CARA CARA VERDI ORANGES

Green Cara Cara oranges are Cara Cara oranges harvested early, when sugar levels are still rising and the acidity is bright and lively. This variety originated from a rare spontaneous mutation of the Navel orange discovered in 1976 at the Hacienda Cara Cara in Venezuela. The coral-pink flesh, which gets its color from lycopene—the same antioxidant found in grapefruit and tomatoes—offers a fresh, crisp, and surprisingly aromatic taste.

Green Cara Cara oranges are harvested about a month before they are fully ripe: the sugar content has not yet peaked, the acidity is still pronounced, and the flesh remains firm. The result is a unique variety for connoisseurs—fresher and crisper than the ripe Cara Cara, which is characterized by its rounded sweetness.

Green Cara Cara Oranges offer a powerful blend of vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene—nutrients that strengthen the immune system, protect cells from oxidative stress, and promote radiant, healthy skin. In addition to their anti-inflammatory and heart-protective benefits, these oranges have a balanced nutritional profile: per 100 g, they provide approximately 52 kcal, 1 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates (including 3 g of fiber and 8 g of sugars), with a nearly negligible fat content (0.2 g). Thanks to their high soluble fiber content, they promote a feeling of fullness and support regular bowel movements, while lycopene—present in greater quantities than in blond oranges—helps combat cellular aging.

Cara Cara Verdi oranges are recognizable by their bright green skin—even when ripe—their deep pink-orange flesh, and their citrusy aroma with a sweet-tart note, typical of Navel cultivars.

Yes, thanks to their balanced sweet-tart flavor, Cara Cara Verdi oranges are perfect for jams and desserts (cakes, sorbets) as well as for salads, fish carpaccio, and citrus-based sauces.

Store Cara Cara Verdi oranges in the refrigerator, ideally at 4–6 °C in the fruit drawer, in breathable bags; this way, they’ll stay juicy and crisp for up to 10–12 days.