It is harvest season, farmers are out, and Taste Australia is bringing the highest quality Navel Oranges back from Australia’s south east regions to the Philippines.
Only sourced from the highest quality crops, Australian oranges are at their prime from now until October and Taste Australia encourages consumers to make the most of the peak season and indulge in this colourful, sweet, juicy and nutritious fruit.
Welcoming the citrus season to Manila, Hort Innovation’s Taste Australia campaign aims to cement existing trade relations and develop new partnerships between the two countries.
Head of Trade of Hort Innovation Australia, Ms. Dianne Phan, says she is thrilled to witness more and more Filipinos buying Australian fruits for their loved ones.
“The Philippines is one of Australia’s top ten export markets for Navel oranges, with over 5,000 tonnes exported every year. This is the second year of the Taste Australia campaign running in the Philippines, we are really pleased to share our Navel oranges with Filipino consumers”.
David Daniels, Market Access Manager at Citrus Australia, says "Australian oranges are lovingly and carefully grown and we are proud to share Australia's best produce with Filipinos. We encourage consumers to taste this vibrant fruit at major supermarket chains across Manila. Oranges aren't just for snacking: their versatility means they can be added to your savory and sweet recipes."
Famously known for their health benefits and soaring Vitamin C content, oranges contain natural flu-fighting properties, which may help in fending off nasty colds. Oranges are high in energy dense properties and are also known to assist in weight control, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and a healthy heart.
Oranges are the perfect addition for children’s lunchboxes or a quick easy snack for on the run, and are packed with antioxidants, fibre, folate and potassium. An incredibly versatile fruit, Australian oranges make for a popular decorative addition to household fruit bowls and will brighten up the table. Oranges can also be utilised in a number of unique recipes such as marmalades, or for entertaining purposes as a colourful addition to cocktails.
Taste Australia allows consumers to take advantage of these much loved seasonal sensations, with product branded or promoted under its banner guaranteed to be perfectly ripe, fresh and sweet. Try this delectable fruit at in-store and sampling sessions taking place at participating retailers such as Rustan’s, Shopwise, Wellcome, S&R, Robinson’s, SM and other major supermarkets. Consumers can also find participating retailers, view trending recipes, learn helpful tips and tricks, or be involved in the latest conversations by following Taste Australia - Philippines on @TasteAustraliaPhilippines on Facebook and @TasteAustraliaPH on Instagram.
Australian Navel Orange
The first Australian citrus trees were planted in the late 1700s. Today, 2000 growers annually produce 600,000 tonnes of high quality citrus fruit with oranges being the most produced citrus variety. (76%).
The main variety of orange is the Navel which is usually seedless, easy to peel, skin, very sweet juicy flesh, and a small protrusion at one end that resembles a human navel (hence the name of this variety)
Australia’s diverse climate and pristine natural environment provides quality conditions needed to produce high quality oranges. South-east Australia is the major growing region – the Murray Valley of Victoria, the Riverina of New South Wales and the Riverland of South Australia.
An orange tree grafted onto rootstock may take three years to begin producing fruit, whilst a tree grown from seed can take up to 15 years! Initially, a navel orange tree may produce as little as 9 kilograms of fruit, however when it is mature, this may increase to 180 kilograms per tree.
Australian Navel Oranges are available and in season from June to October each year.
Application and recipes
Australian oranges are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect anytime snack or addition to sweet or savoury dishes. Oranges are a great alternative to a quick fix sugary drink or a chocolate bar as they contain carbohydrates and B vitamins.
Health benefits
Australian oranges are famous for its high Vitamin C content and natural flu-fighting properties. They are also high in antioxidants, fibre, folate and potassium. Australian oranges have numerous health and nutritional benefits including:
● Nutrient density which is great for weight control
● Good source of folate which is perfect for pregnant women (may help prevent spina bifida) and the rest of the family (helps the immune system and heart)
● Great for blood pressure control with high potassium and low salt
● Rich in antioxidants which helps keep you fit and healthy throughout the year.
Selection and storage at home
1. Make sure to select fruit that has bright orange skin, is firm, and feels heavy for its size (avoid dry, wrinkled or softer looking orangesas they do not ripen further after harvest.).
2. Oranges can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature, and longer when refrigerated.
● Store oranges unwashed as moisture on the skin can lead to mould.
● Either peel or wash oranges in cool water before slicing. If cutting, use a clean cutting board to prevent cross-contamination.
● Do not freeze oranges or store them below 3°C.
