It is the most popular orange to eat in the world. You recognize it instantly by the strange little hole at the bottom that looks exactly like a human belly button. But have you ever stopped to ask: Why is it called a navel orange? And what is actually inside that hole?
Beyond its unique shape, the Navel orange is loved for being sweet, seedless, and easy to peel. In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions about this winter classic, compare it to the Valencia orange, and break down exactly how healthy it is for you.
Table of Contents
Why Is It Called a Navel Orange? (The Cool Science)
People search for “navel of an orange” thousands of times a month because it’s weird! Here is the fascinating truth:
That “belly button” on the bottom is actually a second, undeveloped twin fruit. Yes, every Navel orange contains a tiny “baby” orange inside it at the blossom end. Because of a natural mutation that happened nearly 200 years ago in Brazil, the fruit developed a conjoined twin. This mutation also made the fruit naturally seedless.
- Fun Fact: Because they have no seeds, navel oranges cannot reproduce on their own. Every single Navel orange tree in the world is a clone, grafted from the original trees!
Navel Orange vs. Valencia Orange: Which Is Better?
This is the most important decision you make in the grocery store.
Navel Orange (The Snacker)
- Best for: Eating fresh (snacking).
- Seeds: None (seedless).
- Skin: Thick, easy to peel by hand.
- Taste: Sweet and pleasant.
- Juicing? No. If you juice a Navel orange and let it sit, it develops a bitter compound called limonin. Drink it immediately if you do juice it.
Valencia Orange (The Juicer)
- Best for: Juicing.
- Seeds: Yes (usually 1-6 seeds).
- Skin: Thin, harder to peel.
- Taste: Sweet and tart, very juicy.
- Juicing? Yes. The juice stays sweet and fresh for days.
Navel Orange Nutrition & Calories
Are they just sugar? Definitely not. Navel oranges are a nutrient-dense food.
How Many Calories in a Navel Orange?
- A medium-sized fruit contains roughly 69 to 80 calories.
- It has 0g of fat and about 3g of fiber.
Key Benefits:
- Vitamin C Powerhouse: One orange provides over 100% of your daily vitamin C, boosting your immune system and skin health.
- Heart Health: They contain potassium and fiber, which support healthy blood pressure levels.
- No Spikes: The fiber content helps regulate blood sugar absorption, making it a steady energy source.
See the full USDA nutrition breakdown here.
You Asked, We Answered—Top FAQs
Do navel oranges have seeds?
No! A true navel orange is completely seedless. If you find a seed, it is extremely rare or likely a different variety. This makes them the perfect safe snack for children.
What is a Cara Cara navel orange?
A Cara Cara is actually a type of navel orange! It has the same “belly button” and seedless nature, but the flesh inside is pinkish-red and tastes like berries. Learn more about this pink variety in our guide: What Are Cara Cara Oranges? Taste & Benefits.
When are they in season?
Navel oranges are a winter fruit. The season typically runs from November to May, with the peak sweetness occurring in January and February. Check the full calendar in our Orange Season Guide.
Final Bite of Wisdom
The Navel orange is the ultimate convenience fruit: seedless, sweet, and it comes in its own easy-to-peel package. Whether you are looking for a low-calorie snack or a vitamin C boost, you can’t go wrong with this classic.
