Over the course of history, our greatest enlightenment thinkers have challenged the standards of society. Asking questions, demanding answers, creating change. We have fought, advocated against our kings, our queens, our kingdoms. And when it comes to the battle of the fruits, oranges and apples aren’t just supreme, but they are the example. However, even with all the societal and historical development we have been through, there remains the age old question; oranges or apples?
From a macronutritional standpoint, oranges and apples are actually quite similar. Oranges are composed of 87% water while apples are at 85%. Oranges contain a little less carbs, at 12% compared to the apple at 14%, and both contain 1-2% proteins and fats combined. Oranges contain slightly more protein and essential amino acids than apples, with apples at 0.26% and oranges at 0.94%.
They are both relatively low in fats, but apples have a slightly higher percentage than oranges. Oranges contain 0.025 grams of polyunsaturated fats, 0.023 grams of monounsaturated fats, and 0.015 grams of saturated fat. Apples however contain 0.051 grams of polyunsaturated fats, 0.007 grams of monounsaturated fats, and 0.028 grams of saturated fat.
Oranges do take the cake when it comes to almost every vitamin, as it clears the apple in vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B5, B6, and in Folate as well. It contains 12 times more vitamin C and 11 times more Folate than Apples. Oranges also clear apples in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium.
Oranges are slightly easier to grow than apples as well. Apples prefer slightly acidic soil, with ph levels ranging from 6.0-7.0. Oranges can grow in more basic soils, with ph levels ranging from 6.5-7.5. While it’s a small difference, the fact that you can grow oranges a little easier makes a big difference for farmers.
So it’s pretty clear that oranges really outdo apples here. But we all know where the real argument is.
Orange juice or apple juice?
Orange juice, with its vibrant citrus zing, is often described as bright, tangy, and refreshing. It has a bold flavor that can either wake you up with its acidity or mellow you out depending on whether it’s freshly squeezed or from concentrate.
Apple juice on the other hand, has a more smooth, softer song. It is more quiet, yet its taste is explosive. It is a great base drink that is super versatile throughout the day, and it provides a unique quenching to your thirst.
Apple juice doesn’t demand your attention the way orange juice does, but it earns it. Apple Juice is easy, sweet without being sharp, it gives you a familiar feeling. It’s the kind of drink you can sip on without a thought and suddenly realize the glass is empty. No bite, no burn, just comfort. It’s the background music of juices: always there, never offensive, dependable in a way that’s hard to criticize.
Orange juice simply refuses to be ignored. It announces itself immediately. It’s acidic, alive, eccentric. It grabs your taste buds and shouts “Wake up!” It’s the drink of mornings, the drink of momentum. Apple juice may be versatile, but orange juice is intentional. You don’t drink it by accident. You choose it.
And yes, orange juice can be harsh. You drink it too fast, and it’ll remind you it’s in charge. But that sharpness is the point. It’s genuine. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is; bold, and powerful. Apple juice plays it safe. Orange juice plays to win.
So when it comes down to it, apple juice is the peacekeeper. It’s smooth, adaptable, universally accepted. Orange juice is revolutionary, polarizing, and impossible to overlook.
And history doesn’t remember what played it safe, it remembers what made people feel something.
