When selecting oranges, take a moment to examine the navel—the small indentation at the fruit’s base. Some oranges have a large, round navel with a deep indentation, while others only have a tiny dot.
This distinction isn’t just cosmetic; it significantly affects quality. Big navel oranges tend to have thick white membranes inside, fewer segments, and more pith, resulting in a less appealing taste. They’re often less sweet and juicier compared to their small-navel counterparts.