Another name for the orange is orange. The word orange originated from “apple from China”, which in turn indicates the origin of the fruit.
The orange belongs to the citrus fruits and is a vitamin bomb. Therefore, it is also ideal for a healthy and balanced diet. Two oranges a day already cover the recommended daily requirement of vitamin C.
Also interesting is that the fruit was also used to treat diseases in the past.
The origin, properties and history of the orange
The orange has its origin in China. Its name is also due to its origin, because actually the orange is also known as orange (apple from China).
The orange, like the tangerine or lemon, is a citrus fruit. In itself, the orange is actually a cross between the tangerine and the grapefruit. Numerous citrus fruits have only been created through crossbreeding.
The orange reached Europe by sea in the Middle Ages. We have the Portuguese to thank for this, who discovered the delicious fruit on their way to India in East Africa.
Meanwhile, the orange is one of the most commonly grown citrus fruits. They are mainly cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. Right at the top here is Brazil. We source our oranges from the Mediterranean region, such as Spain.
The orange tree can grow up to 10 meters high and is evergreen. One tree can produce up to 200 kg of fruit in a year. When ripe, the fruit has an orange peel on the outside, which is waxy. From the inside, the skin is white and the tissue is spongy. The flesh of the orange consists of segments surrounded by the white spongy tissue. The flesh can have different colors, for example, in blood orange it is dark red. The main season for oranges is from November to March. However, they are available all year round.
The ingredients of the orange
Oranges contain a lot of minerals and vitamins and consist of 80 % of water. Particularly noteworthy is the high amount of vitamin C. On 100 g of oranges are 50 mg of vitamin C. The daily requirement of vitamin C is officially 100 g. Thus, two oranges a day would cover the complete daily requirement of vitamin C.
In addition to vitamin C, vitamins of the B group and vitamin A are also found in the fruit. It also provides minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron. In addition to vitamins and minerals, the orange also has numerous secondary plant compounds, such as flavonoids and carotenoids.
The effect of oranges on our body
Oranges are ideal for a healthy and balanced diet, as they are vitamin bombs. Especially in the winter time, when the fruit is particularly popular, it is important to take enough vitamins.
Already centuries ago, people recognized how valuable oranges are for traditional medicine, because the fruit is considered an ancient remedy. At that time, they were used not only as a source of vitamin C, but also to treat diseases such as tuberculosis, heart disease, high blood pressure and depression.
It is now proven that the orange is effective against bacteria and viruses, can prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as benefit the psyche.
The contained vitamin C is particularly important for our body, as it strengthens our immune system and is important for bones and connective tissue. In addition, vitamin C supports the absorption of iron, which in turn is important for the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Against anxiety, fatigue and stress, the orange, or orange essential oil can also help. Essential oils are used in aroma and scent therapies and are found in the peel of the orange.
Oranges in the kitchen
The delicious fruit is versatile in the kitchen. For example, it can be made into orange marmalade or orange sauce. The grated peel is especially popular for refining cakes, cookies, muffins. But also in desserts such as orange cream, fruit salad and tiramisu you can find the orange.
Probably the best known use of the orange is processing the fruit into a refreshing orange juice or smoothie.
Purchase and storage of oranges
The quality should be given special attention when buying oranges. Good quality is indicated by a thick, healthy and undamaged looking peel. It is better to keep your hands off shriveled oranges. The best way to test this is to hold the fruit in your hand and apply light pressure. A good orange yields slightly to light pressure and lies heavily in the hand.
Oranges must be stored in a cool and airy place. This way they will keep for a few weeks. It is important to check them daily for rotten spots. To extend the shelf life of oranges, they can also be frozen or dried. However, when freezing, it should be noted that the consistency, taste and aroma will change. If you decide to dry the fruit, you should also remember that dried fruit is unhealthier, because the water is removed and the sugar content increases.
