What Are Cara Cara Oranges? | Dracula Citrus

Cara Mia! The Fascinating, Pink World of Cara Cara Oranges

 

 

Not that we think Gomez Addams would ever be unfaithful to his beloved Morticia, but if there was ever a rival for his affections, it would have to be the ghoulishly glamorous Cara; the bewitching face of Dracula Citrus’ Pink Cara Cara Oranges.

From the outside, they may look like regular oranges to the casual, unsuspecting victim fruit connoisseur. However, one perfectly aimed swipe with Gomez’s sword and all your legacy assumptions about oranges come crashing down.

With their stunning pink flesh and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, firm and juicy, making them ideal for eating or juicing, Cara Cara Oranges have catapulted to citrus superstardom in recent years.

Where did they come from? How did they develop that signature rosy hue, and how do they stack up against other citrus varieties in the nutrition stakes? All these questions and more shall be resolved as we take a deep, Dracula-style dive into the surprisingly fascinating and dreadfully delicious world of Cara Cara Oranges.

 

So, What Exactly Are Cara Cara Oranges?

Essentially, Cara Caras are a naturally occurring mutant offshoot of the Navel clan. No surprises here; you can see right off the bat why they were welcomed so enthusiastically into the weird and wonderful Dracula Citrus family.

You had us at “mutant”, Cara Cara!

Navel oranges themselves are also a naturally occurring mutant strain. That knobbly bit at the bottom of navels? It’s actually a second, mini-navel developing inside the host, forever doomed to be discarded with the peel. Cara Caras have inherited the same gnarly looking succubus lurking in their base and a similar meaty texture to Navels, but are easily distinguished by their gorgeous pink, seedless flesh.

Where Do Cara Cara Oranges Come From?

Nestled in the hills of Carabobo State in Venezuela sits the magnificent farm and homestead of Hacienda Cara Cara.

On what seemed like a regular day in 1976, a farmer was strolling through the Washington Navel orchard when they noticed one branch bearing budding fruit that looked eerily odd. Interest piqued, further examination revealed that this was a spontaneous mutation that gave the embryonic fruit a distinct pinkish tinge.

As a bonus, delicious irony, the nearest major city to the rolling Navel groves of Hacienda Cara Cara is called…Valencia. No joke.

So… Are Cara Cara Oranges Genetically Modified?

A resounding “No” to this one.

It was Mother Nature who did all the heavy lifting in this case. No mysterious underground labs and no mad citrus scientist using 6 drops of Essence of Terror and 5 Drops of Sinister Sauce involved at any point in the process.

It was only once the change was discovered that the mad citrus scientists were called in, and their analysis identified the specific naturally occurring genetic mutation, which was then brought to the world’s attention.

Thus, we were introduced to a beautiful, completely GMO-free, scrumptious new variety of orange, and the formerly sleepy environs of Hacienda Cara Cara were thrust very much into the global horticultural limelight.

What Gives Cara Cara Oranges Their Pink Colour?

An excellent question. Glad you asked.

You may be lured into thinking that Cara Cara’s deep pinkish tinge makes them simply “Blood Light”. However, the signature colouring comes from a completely different source to that of Dracula Citrus’ flagship fruit. Whereas our beloved Blood Oranges get their complexion from powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, Cara Caras get a spectacular sunset hue from a far more familiar source: Lycopene. If that rings a bell, it’s because it’s the same carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes and carrots. That’s right, your yummy Cara Cara would feel as genetically at home in a salad as it does in your fruit bowl.

So, how did Lycopene weasel its way into an orange? Well, the citrus family tree is particularly gnarly and filled with diabolical twists and turns. However, within the tangled web of branches sits pink grapefruit, which gets its colour from the same pigment. Navels are not directly descended from Grapefruits, but they share a common ancestor in the venerable Pomelo, so the dormant gene is clearly doing a leisurely backstroke somewhere in the pool.

Are Cara Cara Oranges Good For You?

