Citrus x sinensis Cara Cara is a navel orange, which have existed since about 1820 due to a mutation of a sweet orange in Brazil. The result was a seedless orange with a secondary fruit embedded in the blossom end of the fruit, creating the appearance of a belly button – a navel. A few years later, the USDA in Washington, D.C., acquired several of the seedlings. They easily adapted in California and became known as Riverside orange, but were renamed Washington navel orange – the parent of most navel oranges grown in the United States.

• Unplanned mutation

It took many years of hybridizing by the most prestigious horticulturists to achieve the success of Cara Cara. No, that’s not true. Cara Cara was an unplanned and unlikely child – a mutation of Washington navel or maybe a cross between Washington navel and Brazilian Bahia navel. The answer is uncertain; but, either way, it’s a keeper.

• Can be found now through May in stores

It was found at Hacienda La CaraCara in Valencia, Venezuela, in 1976, arriving in the U.S. in the late 1980s, but it was limited to specialty markets for many years. You can find it in your local grocery store now since December-May is peak season at two months shorter than most navels.

Attributes

Cara Cara, aka red fleshed navel orange or power orange, quickly gained popularity for its crisp, citrus aroma and complex unique taste, a sweet, rich orange flavor with subtle hints of cherry and berry.

Fruit is medium- size, pink or almost red flesh (but don’t mistake it for a blood orange), less acidic than other navels, juicy, seedless and highly valued by culinary experts.

This unique orange is rich in nutrients. According to Sunkist, Cara Cara has more vitamin A, C, and folate than other navels of the same size, plus the added boost of lycopene, an antioxidant with fantastic health benefits.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone is 9 and 10, which includes Victoria and most adjacent counties. Protect when temperatures drop to freezing. Publication EHT-048 (agrilifebookstore.org) will help you get your freeze protection plan in place.

Purchase tree with specific grafted rootstock relevant to soil

There is one more step before you buy your tree (you only need one since it is self-fertile).

Approach the nursery with your request for Cara Cara grafted to specific rootstock you have carefully selected based on your soil pH and disease resistance, so your tree will survive beyond a few years. Refer to Guide to Citrus Rootstock alongside this column to help you make this important decision.

Since each nursery has limited choices of rootstock, it is wise to shop around and order well in advance.

Soil type

To determine soil pH, obtain a soil testing kit from your County Extension Office to provide results, plus your soil’s mineral deficiencies which will assist in choosing fertilizer.

By taking correct steps in soil sampling, you can choose the appropriate rootstock and ensure that you will be able to provide for soil fertility needs and increase the chance of success.

Planting

Oranges prefer deep, well-drained, loamy soil. It is best to plant on the south or southeast side of the house, keeping a distance of at least 12 feet from buildings or driveways. See other planting and care guidelines included with this article.

Cara Cara is fast growing, reaching a height of 20 feet and a spread of 12 feet, with variation depending on rootstock.

Regular pruning is generally not necessary (unless size needs to be controlled) except to remove dead wood or diseased areas.

Pests and diseases

Although several pests and diseases affect citrus, Huanglongbing, aka citrus greening, is the most devastating disease and has resulted in citrus quarantines in a few counties in Texas. Citrus greening can wipe out citrus, spreading from one backyard to the next by a tiny insect, the Asian citrus psyllid. Protect the citrus community by researching the issue and taking precautions.

Feel, taste — signs to harvest

Color is a poor indicator of whether Cara Cara is ready to harvest, so try the feel and taste test. Expect the orange to feel heavy when it is ready to pick, since the mature orange is very juicy.

Once oranges are picked, they will not further ripen, so don’t be overzealous. The oranges become sweeter the longer they stay on the tree, but too long causes drying out on the stem end. Pick a few at a time for ongoing taste tests to determine harvest time.

Enjoy. This is no ordinary orange.

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