Cara Cara Orange

Cara Cara Orange

(Citrus sinensis 'Cara Cara')

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

Cara Cara orange (Citrus sinensis 'Cara Cara') is a natural mutation of Washington Navel discovered in Venezuela in 1976, famous for its pink-red flesh due to the presence of lycopene. Its hardiness reaches 14°F (−10°C) on the tree, slightly higher than that of Washington Navel, making it suitable for in-ground growing in USDA zone 8b. The vigorous tree reaches 10 to 16 ft (3 to 5 m) with a rounded habit, evergreen foliage, and fragrant white flowers. Its bright orange, medium to large fruit, easy to peel and seedless, ripen mainly from December to February, with possible holding on the tree until May, and have intense pink to red flesh, sweet and low in acidity, with notes of strawberry and rose. Excellent fresh, as juice (spectacular color), in salads, or as sorbet. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata for hardiness. Plant against a south-facing wall, in well-drained soil, with winter mulch.

Identity

OriginVenezuela

Genetic originMutation of Washington Navel

USDA zone8b

Cold hardiness14°F (−10°C)

Fruit cold hardiness28°F (−2°C)

GrowthVigorous

Height16 ft (5 m)

HarvestJanuary, February, December

SeedsSeedless

UsesFresh eating, Juice

FlavorsSweet, Red fruit notes

History & Description

Origin

Cara Cara orange takes its name from the Hacienda Cara Cara in Valencia, Venezuela, where it was discovered by chance in 1976. It is a spontaneous mutation (sport) of the Washington Navel orange. Introduced to the United States in the late 1980s, it quickly conquered the world market thanks to its genetic singularity that changes the color of its flesh.

Tree description

This is a vigorous, productive tree that adapts well to various Mediterranean climates (zone 8b). It has dense, dark green foliage, very decorative, which sets off its fruit.

Fruit quality

This navel is characterized by its surprising salmon-pink flesh, a hue due to its naturally high concentration of lycopene (an antioxidant), all in a juicy, seedless fruit.

Flavor and ornamental interest

Beyond its color, it offers a complex tasting experience with subtle notes of red fruit such as raspberry or blackberry, making it a spectacular table fruit as beautiful as it is good.