No prizes for guessing that the answer to this one is an emphatic and resounding YES! They are an orange, after all, and everyone knows that oranges are crammed with vitamins, minerals and fibre that can help keep us healthy and regular. Our fiery friends are no exception. A Cara Cara a day will certainly keep the vampires away.

That’s great news for dedicated Cara Caraites and a burgeoning new fan base. However, how do they stack up against other varieties?

Cara Cara Oranges Vs Navels – Battle of the Generations

As we’ve established, Cara Caras are an offshoot of Navels, so it makes sense that their nutritional profile is relatively similar. Having said that, the younger generation outdoes its progenitor in a couple of different ways. Compared with Navels, Cara Caras typically contain:

• 20% more Vitamin C
• 30% more Vitamin A
• Powerful antioxidants in the form of our old friend Lycopene, which is absent in Navels

We guess you could say that the relationship is kind of like the Stiller family: Jerry was a comedic icon, but Ben Stiller took it to a whole new level.

Cara Cara Oranges Vs Blood Orange

It’s pretty hard to outdo Blood Oranges in the health stakes. We’ve previously devoted plenty of pixels to discussing the incredible health benefits of Blood Oranges. However, it turns out this fight is a bit more of a blockbuster. How do they compare head-to-head?

• Vitamin C – Both are higher than regular navels, but Cara Caras have a slight edge over Bloods. Round 1 to Young Pinkie!
• Vitamin A – Blood Oranges square the ledger! Again, both are superior to Navels, but Bloods contain more than double the Vitamin A of Cara Caras.
• Antioxidants – Anthocyanins and Lycopene are both powerful compounds, but Anthocyanins are the undisputed champions in the Antioxidant battle.

Let’s be clear: both varieties are frighteningly good for you, so you can’t go wrong either way. However, in this heavyweight championship of nutrition, Bloods arguably have a slight edge.

When Are Cara Cara Oranges In Season In Australia?

If you’re reading this at the time of publication, it’s right now, so stop what you’re doing, run down to the nearest stockist and grab yourself a bag of spectacularly delicious Dracula Cara Caras!

If you’re late to the party, all may not be lost!

For our Australian fan base, you can get your hands on Dracula Citrus Cara Caras from June through to November. For everyone in the Northern Hemisphere (America, Canada, Puerto Rico) you’ll find Dracula Citrus Cara Caras in store from August through to November.

Hopefully there’s still time for you to sink your fangs into these superb fruity treats. If you’ve missed the boat, we promise you, they’ll be worth the wait!

Got Any Good Cara Cara Orange Recipes?

As a matter of fact, we do!

Cara Cara adds a delectably sweet/tart, citrusy flavour and an aesthetic pink tinge to salads, smoothies, cocktails/mocktails, or as a gastronomic counterpoint to savoury mains such as an exotic citrus-infused Moroccan tagine.

However, dessert is truly their time to shine. We are particularly partial to this absolutely drop-dropping Cara Cara Orange Layer Cake, which includes a dreamy Cara Cara Orange Curd that can moonlight in countless other tangy dessert recipes.

If you love citrus, are a dyed-in-the-wool or soon-to-become devoted fan of Cara Cara and also fancy your mad kitchen skills in the kitchen, then these ideas and more recipe inspo can help you channel your citrus creativity.

The Final Word – Pink is the New Orange

If this hasn’t whetted your appetite for a Cara Cara orange, then it’s probable that you’ve joined the undead minions of Dracula’s vampire kin.

For the rest of us with a pulse, an express trip on the Cara Cara bandwagon directly to Taste Town is arguably one of the best things you can do for your mouth, not to mention the rest of your body. Bursting with amazing flavour, brimming with healthy nutrients and boasting one of the most visually appealing shades that Mother Nature has ever imagined, it’s close to the perfect package.

From humble origins in the hills of Venezuela to a Dracula Citris stockist near you, Cara Cara oranges are everything you could ask for in a piece of fruit – and more. If you’re craving one right now, here’s where you can wrap your claws around them:

In Australia: Costco

In the USA: Publix, Raleys, Albertsons, H Mart, T&T Supermarket, Gelson’s, Wholefoods, Hy-Vee, New Seasons

In Canada: T&T Supermarket

In Puerto Rico: Walmart

 

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FAQ

What are Cara Cara Oranges?

