Orange

Oranges

Oranges originate from south-east Asia but can now be found in most tropical and sub-tropical climates around the world. They belong to the Citrus family. Probably oranges were created long ago as a hybrid between two other Citrus fruits: pomelo and tangerine.

Oranges are eaten fresh or they are used to produce orange juice. Like other citrus fruits, they are rich in vitamins.

Names

Scientific
   Citrus sinensis
Synonym
   Citrus aurantium L. var. dulcis
English
   Chinese apple
   Orange
   Sweet orange
Dutch
   Appelsien
   Sinaasappel
   Zoete sinaasappel
Spanish
   Naranja
   Naranja dulce
   Naranjo
   Naranjo dulce
French
   Orange
   Oranger
   Oranger doux
German
   Apfelsine
   Orange
   Orange Frucht
Italian
   Arancia
   Arancio

Taxonomy

Genus
   Citrus
Family
   Rutaceae
Order
   Sapindales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

The origin is in south-eastern Asia.

Distribution:

Most tropical and subtropical countries. Main areas of production are Brazil,United States and Mexico, some mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy, Egypt), India and China.

Varieties

Many varieties exist today, for example: Blood orange, Navel orange and Valencia orange. Each variety has different appearance and taste.

Evergreen or deciduous:

Evergreen

Flowers:

White flowers with a sweet smell.

Leaves:

Leaves have an elliptic to ovate shape. When crushed they give an aromatic smell. The petioles of the leaves usually have small wings.

Fruits:

The pulp has different colors, yellow, orange or red, depending on the variety. The pulp consists of many membranous juice sacs which are enclosed in a number of wedge-shaped compartments.

Climate and weather:

It’s a subtropical plant and can be grown in warm tropical and subtropical areas. In cooler climates they are sometimes grown in greenhouses. They do not tolerate freezing.

Pollination:

Height:

Trees are usually up to 10 meters tall, sometimes up to 15 meters.

Spacing (close range)

4.5 x 3 meter

Spacing (wide range)

75 x 7.5 meter

Propagation:

Usually propagated by budding.
Trees produced from seed may not produce fruits. If they do produce fruits they are often not the same as the fruits from the parent.

Insect pests:

Mites, scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, and fruit flies.

Diseases:

Several diseases are known in orange including Cercospora and Xanthomonas. Diseases depend on the area and climate where the oranges are grown

Fruit development:

Fruit development depends a lot on climatic conditions. In some areas fruits do not develop the appealing orange color even though the the juice could be of high quality.

Harvesting:

Usually harvested by hand, by pulling or clipping the fruits.

Uses:

Usually eaten fresh, for example as a dessert fruit. Also often used to produce orange juice.

Proverbs and Quotes

An orange never bears a lime.
Half an orange tastes as sweet as a whole one.
A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges.
(Benny Green)
California is a fine place to live – if you happen to be an
orange. (Fred Allen)
Spending money is like sucking oranges but earning money is sitting on the thorns. (Best Osemwegie)

Did you know that?

Orange is a color, but sometimes the fruits are yellow or green.
The Dutch royal family is called “House of Orange”.

Recipes

Orange Juice

Ingredients:
1) 3 oranges
2) 1/5 teaspoon salt

Instructions:
Clean the fruits, cut them in half and squeeze them.
Add salt and stir well.
Serve as a cool drink (from fridge).

Benefits:
The juice contains a lot of vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C.

Crop categories

Fruits
Essential oils
Food crops
Tropical crops
Subtropical crops

Pictures