Big Navel or Small Navel? How to Pick the Sweetest, Juiciest Oranges

Want oranges that are sweet, juicy, and full of flavor? Before putting one in your shopping bag, take a quick look at the bottom. That small “navel” may offer a useful clue.

Choosing a good orange can sometimes feel like a guessing game. Two fruits can look almost identical on the outside, yet one may be wonderfully juicy while the other is dry and disappointing.

Fortunately, there are several simple things you can check before buying. One of the most talked-about is the small circular mark found at the blossom end of a navel orange.

What Does the Navel Tell You?

Turn the orange upside down and look at the end opposite the stem.

Many shoppers and fruit sellers associate a larger, more open navel with an orange that may be sweeter and juicier. Oranges with very small or tightly closed navels are sometimes considered less juicy or slightly more acidic.

However, the navel isn’t a guarantee of taste. Orange variety, growing conditions, harvest time, and storage can all affect the final flavor.

So consider the navel a helpful clue—not a foolproof test.

5 Other Ways to Choose a Great Orange

1. Look for Vibrant Color

A good orange should generally have a healthy, vibrant appearance.