Some of the sweetest oranges you'll try, Hallabong oranges, a specialty of Jeju Island in South Korea, are a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Look for the characteristic, funky bump surrounding the stem. I wonder what makes the orange's bump?
These oranges are in season from winter through early spring, so I'm seeing a lot of them here in Korea right now. After harvesting, the oranges are sometimes held back from the market for a time, allowing the acidity levels to fall and the sugars to develop until a desired flavor profile is attained.
They peel so easily! Which is a good thing--a really good thing--if you are the hostess preparing fruits at the end of the meal, working under the watchful eyes of your guests. I'm no expert in actual fruit preparation, but I have learned that here in Korea, the way you prepare and present fruits in front of others, especially your elders and (potential) in-laws, is filled with meaning! One of my next goals in life is to master the art of cutting and peeling fruits the Korean way...yep.
In Korea, these are grown primarily on Halla Mountain, or Hallasan (한라산), from which the oranges get their name.
Keep on the lookout for these Hallabong oranges--are they available outside of Korea and Japan (there they are called dekopon)? In any case, don't forget your vitamin C; we're just coming out of winter and it's important to stay healthy!
