AbstractValencias on five rootstocks were harvested at approximately monthly intervals between December and May for four years. Palatability was assessed by a taste panel (mean of 19 tasters per panel) and related by regression analysis to easily measured indices such as % soluble solids, titratable acidity and juice content. Only soluble solids and juice content were useful in predicting the mean rating of the taste panel (r2= 0.42 and 0.35 respectively). Percentiles of tasters' scores for juice with similar values of the indices were more accurately predicted by the indices than by simply using the mean panel ratings (r2up to 0.81). Regression lines giving mean panel score for different per cent taster response for juice and soluble solids content are presented.