If you’re craving fresh-squeezed orange juice and want to know which oranges are best, you’re in the right place. The ideal orange for juicing depends on your taste preferences—whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or something in between. With the right orange varieties, you’ll have a delicious glass of fresh juice ready in minutes.

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When I make fresh orange juice at home, especially when hosting brunch gatherings, I always seek out the juiciest and most flavorful oranges. It’s the perfect drink to serve alongside breakfast dishes or as a refreshing mid-afternoon treat. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different types of oranges to find the ones that offer the best balance of sweetness and acidity. Let me walk you through the best oranges for juicing, so you can make your next batch of orange juice a hit.

The 7 Best Oranges for Juice

Valencia Oranges – The Classic Juicing Orange

Valencia oranges are often considered the gold standard when it comes to orange juice. These oranges are known for their high juice content, sweetness, and balanced acidity, which makes them perfect for fresh orange juice. They are the oranges most commonly used in commercial orange juice production because they are incredibly juicy. When juicing at home, their flavor is consistent, and they provide a smooth, refreshing juice without being overly tart.


Pro Tip: Since Valencia oranges have thinner peels, they are easy to juice using both manual and electric juicers.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy-to-peel option, navel oranges are a great choice. They are slightly larger, have a thick peel, and a sweet, mild flavor, making them perfect for a fresh-squeezed orange juice that doesn’t need added sugar. However, navel oranges are lower in juice content compared to Valencia oranges, which means you’ll need a few more oranges to make a full glass of juice.


Fun Fact: Navel oranges are seedless and can be enjoyed as both a juicing orange and a snack orange, making them versatile for your kitchen.

Cara Cara Oranges – Sweet and Low Acidity

For those who prefer a more complex, sweet flavor, Cara Cara oranges are a fantastic choice. These oranges have a distinct pinkish-red flesh, similar to grapefruit, and offer a less acidic, sweeter taste than most other varieties. Cara Cara oranges are known for their natural hints of berry flavors, making your homemade orange juice a bit more exotic. They are great for juicing when you want a flavorful and refreshing drink that’s less tart than traditional juice oranges.


Pro Tip: They also make a great base for creative juice blends. Try mixing Cara Cara juice with sparkling water or a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.

Blood Oranges – Bold and Tart with a Twist

If you’re looking for a dramatic and slightly tart juice, blood oranges are the way to go. They have a deep, ruby-red flesh and a flavor that’s more tart compared to Valencia or navel oranges, with subtle raspberry-like notes. The striking color of blood orange juice makes it perfect for special occasions or brunches, and the flavor is incredibly refreshing, especially for those who enjoy a slightly tangy edge.


Pro Tip: Blood oranges are in season during the winter months, making them perfect for winter and early spring juicing.

Tangerines – Small but Mighty

While tangerines aren’t technically oranges, they are still a member of the citrus family and can be an excellent choice for making orange juice. Tangerines are smaller, with a distinct, sweet, and tangy flavor that’s delightful in juice form. Though they have less juice than larger oranges, their sweet-tart flavor can add a bright note to your homemade orange juice blends.


Tip: Use them in combination with Valencia oranges to add a burst of sweetness and complexity.

Satsuma Oranges – Juicy and Seedless

Satsuma oranges are a lesser-known variety but are prized for their incredibly juicy flesh and easy-to-peel nature. They have a mild, sweet flavor and are typically seedless, which makes juicing them a breeze. While they are smaller in size, their juiciness makes them a great option for fresh orange juice with a naturally sweet taste.


Pro Tip: Satsumas are often available during the winter months, so they are ideal for winter juicing recipes.

Seville Oranges – For a More Tart Juice

Though mostly known for marmalade, Seville oranges can also be used to make a tart, tangy juice. These oranges are bitterer than most juicing varieties, which makes them less common for everyday drinking, but they can be blended with sweeter oranges for a more complex flavor profile. If you enjoy a juice with a bit of bite, Seville oranges are worth trying in small amounts.


Pro Tip: Seville oranges are great for adding depth to cocktails or pairing with honey to balance their sharpness.

How to Make Orange Juice at Home

Making fresh orange juice at home is incredibly simple and requires only a few ingredients—just fresh juice oranges and a juicer (manual or electric). Here’s how:

  1. Pick your oranges: Depending on your flavor preference, choose from Valencia, navel, Cara Cara, or blood oranges.
  2. Wash the oranges: Rinse them under cold water to remove any residue.
  3. Cut and juice: Slice the oranges in half and use a juicer to extract the juice.
  4. Serve fresh: For the best flavor, drink your fresh orange juice immediately or store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to making the perfect glass of orange juice, choosing the right orange variety makes all the difference. Whether you prefer the classic juiciness of Valencia oranges, the sweetness of Cara Cara, or the vibrant flavor of blood oranges, there’s an orange to suit every palate. Fresh-squeezed juice from these varieties offers a balance of flavor, acidity, and sweetness, making your homemade orange juice a refreshing treat any time of year.

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