Photo of Orange

Orange

A single piece gives you all the vitamin C you need in a day

Oranges are a fruit belonging to the citrus group. They are obtained from the sweet orange tree, bitter orange tree and other varieties of this tree. 

This fruit contains a large amount of water and electrolytes, which makes it an excellent option to hydrate the body, especially in the summer. This is especially true if you squeeze it into juice.

The scientific name of the orange is Citrus x sinensis and belongs to the Rutaceae family. 

Although Greek mythology links the golden fruits of the Garden of the Hesperides with oranges, this citrus fruit originates not in Europe, but in East Asia, about 4,000 years ago.

They were soon grown throughout the East and it was the Arabs who began growing oranges in Spain, in the Middle Ages. From Spain, they would spread throughout Europe. Later, it was Columbus who introduced this fruit to the Americas.

  • There are 4 basic types of sweet orange: navel, white (including the Valencia late, Salustiana, Pineapple, Hamlin or Cadenera varieties), sucrenas (including the Sucreña, Lima and Succari varieties) and blood or red oranges (including the Sanguinelli, Tarocco Rosso and Moro varieties).
  • It is one of the most popular fruits in the world, as it has excellent nutritional properties and is grown all over the planet.
  • According to FAO, in 2021, the world production of this citrus fruit was about ​​75.5 million tons, with Brazil being the world's largest producer of oranges (a quarter of world production comes from this country). 
  • Spain ranks 6th in terms of production, but it is the main exporting country in the world; while the Valencian region is the main exporting region worldwide. 
  • The Valencia Late orange is the most consumed variety worldwide; it is also the one most often used in Spain to make juice. But do not be fooled by its name; this variety is native to California, although it is one of the most frequently grown oranges in the Valencian region, next to the navel orange. It is called “late” because it matures in late spring. 
  • As a curiosity, it is worth mentioning that the mascot of the 1982 World Cup held in Spain was “Naranjito”, an orange dressed in the kit of the Host Team, hinting at its popularity and importance to the Spanish economy. Meanwhile, in China, this fruit is a symbol of good luck and is eaten when celebrating the Chinese New Year. And in Vietnam, newlyweds are given oranges, as a symbol and wish for fertility.
Nutritional properties

Discover the health-related properties of the orange

Vitamins

It contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, thiamine, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Oranges are one of the main sources of vitamin C, with a content of 135 mg per 100 gr. of fruit. A single piece gives you all the vitamin C you need in a day.

Vitamin C is essential for the immune system, helps iron absorption and collagen production, is an antioxidant and improves skin health.

Vitamin A is also present in oranges, with an amount of 240 IU in a medium-sized orange. This vitamin is very important for eye and skin health.

Oranges are also rich in vitamin B1 (thiamin) and vitamin B9 (better known as folic acid), both of which are very important for the nervous system. 

Blood oranges, so called due to their reddish color, are rich in beta-carotene. 

 

Minerals

Oranges are also rich in minerals, such as potassium, with an amount of 237 mg in a medium-sized orange. This mineral is important for heart health, blood pressure and muscle function.

This fruit also contains calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, minerals essential for the health of the bones, muscles and cells.

 

Calories and sugars

1 orange = 60 kcal

Another advantage of oranges is that they are low in calories, with about 60 kcal in a medium-sized orange. They are low in fat and protein, and also have a high fiber content. As for the sugar content, oranges have about 12 grams per medium-sized orange, which is a more than acceptable amount of sugar.

 

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Oranges have many different properties, are very nutritious, and are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Benefits

Benefits for the body

Colds and flu

Its high vitamin C content helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent infectious diseases. Therefore, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is one of the most popular and recommended home remedies to prevent colds and flu.

Anemia

Vitamin C also helps to improve the absorption of iron in the body, so it is especially recommended for people suffering from anemia.

Cardiovascular diseases

Oranges are rich in antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, which help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Contraindications

Orange juice contains a high content of citric acid, so excessive consumption can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of ulcers. Therefore, it is important to consume them in moderation.

Recommendations

When should you consume oranges?

Season
Moment

How should you consume oranges?

Juice

Juice

Orange cake, orange sponge and orange crumble are just three delicious orange-based dessert options.

Desserts

Desserts

Orange cake, orange sponge cake and orange crumble are just three delicious orange-based dessert options.