Cara Cara Orange Recipes: A Guide to Cooking and Baking with Sunshine

Cara Cara oranges, also known as red-fleshed navel oranges, are a delightful citrus fruit celebrated for their sweet, slightly tangy flavor and vibrant pinkish-red flesh. A natural mutation of the Washington navel orange, they were first discovered in Venezuela in 1976 and have since gained popularity worldwide for their unique taste profile and nutritional benefits. Beyond their deliciousness, Cara Cara oranges are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin C and vitamin A, and antioxidants. This article will delve into the world of Cara Cara oranges, exploring their characteristics, health benefits, and a variety of delectable recipes that showcase their versatility.

What are Cara Cara Oranges?

Before diving into recipes, let’s understand what makes Cara Cara oranges so special. They are a type of navel orange, meaning they feature a small, undeveloped ‘navel’ at one end. However, the most distinguishing feature is their flesh color, which ranges from a rosy pink to a deep reddish-orange. This vibrant hue comes from the presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant also found in tomatoes.

Key Characteristics:

* Flavor: Sweeter and less acidic than regular navel oranges, with subtle hints of berries and cranberries.
* Appearance: Similar in size and shape to navel oranges, with a smooth, bright orange peel.
* Flesh: Distinctive pinkish-red to reddish-orange color.
* Seedless: Generally seedless, making them ideal for juicing and eating fresh.
* Season: Typically available from December to April.

Health Benefits of Cara Cara Oranges

Cara Cara oranges offer a range of health benefits due to their rich nutritional content:

* Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system, protects against cell damage, and aids in collagen production for healthy skin.
* Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
* Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
* Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
* Potassium: An essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.

Tips for Selecting and Storing Cara Cara Oranges

Choosing the best Cara Cara oranges and storing them properly will ensure you get the most out of their flavor and freshness.

Selecting Cara Cara Oranges:

* Look for Firmness: Choose oranges that feel firm and heavy for their size.
* Check the Skin: The skin should be smooth, bright, and free from blemishes or soft spots.
* Consider the Aroma: A fragrant orange indicates ripeness and flavor.

Storing Cara Cara Oranges:

* Room Temperature: Store oranges at room temperature for up to a week. They will be juicier at room temperature.
* Refrigeration: For longer storage (up to two weeks), store oranges in the refrigerator. This will help prevent them from drying out.

Cara Cara Orange Recipes: A Culinary Adventure

Now, let’s explore the exciting world of Cara Cara orange recipes. These recipes showcase the versatility of this citrus fruit, from refreshing beverages to decadent desserts.

1. Cara Cara Orange and Avocado Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of Cara Cara oranges with the creamy texture of avocado and the zing of a honey-lime dressing. It’s a perfect light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients:

* 2 Cara Cara oranges, peeled and segmented
* 2 ripe avocados, diced
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the Cara Cara orange segments, diced avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and olive oil.
3. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill for later.

2. Cara Cara Orange Juice with Ginger and Turmeric

This refreshing and immune-boosting juice combines the sweetness of Cara Cara oranges with the spicy warmth of ginger and the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.

Ingredients:

* 4 Cara Cara oranges, peeled
* 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 1/4 cup water (optional, for thinning)

Instructions:

1. Cut the Cara Cara oranges into segments.
2. Place the orange segments, ginger, and turmeric powder in a blender or juicer.
3. Blend or juice until smooth.
4. If desired, add water to thin the juice to your desired consistency.
5. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
6. Serve chilled.

3. Cara Cara Orange Marmalade

Homemade marmalade is a delightful treat, and using Cara Cara oranges adds a unique sweetness and color. This recipe requires some patience, but the results are well worth the effort.

Ingredients:

* 4 Cara Cara oranges
* 4 cups water
* 4 cups granulated sugar
* 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

1. Wash the Cara Cara oranges thoroughly. Quarter them and remove any seeds.
2. Thinly slice the oranges, including the peel. Place the sliced oranges and water in a large pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peel is very soft and the mixture has reduced slightly.
4. Add the sugar and lemon juice to the pot. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
5. Bring the mixture back to a boil and cook until it reaches the setting point (220°F or 104°C on a candy thermometer). To test for setting point without a thermometer, place a small spoonful of marmalade on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
6. Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
7. Let the marmalade cool slightly before transferring it to sterilized jars.
8. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.

4. Cara Cara Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the bright citrus flavor of Cara Cara oranges. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the orange perfectly.

Ingredients (Cake):

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup Cara Cara orange juice
* Zest of 2 Cara Cara oranges

Ingredients (Frosting):

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 tablespoons Cara Cara orange juice

Instructions (Cake):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, Cara Cara orange juice, and orange zest.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Instructions (Frosting):

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and Cara Cara orange juice.
4. Frost the cooled cake with the cream cheese frosting.

5. Cara Cara Orange and Rosemary Roasted Chicken

This savory dish combines the bright citrus flavor of Cara Cara oranges with the earthy aroma of rosemary. The result is a flavorful and aromatic roasted chicken that is perfect for a special occasion.

Ingredients:

* 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
* 2 Cara Cara oranges, one quartered and one juiced
* 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered Cara Cara orange, rosemary sprigs, and minced garlic.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
6. Pour the Cara Cara orange juice over the chicken.
7. Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

6. Cara Cara Orange Vinaigrette

This simple vinaigrette is a delicious way to add a burst of citrus flavor to your salads. It’s easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup Cara Cara orange juice
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon honey
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Cara Cara orange juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over your favorite salad.

7. Cara Cara Orange Sorbet

This refreshing sorbet is a light and flavorful dessert that is perfect for a hot day. It’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

* 4 cups Cara Cara orange juice
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Stir in the Cara Cara orange juice.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

8. Cara Cara Orange and Cranberry Sauce

This vibrant cranberry sauce gets a flavorful upgrade with the addition of Cara Cara oranges. The sweetness of the oranges balances the tartness of the cranberries, creating a delicious and festive condiment.

Ingredients:

* 12 ounces fresh cranberries
* 1 cup Cara Cara orange juice
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* Zest of 1 Cara Cara orange
* 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, Cara Cara orange juice, sugar, orange zest, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
3. Let the sauce cool completely before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.

9. Cara Cara Orange Glazed Salmon

A simple glaze of Cara Cara orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger transforms ordinary salmon into a flavorful and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

* 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
* 1/4 cup Cara Cara orange juice
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Cara Cara orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
3. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
5. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
6. Flip the salmon fillets and pour the orange glaze over them.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve immediately.

10. Cara Cara Orange Infused Olive Oil

Infusing olive oil with Cara Cara orange zest is a simple way to add a subtle citrus flavor to your dishes. This infused oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
* Zest of 2 Cara Cara oranges

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the Cara Cara oranges thoroughly.
2. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the oranges, being careful to avoid the white pith.
3. Place the orange zest in a clean glass jar.
4. Pour the olive oil over the zest, making sure the zest is completely submerged.
5. Seal the jar tightly and let it infuse for at least 1 week, or up to 2 weeks, in a cool, dark place.
6. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the zest.
7. Store the infused oil in a clean glass jar in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Cara Cara oranges are a versatile and delicious citrus fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Their unique flavor and vibrant color make them a welcome addition to any kitchen. From refreshing beverages and salads to decadent desserts and savory entrees, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you’re looking for a way to add a touch of sunshine to your cooking, reach for a Cara Cara orange and let your culinary creativity soar!