Peel the difference: A guide to the top 10 orange varieties you’ll find in the Indian market

Oranges aren't just oranges. In India, they’re a whole spectrum of sunshine—sweet, tangy, juicy, zesty, and sometimes a little stubborn to peel. Each type has its own personality, best season, and foodie calling. So if you’ve ever stood in front of a fruit cart wondering, “Which orange do I want in my juice, and which one belongs in my salad?” — here’s your juicy cheat sheet.

1. Nagpur orange (Santra)
The one with the passport to fame

• Region: Maharashtra (especially Nagpur)
• Season: Late November to February
• Spot it: Slightly loose skin, medium to small size, sweet-sour flavour, often with a greenish tinge
• Best for: Eating fresh, making marmalade
• Health boost: High in vitamin C, fibre-rich, good for digestion
• Kitchen tip: Peel and eat as-is, or add segments to salads.

2. Kinnow
The juicy overachiever

• Region: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
• Season: December to March
• Spot it: Bright orange, glossy skin, juicy with few seeds
• Best for: Juicing
• Health boost: Great for hydration and immunity
• Kitchen tip: Juice it cold for your morning fix.

3. Coorg orange (Kodagu orange)
The southern sweetheart

• Region: Karnataka (Coorg region)
• Season: October to December
• Spot it: Small, rough skin, strong aroma, tangy taste
• Best for: Pickles, preserves, zest for baking
• Health boost: High in antioxidants, supports immunity
• Kitchen tip: Use the zest in cakes or make a traditional Coorg orange pickle.

4. Darjeeling orange
The hill station hipster

• Region: West Bengal (Darjeeling hills)
• Season: December to January
• Spot it: Small, firm, tart-sweet flavour
• Best for: Eating fresh, local sweets
• Health boost: Great for skin and digestion
• Kitchen tip: Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate in desserts.

5. Blood orange
The dramatic diva

• Region: Limited local farms or imported
• Season: January to March
• Spot it: Slight red blush on skin, deep ruby flesh, berry-like taste
• Best for: Salads, cocktails, fancy desserts
• Health boost: Rich in antioxidants, supports heart health
• Kitchen tip: Use in citrus tarts or simply slice and serve for colour contrast.

6. Mandarins / Mini oranges
The easy-peel charmers

• Region: North East India, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and imported
• Season: December to February
• Spot it: Small, loose skin, highly aromatic, sweet and juicy
• Best for: Snacking, fruit bowls, kid-friendly tiffins
• Health boost: Loaded with vitamin C, helps in quick energy boost
• Kitchen tip: Pop into fruit salads or candy the peel for desserts.
• Note: “Mini oranges” often refer to mandarins or clementines, and while they’re similar, subtle differences exist in sweetness, seed content, and origin.

7. Clementines
The seedless sweethearts

• Region: Mostly imported, a few Indian farms
• Season: November to February
• Spot it: Small, smooth skin, very sweet, almost always seedless
• Best for: Snacking, travel packs, kids’ lunchboxes
• Health boost: High in antioxidants, gentle on digestion
• Kitchen tip: Segment and mix with dark chocolate or yoghurt.

8. Tangerines
The zesty cousin with a twist

• Region: Varies (some local hybrids in Assam, Northeast, or imported)
• Season: November to February
• Spot it: Bright orange skin, tangy-sweet flavour, slightly more textured skin than clementines
• Best for: Juices, zest, cocktails
• Health boost: Packed with flavonoids, great for immunity
• Kitchen tip: Use the zest in salad dressings or drinks.

9. Madhura naranga / Mosambi (sweet lime)
The mellow low-acid pick

• Region: South India, especially Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
• Season: August to January
• Spot it: Pale yellow-green skin, large size, very mild and sweet
• Best for: Juices, fasting foods, low-acid diets
• Health boost: Gentle on the stomach, aids digestion
• Kitchen tip: Fresh-pressed juice with a pinch of salt is unbeatable.

10. Valencia orange
The juice bar king

• Region: Often imported; grown in small quantities in southern India
• Season: March to June
• Spot it: Medium-large, tight skin, lots of juice
• Best for: Juicing
• Health boost: Excellent source of vitamin C and potassium
• Kitchen tip: Best served cold and fresh, no sugar needed.