How to Ripen Oranges

Unlike many other fruits, oranges do not become more ripe or mature after you harvest them. The only way to properly ripen oranges is to harvest them at the right times. Color is not a reliable indicator of maturity, as many oranges completely turn from green to orange before they are mature. Different varieties of oranges ripen at different times. They are classified as early season, midseason or late season oranges. Determine what your orange tree's season of maturity is to allow the fruit to fully ripen before harvesting.

Pick oranges immediately if they begin to fall off the tree. This indicates that the fruit may be overmature and will not likely become any sweeter.

Test oranges for maturity by selecting one or two off each tree and taste testing them. Each variety of orange tree has a different period of maturity; taste test each type of orange within the typical harvesting period.

Pluck an early season "test orange" between early September and early October. Early season varieties include Hamlin, Marrs navels and Parson Brown.

Pluck a midseason "test orange" between late November and late December. The midseason varieties include Jaffa and Pineapple.

Pluck a late season "test orange" beginning in early February. Valencia oranges are an example of late season oranges.

Leave the oranges on the tree if they are not yet mature or sweet enough.

Harvest your oranges only when they are ripe. If you plan to only harvest part of the tree at a time, harvest from the bottom branches upward. This helps minimize potential frost damage.