Orange you glad you found this list? You have found the best orange food list with great quick information about orange foods, what makes these foods orange, and what are the best things to know about orange foods.
Get creative using orange foods in sweet and savory dishes. Orange food list can be used to help stimulate ideas for party foods with their vibrant orange color. When you think of orange foods, you might instantly just think of citrus fruit like oranges, however, there is quite an orange food list.
What Gives Orange Foods Their Color
Orange fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids which gives them their orange color. Carotenoids are found in plant sources of Vitamin A. Additionally, orange foods also contain beta-carotene which is plentiful in dark orange fruits and vegetables.
Orange Foods for Party
What a great colorful addition to a party for orange foods. Just think of all of the possibilities in adding bright orange food to a party platter, seasonal party like Halloween, or an orange themed celebration for schools.
Orange Foods Fruits and Vegetables
The majority of naturally orange foods are fruits and vegetables. When you walk through the produce section of your grocery store or local farmer’s market, you will notice the vibrant orange color tends to stand out the most – especially items like orange bell peppers.
Is Orange Food Healthy
Orange food has important components which include Vitamin A and its derivatives.
Vitamin A which is found in many orange fruits and vegetables has several functions in the body as a fat soluble vitamin. For example, just to name a few functions of Vitamin A, it is important for maintenance of epithelial tissues such as skin and lining of internal cavities, immune system functions, and the visual cycle.
Here are some examples of forms of Vitamin A found in orange foods.
Beta carotene is found in dark orange fruits and vegetables:
- mango
- apricots
- cantaloupe
- carrots
- pumpkins
- sweet potatoes
Alpha-carotene is found in the following orange foods:
- carrots
- winter squash
Beta-cryptoxanthin is found the following orange foods:
- mangoes
- papayas
- winter squash
Over 60 Complete Naturally Orange Food List
Whether you enjoy orange foods for health benefits, healthy skin, or just want a healthy snack, there is a huge assortment of foods that are orange.
The best orange foods in this list have a variety of flavors that can work with many unique recipes. Without further ado, let’s get to the list of orange foods.
Carrots
Carrots are the traditional orange veggies that most people think about when orange comes to mind. However, carrots are one of many.
One of the best things about carrots is that they can be cooked in numerous ways including raw, roasted, and sauteed. In addition, they can be used in breads and casseroles.
Oranges
The infamous citrus fruits oranges are always a reliable produce items to add to the lunch box or snack pack.
In addition, oranges are known for their Vitamin C content, however, they are not the only source of Vitamin C in the produce area. Mangoes, bell peppers, and broccoli, and more also contain Vitamin C.
Tangerines
Another citrus variety are tangerines. Similar to oranges, tangerines are easy to pack in a lunch box and make a simple and convenient snack idea especially since they are small.
Clementines
These orange beauties, clementines, are often bought in a mesh bag from the grocery store. They usually fit in the palm of the hand and make convenient orange colored snacks.
Navel oranges
The navel orange tends to be a larger size orange, and when peeled make a nice mouthwatering addition to any meal or snack.
Blood oranges
The blood oranges has an orange outside but more of a crimson color in the inside.
Mandarin oranges
Similar to a clementine, the mandarin orange is a small handful of citrus deliciousness. This is one of my favorite orange-colored fruit.
Valencia oranges
The valencia orange is named for the famous trees in Spain, however, most of the U.S. supply originated in California. Valencia oranges are a beautiful color and a sweet orange flavor.
Cara Cara oranges
The cara cara orange has a flesh that is unique to an orange with a pinkish orange flesh.
Kumquats
Tiny citrus varieties called kumquats look like mini-oranges. They are unique in the fact that you can eat the peeling.
Satsumas
Similar to the clementines and tangerines, these small orange varieties fit right into the palm of your hand.
Salmon Roe
Considered a caviar, salmon roe is a beautiful orange color and it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
Red Lentils
Lentil called red lentils actually have an orange color to them when cooked.
Cheddar Cheese
One of the most common varieties of cheese, cheddar cheese, has a natural orange hue.
Sumo Oranges
California orange with a lumpy texture and bright orange color.
Moro oranges
This is another name for a blood orange.
Honey Tangerines
A tangerine called a honey tangerine variety is a flattened round shape with a thin peeling. This tangerine contains notes of honey and spice.
Minneola Tangelos
Minneola tangelos, often called “honeybell tangelos,” are a delightful citrus fruit that combines the sweetness of tangerines with the tang of grapefruit.
They are named for their distinctive bell shape and vibrant orange color. When you peel a Minneola tangelo, you’ll be met with juicy, orange segments that burst with flavor.
