Interesting facts about oranges, their properties, and uses

Interesting facts about oranges are a pleasant read and a handful of useful knowledge.

Oranges are one of my favourite fruits, especially the sweet varieties that are just bursting with juice. Of course, there are less tasty kinds, as you’ll discover later in the article.

I don’t know about you, but the smell of oranges reminds me of Christmas. It’s probably a leftover from the times when these treats were only available during major holidays. Fortunately, today the situation has changed, and we can enjoy these delicious fruits all year round.

Below, you will find a handful of information, facts, and many interesting titbits about oranges.

Interesting facts about oranges and information we found for you

• Oranges are delicious citrus fruits that grow in countries with warm climates.
• They are one of the most popular fruits in the world due to their excellent taste, ease of storage, and variety of uses.
• The word “orange” does not derive from the colour of the fruit but from the word “fragrant.”
• The basic varieties of oranges originate from China and East Asia.
• Oranges appeared in the Americas with Christopher Columbus.
• Oranges were first described in a Chinese poem from the 4th century BCE.
• Orange fruits reached Europe at the end of the first millennium, brought by Arab travellers. It was a sour and bitter variety, which is now grown in Europe for decorative purposes. Trees of this variety can be found on the streets of Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Morocco.
• The cultivation of orange trees in Southern Europe, in the area of present-day Spain, began only in the 16th century.
• Oranges were called golden apples centuries ago.
• A healthy and well-grown orange tree can produce thousands of fruits each year.
• Wild orange trees can grow up to 10 meters in height.
• Oranges are the largest of the citrus fruits.
• Today, there are several species of oranges, with the most popular being the Chinese, bitter, and giant varieties.
• Oranges are now grown in over 100 countries around the world in tropical and subtropical climates.
• The leaves of orange trees are always green, which is why they are often planted for decorative purposes.
• Most oranges are grown in Brazil.
• The largest variety of giant oranges produces fruits that can weigh up to 2 kilograms.
• Nearly 80 million tons of oranges are harvested annually worldwide.
• All wild oranges are sour or bitter.
• Sweet oranges were created by crossing different species of oranges with mandarins and pomelos.
• The orange tree is one of the most commonly cultivated fruit shrubs in the world.

Health properties of oranges and benefits of eating them

• Oranges contain large amounts of vitamin C. A medium-sized fruit contains almost 70 milligrams of it, which means that two such fruits will provide you with the daily dose of this important vitamin.
• vitamin C, combined with other components of oranges, helps our bodies produce collagen, speeds up wound healing, and is beneficial for the skin.
• Regular consumption of oranges aids in iron absorption, which helps prevent anaemia.
• Orange juice lowers cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress.
• In Spain, children and teenagers drink large quantities of freshly squeezed orange juice, which brings great pleasure and supports the immune system. In Poland, the saying goes, “Drink milk, you’ll be big and healthy,” whereas in warm countries, orange juice takes on the role of milk.
• Due to their high calcium content, oranges help maintain good bone health.
• Two oranges provide the daily requirement for potassium.
• Oranges are very low in fat, with only 0.3 grams per 100 grams of fruit.
• One hundred grams of oranges contains many minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
• In addition to vitamin C, oranges also contain vitamin A and the entire family of B vitamins.
• Unfortunately, some people can be allergic to oranges.
• Oranges are high in fibre, which supports our digestive system.
• In many countries, orange juice is used as in natural medicine for various ailments. This is likely due to the vitamins present in the fruit. It is said that a mixture of orange juice, lemon juice, and onion can reduce even the highest fever and support the body during a cold.
• Oils extracted from oranges have calming and antidepressant properties.
• One average-sized orange contains about 70 kilocalories, whereas one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice contains 115 kilocalories. Candied orange peel, often added to cakes and preserves, contains as much as 300 kilocalories.
• Oranges also contain many minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.

Interesting facts about oranges and their use in the kitchen and home

• Oranges have extensive uses in European and global cuisine.
• Remember that before being sold, the fruits are covered with various substances to prolong their freshness and increase durability. Therefore, before consuming them, wash each fruit thoroughly.
• The most popular product made from oranges is, of course, orange juice.
• It is typically heard that in industrial conditions, juice is squeezed from whole fruits, including the peels, but this is not true. The dried peels left after juicing are sold as animal feed.
• In some regions of Spain, orange sandwiches are popular. This is a simple roll spread with butter and topped with sliced orange.
• In warm countries, oranges are added to many dishes, including meat and spicy dishes. I also learned to add orange juice to roasts. It tastes fantastic and makes thick sauces less heavy.
• Oranges are ideal fruits for desserts. They can be baked with cakes or used to make creams.

Other interesting facts about oranges and anecdotes

• In the 16th century, an English merchant set sail for Morocco, where he intended to buy goods unavailable in Europe and sell them at a profit upon his return. He was welcomed by the Sultan of Algiers and invited to a feast, where sweet and juicy oranges were served among other delicacies. The fruit was so good that the merchant decided to fill his ship’s hold with them. He made the purchase, the goods were loaded, and our hero set off on his return journey. However, he was very surprised upon returning to England to find that instead of sweet fruits, his holds were filled with a bitter and sour variety of oranges. To save his failed business, he decided to mix the fruits with a large amount of sugar and boil everything together to create something similar to jam. This is how the beloved orange marmalade, adored by all English people, including Queen Elizabeth II, was born. You can buy it in any English store.
• The tastiest oranges are considered to be those grown on the Spanish Costa Blanca near Valencia.
• While wandering along the southern coast of Spain, I was very surprised that there were no oranges in the summer, as the local varieties bear fruit in the fall and spring. All the fruits available in stores come from warehouses and cold storage or from Africa.
• In most citrus groves in Spain, the fruits are harvested by hand.
• The taste of oranges is one of the most liked in the world, right after chocolate and vanilla.
• Similarly, the smell of oranges is very popular, although it loses to coffee.

As you could see by reading the above interesting facts about oranges, it is quite a useful fruit, as well as juicy, sweet and delicious.

Interesting facts about oranges are part of our section with interesting information about the world around us.

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