Cara Cara vs. Navel: How do the Fruits Compare?

Cara cara and navel oranges share a few similarities, but they are different. Here’s how they compare:

1. Shape and size: The common navel and Cara Cara oranges appear quite similar on the outside. They’re round-shaped and medium to large in size, averaging about six to ten centimeters in diameter. Both have a bright orange rind that’s smooth and glossy, yet pebbled in texture.

2. Inside the fruit: On the inside, the difference between the two is more apparent. While navel oranges offer the typical translucent yellow-orange segmented flesh, Cara Caras have distinctive red-pink flesh. This coloring comes from the natural presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that also lends its rosy hue to tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Cara Cara navel oranges also go by Pink Navels or Red Navels.

3. Taste: Navel oranges are typically sweet, aromatic, and mildly acidic, but the hybrid Cara Cara is sweeter and more complex. Regular navel oranges provide the classically refreshing juicy taste you’d expect from an orange. The flavor is a balance of sweet, tangy, and tart. Cara Cara oranges offer the rich citrus flavor of a navel orange, plus sweet-tart hints of cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, and rose.