Pamplamoose by lindsay.crandall || via iguanid
The Cara Cara orange is often described as a cross between an orange and a grapefruit because of its unique flavor profile, but it is actually a naturally occurring mutation. Origin and Characteristics of Cara Cara: [a] Parentage: Cara Cara navel oranges are a mutation of the Washington Navel orange, believed to be a cross between the Brazilian Bahia and Washington navel oranges, discovered in Venezuela in 1976. [b] Appearance: They look like regular navel oranges on the outside but have a deep, reddish-pink flesh. [c] Flavor Profile: They are very sweet, low-acid, are often described as having hints of cranberry/rose/blackberry, which contributes to the "grapefruit-like" hybrid perception. [d] Distinction: Unlike actual grapefruit-orange hybrids (like the Orangelo), Cara Cara oranges are not naturally bitter or tart.
Similar Hybrid Fruits: If you are looking for a true cross between a grapefruit and another citrus, similar, to the "orange + grapefruit" idea, these exist... [a] Chironja (Orangelo): A naturally occurring, Puerto Rican hybrid between a grapefruit and an orange. It is pear-shaped, easy to peel, and sweet. [b] Cocktail Grapefruit: A cross between a pomelo/mandarin, which is quite sweet. [c] Tangelo: A hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit. Cara Cara oranges are generally available in the winter to early spring months.