One of the things I love about this time of year, other than the Christmas season, is the arrival of oranges in the fresh produce section. I’ve always been okay with oranges. I have to peel them, but I know they are worth the extra bit of trouble. They are full of health benefits.
A couple of years ago, I discovered an orange that is so delicious that I don’t mind removing its peel at all!
Cara Cara Oranges are a natural hybrid, a cross between a Washington Navel Orange and a Brazilian Bahia Navel Orange. They look like ordinary navel oranges on the outside, but peel one and its secret is revealed. The flesh ranges in color from light pink to dark red and they are juicy, sweet and refreshing.
Cara Cara Oranges, also called Red Oranges and Blood Oranges, are lower in acid than regular oranges, meaning they are never bitter or sour. And, they are incredibly good for health reasons, making them an ideal foundation in the plant based diet.
Oranges are rich in flavonoids and limonoids, which fight off viruses in the body, while protecting from radiation and deactivating toxic heavy metals. This citrus fruit also contains a form of bioactive calcium that can’t be found anywhere else. The body readily absorbs this calcium. It strengthens teeth while helping to dissolve kidney stones and gallstones.
Rich in vitamins and nutrients, oranges help with a host of diseases and disorders, including diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and fertility issues. They also ease hormonal imbalances, body pains, ringing in the ears and provide emotional support.
Cara Cara Oranges can be peeled and eaten as a fresh fruit snack. They can also be added to salads, mixed with other fruits, juiced or peeled and added to smoothies. Because they help to cleanse the body of heavy metals, I frequently add a Cara Cara Orange to my Detox Smoothie, which also contains frozen wild blueberries, bananas, Hawaiian Spirulina, Atlantic Dulse and Barley Grass Juice Powder.
I crave these sweet oranges. I was excited to find them back in the grocery store two weeks ago, just in time to add slices to Hot Spiced Cider. Sadly their season ends about mid April, so this is the perfect time to grab these luscious fruits and enjoy them to the fullest. I know I will.