Apricots
Apricots are a small, orange fruit known for their sweet and slightly tart taste. They are often enjoyed fresh or dried and make a delicious addition to salads, desserts, and jams. The vivid orange color of apricots adds a pop of brightness to your plate.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe, with its pale orange flesh and sweet, juicy flavor, is a quintessential summer fruit. Slicing open a ripe cantaloupe reveals a burst of vibrant orange that’s not only visually appealing but also refreshingly tasty.
Papayas
Papayas are tropical fruits with bright orange flesh that’s soft, sweet, and packed with vitamins and minerals. Their exotic flavor and vibrant color make them a popular choice for fruit salads, smoothies, and salsas.
Peaches
Peaches are renowned for their juicy, orange colored fruit with a sweet, fragrant taste. They’re a summertime favorite and are often enjoyed fresh, grilled, or baked into pies and cobblers. In addition, the beautiful orange hue of a ripe peach is synonymous with sunshine and warmth.
Mangoes
Mangoes are tropical treasures known for their sweet, juicy, and brilliantly orange flesh. Whether eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in salsas, mangoes add a burst of color and flavor to your culinary creations.
Furthermore, mangoes are one of the most versatile foods that are orange since it can be used in both sweet and savory applications.
Persimmons
Persimmons come in various varieties, with some, like Fuyu persimmons, having a beautiful orange hue. These fruits are known for their sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Slicing into a ripe persimmon reveals an inviting, vibrant orange interior.
Nectarines
Nectarines are close cousins to peaches, boasting smooth, orange-red skin and juicy, sweet flesh. They are often eaten fresh or used in fruit salads and desserts, contributing their delightful orange glow to the mix.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a versatile vegetable with vibrant orange flesh. It’s prized for its slightly sweet, nutty flavor and is frequently used in soups, stews, and roasted dishes. The natural orange hue of butternut squash brightens up any meal.
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash, with its distinct ribbed shape and deep orange color, are nutritious orange vegetables and flavorful addition to your plate. Roasted, stuffed, or mashed, acorn squash offers a delicious taste of autumn with its rich, orange-hued flesh.
Curry Powder
Curry powder is a spice blend that often includes turmeric root, which gives it a bright orange-yellow color. It’s used to season a wide range of dishes, imparting both flavor and color to Indian, Thai, and other cuisines.
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup, made from ripe red and orange tomatoes, has a comforting orange hue. Its rich, warm color and savory taste make it a classic comfort food choice, especially when paired with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms are a type of wild mushroom known for their vibrant orange-yellow color and delicate, earthy flavor. They are often sautéed in butter and used to add a touch of elegance to various dishes.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are naturally orange and provide the color and richness to many dishes, from scrambled eggs to custards and baked goods. Their sunny hue signifies freshness and quality in cooking.
Cape Gooseberry
Cape gooseberries, also known as physalis, are small, orange fruits encased in papery husks. They have a unique sweet-tart flavor and are often used in desserts, jams, and salads. The bright orange husk adds a playful element to their appearance.
Orange Juice
Orange juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought, is a beloved morning beverage known food that are orange. It’s packed with vitamin C and is a delightful way to start the day with a burst of citrusy goodness.
Orange Slices in Syrup
Orange slices preserved in syrup are a sweet treat that retains the natural color and flavor of oranges. They can be used as garnishes for desserts or enjoyed on their own as a delightful snack.
Orange Honey
Orange honey is a delightful variation of honey infused with the essence of oranges. Its amber hue and citrus aroma make it a delightful addition to tea, desserts, or drizzled over fresh fruit.
Kumquat Marmalade
Kumquat marmalade is a sweet and tangy spread made from these tiny citrus fruits. The vibrant orange skin of kumquats adds a burst of color to the marmalade, which can be enjoyed on toast or as a condiment for various dishes.
Apricot Jam
Apricot jam is a sweet spread made from ripe apricots, boasting a beautiful orange hue. It’s a delightful addition to pastries, toast, and desserts, infusing a burst of apricot flavor and color.
Orange Habanero Peppers
Known as one of the classic orange peppers, the habanero pepper actually ranks as a very hot pepper. Therefore, a little goes a long way when it comes to flavor and heat of an orange habanero pepper.
Persimmon Jam
Persimmon jam captures the essence of ripe persimmons with its deep orange color and sweet, fruity flavor. Spread it on crackers or use it as a glaze for meats to enjoy the unique taste of persimmons.
Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a flavorful condiment made from ripe mangoes, often combined with spices and vinegar. Its bright orange color and sweet-spicy taste make it a versatile accompaniment for curries, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
Peach Preserves
Peach preserves are a sweet and chunky spread made from ripe peaches, retaining their lovely orange color and natural sweetness. They’re a classic addition to breakfast items like toast, pancakes, and waffles.
Tangerine Sorbet
Tangerine sorbet is a refreshing frozen dessert that captures the bright orange flavor of tangerines. Its vibrant color and citrusy taste make it a delightful palate cleanser or dessert option.
Orange Sherbet
Orange sherbet is a creamy and tangy frozen treat with a beautiful orange hue. Its refreshing taste is reminiscent of ripe oranges, making it a favorite choice for cooling down on a hot day.
Orange Cherry Tomatoes
Some tomato varieties come in the color orange. These are great for adding color to a salad with nice pops of orange color and vibrance. Often times, these are sold as a group of tomatoes with different shades of yellow, orange, and red cherry tomatoes.
Papaya Salsa
Papaya salsa is a zesty condiment or side dish made from ripe papayas, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The vibrant orange papaya chunks add a tropical twist to this flavorful accompaniment, perfect for grilled meats and tacos.
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a velvety and comforting dish known for its warm orange color and creamy texture. The natural sweetness of butternut squash shines through in every spoonful, making it a soothing choice for chilly evenings.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert made from creamy pumpkin puree, spices, and a flaky crust. Its rich orange filling captures the essence of autumn and the comforting taste of the season’s harvest.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a beloved holiday dish featuring mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, pecans, and marshmallows. Its vibrant orange color and sweet, nutty topping make it a festive and indulgent treat. Moreover, sweet potatoes are one of the most familiar root vegetables during the traditional Thanksgiving season.
Persimmon Cookies
Persimmon cookies are soft and chewy treats made from ripe persimmons, spices, and nuts. They have a lovely orange tint and a warm, fruity flavor that’s perfect for snacking or dessert.
Mango Smoothie
Mango smoothies are vibrant orange blends of ripe mangoes, yogurt, and a touch of honey. They offer a tropical escape in a glass, with the luscious flavor and color of mangoes.
Papaya Salad
Papaya salad is a fresh and zesty dish made from green papaya, lime juice, and chili peppers. The bright orange papaya shreds add a burst of color and a hint of sweetness to this spicy and refreshing tropical fruit salad.
Is there an orange food that you think should be on this list? I am sure there are more that we did not add to the list. Here are a few additional orange foods: orange cauliflower, orange ice creams, orange sherbet, and duck sauce.
Speaking of duck sauce, did you know that it is made of apricot and European plum? That’s where that orange color comes from.
Ways to Use Orange Foods
Natural Orange Food Coloring – It is really interesting how you can use one food to color another food. When it comes to orange food list, there are some that stand out as a natural food color. These are carrots, in particular carrot juice, and sweet potatoes.
Blippi Party – There are some characters that are recognized by the color orange. For example, one character that comes to mind is Blippi.
Blippi’s signature colors are bright orange and bright blue. Some of the orange foods listed on here are great for incorporating into an orange Blippi party food table.
Eating by Color – Paying thoughtful attention to the colors of food to the “eat the rainbow.” Eating a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables, including fruits and vegetables that are orange, can help us get a variety of vitamins and minerals in our routine.
Orange Colored Recipes
There are so many recipes that utilize the color orange and the flavorful ingredients that we have listed. Here are a few fun ideas to get started.
Platter of Orange Items for Parties – This platter of orange foods is a fun way to celebrate using the vibrant orange-colored foods.
Orange Pasta Plate – Using rigatoni pasta, combining a sauce of ingredients that makes the pasta look orange is a fun way to add the color orange to the dinner table. This is great for serving as a hot dish for a party.
Bobby Flay’s Carrot Salad This carrot salad is not what you might be thinking. This salad is more of a fresh carrot salad with larger pieces of carrots with fresh herbs and spices and topped with parsley.
Pumpkin Hummus – Using simple ingredients, this is a mix and serve recipe. Add pumpkin hummus to a charcuterie board as a seasonal dip. Pair this dish with pretzels or orange vegetables such as carrots and orange bell peppers.
After reading this article, I am pretty sure that you will look at orange fruits, vegetables, and more in a whole new light. You might find yourself noticing the varieties of colors more in the produce department and on your plate.
We have covered a lot in this articles. In fact, we started by talking about what makes a food orange. Then, we moved to occasions for orange foods. We also talked about important components of orange foods as well.
Finally we listed over 60 orange food list items that are great for adding to a dish, using in a recipe, adding to your favorite recipes, and having as a colorful and delicious orange snack.
