Oranges fall into three categories: bitter, loose-skinned (like mandarin oranges), and sweet; each type has many individual varieties.

Sweet oranges are used chiefly for juicing or eating. They include the Valencia, Navel, and Temple oranges.

The Navel orange, which is grown in California, is considered an eating orange, since its sweet pulp tends to turn a little bitter when the juice is exposed to air.

Valencia oranges are enjoyed for both eating and juicing, although commercially the Valencia is considered the best juicing orange.

An orange hybrid bearing an orange and red rind with red flesh is called blood orange and is frequently available.

The Temple orange, named after the man who created it, is a flavourful orange-tangerine hybrid. Bitter oranges, also known as Seville oranges, are named after the Spanish city of the same name. They are seldom seen in markets and are used chiefly for marmalade or for their peel (in liqueurs).