OSRS Basket of Oranges Ultimate Guide
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), a basket of oranges is more than just a quirky item—it’s a versatile tool with practical uses in farming, quests, and even some niche gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding how to obtain, use, and maximize the value of a basket of oranges can enhance your gameplay. This guide dives into everything you need to know about the basket of oranges, from its origins to its applications, with tips to make the most of this fruity resource.
A basket of oranges is an item that holds up to five oranges in a single inventory slot, making it a convenient way to carry multiple oranges without cluttering your inventory. Introduced as part of the game’s farming and cooking updates, it’s primarily used in farming-related activities, but its utility extends to other areas of the game.
How Does It Work?
The basket functions like other containers in OSRS, such as baskets for apples or strawberries. You can fill an empty basket with oranges, either by picking them yourself or purchasing them. Once filled, it becomes a “basket of oranges” and can be used directly in certain interactions, like paying farmers to protect crops.
Why Use a Basket Instead of Individual Oranges?
Using a basket saves inventory space, which is critical during farming runs or quests requiring multiple items. For example, carrying five baskets of oranges (25 oranges total) takes only five slots, compared to 25 slots for individual oranges. This efficiency makes it a go-to choice for players optimizing their farming setups.
How to Obtain a Basket of Oranges
Getting your hands on a basket of oranges is straightforward, but there are several methods to choose from depending on your skills, gold, or playstyle. Here’s how you can acquire one:
Growing Oranges Yourself
Oranges can be grown by planting orange tree seeds in a fruit tree patch, requiring level 39 Farming. Each tree yields multiple oranges, which you can then place into an empty basket. This method is ideal for players with moderate farming levels looking to save gold.
- Seed Cost: Orange tree seeds are relatively affordable, often costing 100–200 GP each on the Grand Exchange.
- Time Investment: Orange trees take about 16 hours to grow fully.
- Yield: Expect 4–6 oranges per harvest, enough to fill at least one basket.
Buying from the Grand Exchange
For those short on time, baskets of oranges can be purchased directly from the Grand Exchange. Prices fluctuate but typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 GP per basket. Empty baskets cost around 1–10 GP and individual oranges about 100–200 GP, so buying a pre-filled basket is often more convenient.
Other Sources
Oranges occasionally appear as drops from certain NPCs, like gnome guards, or can be stolen from fruit stalls in Hosidius with sufficient Thieving (level 25). Empty baskets are sold by farming shops, such as those in Catherby or the Farming Guild, for a negligible cost.
Uses of a Basket of Oranges
The basket of oranges shines in several areas of OSRS, particularly in farming and quests. Below are its primary applications, along with tips to use it effectively.
Farming Payments
One of the most common uses is as payment to farmers to protect high-value crops in allotment or tree patches. For example:
| Crop | Payment | Patch Type |
|---|---|---|
| Watermelon | 10 curry leaves | Allotment |
| Snape Grass | 5 baskets of oranges | Allotment |
| Palm Tree | 15 coconuts | Fruit Tree |
Pro Tip: Snape grass is a profitable crop for herblore training, and using baskets of oranges to protect it is cost-effective compared to other payments.
Quest Requirements
Baskets of oranges are required in a few quests, most notably Garden of Tranquillity. In this quest, players must deliver a basket of oranges to a character to progress. Having one on hand can save time during questing.
Other Niche Uses
While less common, oranges can be used in cooking recipes, like fruit blast cocktails, requiring a basket of oranges for efficiency. They’re also occasionally used in role-playing scenarios or as tradeable items in player-to-player exchanges for small profits.
Tips for Maximizing Value
To get the most out of your baskets of oranges, consider these strategies to save time, gold, or effort while boosting efficiency.
Combine Farming Runs
Integrate orange tree farming into your regular farming runs. Plant orange trees alongside other crops like watermelons or herbs to maximize XP and resources in one trip. Use the Farming Guild or Catherby patches for quick access.
- Teleport Options: Use an explorer’s ring for Catherby or a skills necklace for the Farming Guild.
- Compost: Apply ultracompost to increase orange yields and reduce disease risk.
Buy Low, Sell High
Monitor Grand Exchange prices for baskets of oranges. If prices dip below 1,000 GP, stock up and resell when they spike. This method requires minimal effort and can yield small but consistent profits.
Quest Pre-Preparation
Keep a basket of oranges in your bank before starting Garden of Tranquillity. This prevents last-minute scrambling and lets you focus on the quest’s other requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While baskets of oranges are simple to use, players often make errors that waste time or resources. Here’s what to watch out for:
Overpaying for Baskets
Some players buy baskets of oranges at inflated prices without checking alternatives. Always compare the cost of buying individual oranges and empty baskets versus a pre-filled basket. For example, five oranges (500–1,000 GP) plus an empty basket (1–10 GP) can be cheaper than a 2,000 GP basket.
Ignoring Farming Levels
Attempting to grow orange trees without level 39 Farming is impossible. If you’re below this level, buy baskets instead of wasting time on seeds. Check your Farming level in the skills tab to confirm eligibility.
Forgetting Crop Protection
Neglecting to pay farmers with baskets of oranges for crops like snape grass can lead to diseased or dead plants, costing you potential profits. Always double-check your payments before leaving a patch.
Final Thoughts: The basket of oranges in OSRS is a small but mighty item that punches above its weight in farming and questing. By growing your own oranges, buying smart, or using them strategically for crop protection, you can save inventory space, time, and gold. Avoid common pitfalls like overpaying or neglecting crop payments, and you’ll find this item a valuable addition to your gameplay. Whether you’re tending patches or tackling quests, keep a basket of oranges handy—it’s a fruity solution to many of Gielinor’s challenges.