Buy what fruitsWhat's in season at Singapore fruit stalls, and which country to look for.

Oranges

橙 · 柑 · oren · limau

Oranges in October (this month)

Look for Australia, South Africa

These origins are in fresh-crop season. Japan, Chile, South Korea are stored fruit.

ChinaJapanUSA (Navel)USA (Valencia)SpainItalyAustraliaSouth AfricaEgyptChileSouth Korea
Fresh cropStored / lateNot shipping
Fresh crop now (2)
AU
AustraliaRiverland, Murray Valley
Fresh crop
Navel, Cara Cara, Valencia, Imperial mandarins
New crop, harvest 3 months in
Navels Jun–Oct fill the Northern gap. Valencias follow into summer, and Imperial mandarins run Apr–Jul.
ZA
South AfricaEastern & Western Cape
Fresh crop
Navel, Valencia, Midknight, Nadorcott mandarins
New crop, harvest 4 months in
Navels Jun–Aug, then Valencias into October. A big mid-year supplier to Singapore.
Stored or late season (3)
JP
JapanEhime, Wakayama
Stored
Mikan (Satsuma), Dekopon
Early season, limited supply
Mikan Oct–Jan, then Dekopon (Sumo-style) Feb–Apr.
CL
ChileCoquimbo, Valparaíso
Stored
Navel, W. Murcott mandarins
About 4 months since harvest
Jun–Sep. Chilean Murcott mandarins are seedless and very sweet.
KR
South KoreaJeju Island
Stored
Jeju mandarins (greenhouse and open-field), Hallabong
About 5 months since harvest
Greenhouse mandarins May–Sep, open-field mandarins Nov–Feb and Hallabong in late winter. Premium and air-flown.
Skip this month (6)
CN
ChinaGannan, Guangxi
Off season
Navel oranges, Ponkan & honey mandarins
Not shipping now
Navels from November. Mandarin volume peaks for Chinese New Year.
US·N
USA (Navel)California
Off season
Navel, Cara Cara
Not shipping now
Navel season Nov–May, best Jan–Mar. Cara Cara (pink flesh) Dec–Apr.
US·V
USA (Valencia)California
Off season
Valencia (juicing)
Not shipping now
Summer orange. Good for juice, can regreen on the skin, which is harmless.
ES
SpainValencia region
Off season
Navelina, Navel Lane Late, Clementines
Not shipping now
Clementines from October, navels Nov–May.
IT
ItalySicily
Off season
Tarocco & Moro blood oranges
Not shipping now
Blood oranges are best Jan–Mar when nights are cold enough for the red colour.
EG
EgyptNile Delta
Off season
Valencia, Navel
Not shipping now
Navels from December, then Valencias Feb–May. Usually the cheapest oranges on the shelf.

How to pick at the shelf

  • WeightHeavy for its size means juicy.
  • FeelFirm with a little give. Skip soft or spongy ones.
  • SkinFine-textured. Green patches are harmless.
  • SmellFragrant at the stem end.

At home

KeepCounter or fridge
Lasts1 week out, 2–3 weeks chilled

Store loose rather than in a sealed bag. Mandarins dry out faster than oranges.

Brand or variety on the label

Sunkist / VitorNavelClemenGoldMurcott / NadorcottSumoValenciaCara CaraBlood orangeMikan / SatsumaPonkan & honey mandarinClementineImperial
Buying tips (3)
  • Northern oranges are best roughly Nov–Mar. Australian navels take over Jun–Oct.
  • Australia is close to Singapore and a major orange supplier here, so mid-year it's usually the best pick. US Valencia is the alternative.
  • Heavy for its size = juicy. A little green on the skin doesn't mean unripe.

Common questions

When is oranges season in Singapore?
China: Dec–Feb; Japan: Nov–Mar; USA (Navel): Jan–Mar; USA (Valencia): May–Jul; Spain: Dec–Mar; Italy: Jan–Mar; Australia: Jul–Oct; South Africa: Jun–Oct; Egypt: Dec–May; Chile: Jun–Sep; South Korea: May–Sep, Nov–Mar. Fresh-crop months by origin.
Which country's oranges is best in October?
Look for Australia, South Africa.
How do I pick a ripe oranges?
Weight: Heavy for its size means juicy. Feel: Firm with a little give. Skip soft or spongy ones. Skin: Fine-textured. Green patches are harmless. Smell: Fragrant at the stem end.
How should I store oranges?
Counter or fridge. Lasts 1 week out, 2–3 weeks chilled. Store loose rather than in a sealed bag. Mandarins dry out faster than oranges.

More from these origins