subject: Honeybell Oranges-Can Something This Sweet Be Healthy? [print this page] When it comes to a healthy snack alternative, nothing beats a sweet, juicy orange. Not only are oranges sweet, they have many health benefits as well. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits contain fiber which fill you up and aid in digestion. For all of their sweet, juicy goodness, oranges are completely fat-free. They have no sodium or cholesterol either. The best thing about snacking on oranges is that you can get that "sweet" fix in a healthy way.
In the United States, California and Florida lead the way as the top producers of orange crops. The state of Florida is world famous for producing many different varieties of oranges. All of the orange varieties are delicious and are loved by citrus fruit fans all over the country.
One of the most popular orange varieties is an orange called the Honeybell. This orange is a hybrid cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine. Honeybells are technically Tangelos, but taste so good nobody cares about technicalities. These oranges are hugely sought after every year at harvest time which happens around the beginning of January in Florida.
Honeybell oranges are so juicy that many retailers will include a "juice bib" with purchase. They can sometimes cost a bit more than other oranges, depending upon supply and demand, but they are definitely worth it. Anyone who loves oranges and has never tried a Honeybell is really missing out on a great tasting fruit.
If Honeybells are not available, try the rich tasting Ambersweet orange. Just the name alone tells you how good they will taste. Navel and Red Navel oranges are usually plentiful and very well known for their thick, easy-to-peel skins and "belly buttons".
Oranges are not only a great snack food all by themselves, but are super versatile in cooking recipes as well. When was the last time you tasted a home-made orange cake with real orange juice in the recipe? How about real orange marmalade without all those preservatives that come in store-bought jams?
Freshly-squeezed orange juice can be used as part of a marinade for meat dishes. Orange glazes are delicious on chicken or turkey. Some people make candied orange rinds. Oranges are much more versatile than people give them credit for. Of course, the best thing about an orange is how portable it is. They come wrapped from nature and if you get an orange with an easy-to-peel skin, you don't even need a knife to cut them open.
The next time you crave something sweet, instead of grabbing that zero-nutrition candy bar, grab for a sweet, juicy orange instead.
Honeybell Oranges-Can Something This Sweet Be Healthy?
