Shamouti

• The 'Shamouti' orange is also known as the 'Jaffa' or 'Khalili' orange. This variety originated near the town of Jaffa in what is now the country of Israel in the mid-19th century. It was introduced to Florida in 1883. Although 'Shamouti' is commonly cultivated today in Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus and Syria, it is no longer used in commercial production in the United States.
  
  The fruit borne by this tree is famously easy to peel and pleasantly sweet in flavor. It is not among the juiciest of oranges, making it less ideal for juicing and more desirable for eating fresh. These fruit store and keep well after being picked. They are large and may be somewhat oval in shape.
  
  

Blood Oranges

• Blood orangesJohn Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Blood oranges are among the best-loved exotic oranges today. These striking oranges are easily identified by their deep red, sometimes almost purple flesh, which is enclosed in a typical orange-colored peel. According to legend, these alluring oranges were created by hybridizing a common orange with a pomegranate. In reality however, according to fruit specialist David Karp, blood oranges resulted from a spontaneous mutation in their homeland of China.
  
  Blood oranges are widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, particularly in Italy, as well as in Pakistan. They are now gaining a small cult following at farmer's markets and specialty grocers in the United States as well. Popular cultivars include 'St. Michael', 'Ruby' and 'Egyptian'. (See Reference 1)
  
  

Tarocco

• Another exotic orange common in Italy is the 'Tarocco' variety. This orange is a cross between a regular orange and a blood orange. According to Martin Page in "Growing Citrus," 'Tarocco' oranges boast the highest vitamin C content of any known citrus fruit. They are similar in shape and size to Minneola tangelos, with a yellow-orange peel that darkens to red as the fruit ripens. These oranges are known for their flavorful, somewhat spicy flesh and their low number of seeds.
  
  

Satsumas

• Satsumas (Citrus unshiu) are not technically oranges (Citrus sinensis) but rather a closely related species. However, these luscious, exotic citrus fruits are commonly referred to as satsuma oranges or satsuma mandarins. Satsuma trees are native to Japan. These smallish trees attain mature heights of up to 9 feet. They are regarded for their tolerance to cold weather, surviving brief periods of temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  Fragrant white blossoms appear in early spring, giving way to small juicy sweet, nearly seedless oranges. Satsuma peels may remain partially green even when ripe. Much-loved cultivars include 'Owari', 'Okitsu' and 'Kimbrough'.