A: Cara Caras are an offshoot of Navel Oranges that have a unique pink colour, firm texture and a prized blend of sweetness and tart flavours.

Where do Cara Cara Oranges Come From?

A: Cara Caras were first identified at Hacienda Cara Cara, a citrus orchard in Carabobo State, Venezuela.

Are Cara Caras Genetically Modified/GMO?

A: No. Cara Caras are not genetically modified by humans. The Pink colour emerged due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation on a single branch of a Washington Navel tree at Hacienda Cara Cara in Venezuela. All Cara Cara stock descends from that single branch.

Where are Cara Cara Oranges grown?

A: In Australia, Cara Cara Oranges are grown primarily in the Riverina, Riverland & Sunraysia regions.

Are Cara Cara Oranges Sweet?

A: Yes, they are sweet. However, they are slightly more tangy than regular navels.

Are Cara Cara Oranges Good For You?

A: Absolutely. Cara Cara Oranges are exceptionally healthy. They contain 20% more Vitamin C and 30% more Vitamin A than regular navels and an equivalent amount of dietary fibre. Additionally, Cara Caras are high in antioxidants.

Why are Cara Cara Oranges pink?

A: The pink colour of Cara Cara Oranges comes from Lycopene, which is a natural, powerful antioxidant. Lycopene is the same substance that gives tomatoes and red grapefruits their colour.

When are Cara Cara Oranges in season in Australia?

A: In Australia, Cara Cara season is from June to October.

When are Dracula Citrus Cara Cara Oranges available in the USA, Canada & Puerto Rico?

A: In the USA, Dracula Cara Cara Oranges are available at select stores from August to November.

Where can I buy Dracula Citrus Cara Cara Oranges in Australia?

A: Dracula Citrus Pink Cara Caras are available at Costco from August to November.

Where can I buy Dracula Citrus Cara Cara Oranges in the USA?

A: Dracula Citrus Cara Caras are sold in the USA at Albertsons, H Mart, T&T Supermarket, Gelson’s, Wholefoods, Publix, News Seasons, Raleys and Hy-Vee. Check your local stores for availability.

Where can I buy Dracula Citrus Cara Cara Oranges in Canada?

A: Dracula Citrus Cara Caras are sold in the Canada at T&T Supermarket. Check your local store for availability.

Where can I buy Dracula Citrus Cara Cara Oranges in Puerto Rico?

A: Dracula Citrus Cara Caras are sold in the Puerto Rico at Walmart. Check your local store for availability.

Are Cara Cara Oranges Seedless?

A: Yes, Cara Cara Oranges are typically seedless. However, like other “seedless” fruit, some Cara Caras may contain a small number of seeds.

Are Cara Cara Oranges a type of Blood Orange?

A: No. They are not directly related. The red pigment in Cara Cara Oranges comes from lycopene, whereas Blood Oranges get their colour from a class of antioxidants called Anthocyanins.

What are the best Cara Cara Oranges?

A: Dracula Citrus Pink Cara Cara, of course! We’re not biased AT ALL!

We asked AI to generate a citrus recipe and this is what happened…

Being in the food business, you tend to enjoy cooking food, eating food, trying new flavours, and seeking advice from like-minded folk who know their way around a kitchen, or our case, orchard too. Since it went mainstream, Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has helped many of us mere mortals with random questions. In fact, when I typed these three words, ‘how do I…’ into ChatGPT I was prompted with what I must assume were the top requested questions:

• How do I bake a cake from scratch?

• How do I improve my public speaking skills?

• How do I keep my plants alive?

Un-aliving plants seems to be something I’m really really good at, so the third point did make me think, ‘is this chat bias to my history’? Possibly? But I have definitely baked a few cakes in my time, so possibly not. It got me thinking…

There must be a HEAP of people out there using AI to help them cook.

It’s a fairly reasonable notion. I mean, we all have to eat, and it can get mighty cumbersome thinking of what to make with the sad leftovers in the fridge the day before shopping day.

