and refrigerate for up to a month.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Page oranges are limited in their availability to the state of Florida for a number of reasons. Growers have had issues with inconsistent fruit size, which can lead to less marketability. Also, there are strict guidelines on where citrus can be shipped, and many growers will only ship in-state.
Geography/History
United States Department of Agriculture scientists by the name of Gardner and Bellows created the Page orange in 1942 as a cross between a Clementine Tangerine and a Honeybell Tangelo. The purpose was to create an early season option for farmers. This hybrid tangerine-grapefruit was introduced to the market in 1963, but has stayed relatively rare due to a couple of factors. Its small size decreases the marketability of a Page orange, as more commercially sold fruit tend to be between two and 2 ½ inches in diameter. Another reason is their failure to produce under optimal conditions, creating an unreliable crop. The Page orange is grown by farmers throughout Florida and in the West African country of Cameroon.