Baking, cooking, flavour preference and the like are all innately human experiences that require, at a bare minimum, the sense of taste. Given the breadth of recipes and data already uploaded to the internet about cooking, flavours and produce, I’m guessing that AI will have a fairly good handle on what flavours work with each other. My aim was to write a brief for a recipe.

The first question that came to mind was to ask ChatGPT to “write a recipe that is practical, kid friendly, uses citrus, quick to cook and easy to make”. But this was too broad, and I needed to nut out some specifics, like what citrus are we using? What kind of cooking (i.e. baking, frying, boiling)? Is this sweet or savoury? What is the time limit for prep and cooking?

I decided to define some parameters:

Must feed a family of 5

Must be kid friendly – no hot spices or wine added, etc

Must be able to cook in under an hour

Must be healthy

Must be savoury

Must use fresh blood oranges

The first result was Blood Orange and Honey Chicken with Veggie Rice. For me, it was a little ‘Meh’. Not a lot of creativity happening here. Kids and veggie rice? Too obvious… so I asked for another recipe.

The second recipe was Blood Orange And Herb Salmon With Roast Potatoes and Greens. Not too bad flavour-wise but I’m sick of salmon. We eat it at least twice a week, so I asked for another recipe without the salmon.

I received Blood Orange And Herb Chicken Meatballs With Couscous.

Nope. Chicken meatballs? I’m not a psychopath.

I promptly told this to ChatGPT, who obediently amended the recipe to Blood Orange Honey And Pork Meatballs With Veggie Noodles. Pork meatballs with honey and blood orange glaze? Yes! But the noodle part seemed a little like something you’d serve at a daycare centre.

“Ah Ha” I thought. That was my problem. I didn’t assign ages for the children. I updated my prompt for children aged 6, 12 and 14, and it came back with Sticky Blood Orange Pork Meatball Subs. My kids would eat this, but it lost the healthy part. To which I prompted “keep it healthy. Too much bread”

The result back? Blood Orange Pork Meatballs with Rainbow Rice Bowls. We’re back to veggie rice, aka ‘Rainbow Rice’ aka ‘Boring AF Rice’.

My patience with AI was waning. I was not sure what I was doing wrong. Here was my response:

To which AI responded with Blood Orange and Ginger Pork Lettuce Cups. Not creative, but a good idea for kids. The glaze is not actually a glaze. I’m thinking it would be the sauce to go with the mince – like san choy bao – but missing a few essential ingredients like sesame oil, salt, cornflour, or maybe some Chinese five spice at a minimum? I also got AI to generate an image of what this would look like. Can’t say I’m eating with my eyes right now.

Scrap this. It’s out. “Back to the drawing board”, I thought.

I asked ChatGPT to write another recipe for me.

I prompted the conversation by reiterating what I wanted ChatGPT to do.

It came up with Blood orange and honey roasted chicken legs. All cooked in one dish. Cooking time of 45 minutes, seemingly delicious and oddly familiar. Hmmm…. So I asked ChatGPT one last question:

“Find a recipe on the internet that is similar to this one.”

A recipe from ‘Not Quite Nigella’ came up that was almost identical. Can’t say the recipe images were, but hey, maybe AI can only create a proper image of what it has tasted.

My advice is: stick with human-written recipes that have been tried, tested and tasted. Chances are you’re getting a watered-down version with AI anyway.

Want to read the full conversation I had with ChatGPT?

Download a copy by clicking this link

 

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Additional bits…

I decided to try out the recipe for myself. Here’s where I ended up.

I found the AI recipe a little bland so I added some Dijon mustard (1 tbs) and some fresh ginger (1 tbs) to the marinade to this step after I tasted it.

I also cooked the veggies separately as blood orange juice would have turned everything red and my kids probably wouldn’t have eaten them.

It’s also worth retaining the juices from the pan and thickening it up with some cornflour. Makes a delicious dipping sauce for those who want a gravy for their roast veggies. As I cooked the chicken in a seperate dish, I was able to work on the sauce while it was cooking off with the rest of the veggies.

Healthy Halloween Treats With Dracula Citrus

It’s our favourite time of the year at Dracula Citrus – Halloween! We spend all year hiding out waiting to celebrate the peak of our citrus distribution! Dracula Citrus Blood Oranges, Navel Oranges, Pink Cara Cara Oranges, Mega Mandys, Baby Mandarins and Tangelos are all out for devouring! There’s no hiding that we like to celebrate citrus at Halloween! Try our spooktacular Healthy Halloween Treats – they’re a cute and delicious way to enjoy some fun with food this Halloween season.

Don’t worry about Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins! Bring on Dracula Citrus! Oranges and mandarins dress like pumpkins but make for healthy and sweet treats! When prepping for your Halloween celebrations, don’t go past our spooktacular mandarin “pumpkin” treats or mandarin “pumpkin” chocolate mouse.

 

Mandarin “pumpkin” treats

Mandarin “pumpkin” treats will be a favourite Halloween snack for kids and adults! They’re perfect to pack in lunchboxes and to serve at parties. With only two ingredients, this is a quick and easy food option. They’re the ideal alternative to candy and lollies!

Ingredients

• Mandrins
• Cucumber/ celery

Steps:

1. Peel your mandarins.
2. Thinly slice a cucumber or a celery stalk. Lay the slice down and cut small stalks, cutting slices for as many “pumpkins” as you’re making.
3. Push one stalk down into the top of each mandarin and that’s it!

** Optional – melt a little dark chocolate and use a chopstick or similar to dab chocolate eyes on to your mandarins.

There you have it! A wickedly simple and healthy Halloween citrus treat!

 

Web-a-licous Chocolate Orange Mousse

Get into the Halloween spirit with our webby chocolate orange mousse. This delicious recipe is easy to make and a crowd favourite – from Baby Dracula to Vladimir himself! It brings together the magical flavours of chocolate and orange – a tried and true match made in heaven.

Ingredients :

• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• Zest and juice of 2 medium sized Dracula Citrus™ navel oranges
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, separated
• 450ml thickened cream
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 6 lowball glasses
• 50 grams of melted white chocolate
• Ziplock plastic bag
• Foil
• Mint leaves

** Optional – if you have the time and want to get a little more festive, you can ‘carve’ oranges like pumpkins. Cut a top off 4 – oranges and empty the flesh. Use these as a replacement for your glasses. You can also leave some of the orange flesh to accompany the mousse filling!

Steps:

1. Place the dark chocolate, 3 quarters of the zest, orange juice and vanilla in a medium heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bowl to touch water). Stir for 3 mins or until mixture is smooth. Remove bowl from heat. Set aside for 20 mins to cool. Stir in egg yolks. Your chocolate mixture will look like it has a lot of liquid but rest-assured, it will all come together.
2. Reserve the remaining zest.
3. Use an electric mixer to beat cream in a bowl until soft peaks form. Fold the cream into chocolate mixture.
4. Beat egg whites and sugar in a bowl until thick and glossy. Gently fold into your chocolate mixture. Be careful not to stir the mixture as this can reduce amount of air in your mousse making it dense.
5. Carefully spoon your mixture evenly into each glass. Chill for 2 hours or until set.
6. Place your white chocolate into a heatproof bowl and heat in the microwave in 30 second bursts. Stir between each burst and stop when your chocolate is runny and smooth. Transfer it into your ziplock back and remove as much air in the bag as possible.
7. Cut a tiny hole in the corner of your ziplock back and pipe cobweb designs onto your foil.
8. Leave until hardened and peel each web off the foil.
9. Decorate by sprinkling each set glass of mousse with the reserved orange zest, one white chocolate web and a mint leaf.
10. Enjoy!

It’s a terrifyingly mouth-watering Halloween citrus dessert!

 

At Dracula Citrus™ we take the best citrus from the top-growing regions around Australia and bring them together under one roof. That’s how we get the best variety and quality citrus with the sweetest flavour and share it with the world! Look out for Dracula Citrus™ in your local supermarket this Halloween.