Oranges: 11 Incredible Facts About This Tangy Citrus Fruit

Anupam Das
September 15, 2024

1. Oranges Belong to Rutaceae Family and Citrus Genus

Orange, the fruit, belongs to the Rutaceae or Citrus family of plants. The Rutaceae family is a species of flowering plants that are shrubs with timbered stems and umbrella-shaped heads. These shrubs can be small to mid-sized. On some rare occasions, the Rutaceae family can have herbs with no pronounced stem, such as Common Rue which is a flowering ornamental herb.

Within the larger Rutaceae family, Orange belongs to the Citrus genus that includes mostly hybrid fruits – made from a handful of original ones. Some other important Citrus fruits include – Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Pomelo, Mandarin, Kumquat, etc. Orange, scientifically known as ‘Citrus Sinensis’, is a hybrid fruit – made from the cross-breeding of two Citrus fruits – Pomelo and Mandarin. Orange is considered one of the ‘Super Fruits’ and one of the most popular fruits in the world.

2. Trees, Leaves, and Flowers

Oranges - Trees, Leaves, and Flowers — Image Credit: iken3.com

Orange trees are evergreen flowering plants – meaning their foliage or leaves remain green year-round and even in winter. Orange trees can be small or mid-size and have timbered stems. The grafted Orange trees can be small and can be grown in homes in flowering pots. The non-grafted trees or the original ones can grow up to 35-40 feet.

The branches and leaves of the trees can take an umbrella-type shape at the top. The green leaves have an elliptic shape with short petioles and slender leaf blades. The leaves have crenate edges that is the margins or edges of leaf blades have smooth and rounded tooth-like features. The flowers are fragrant, white, and have five petals.

3. Orange The Fruit: A Modified Berry

An orange can be round, oval, or oblong. When unripe, the fruits are green and upon ripening, they take a yellow to orange hue, hence the name. It is a type of modified ‘Berry’ called -‘Hesperidium’. Berries are fruits that are created from a single ovary of a flower, and have an exocarp or outer layer, a mesocarp or middle layer, and an endocarp or an inner layer that would protect the seeds. ‘Hesperidium’ are berries that have a leathery outer layer and a soft middle layer. The inside of the fruit or the endocarp is divided into various juicy chambers that house the seeds.

Oranges are also created from a single ovary of a flower. Its outer layer is leathery and spongy. The middle layer is white and soft. The inner portion of the fruit is divided into various sickle-shaped chambers that are pulpy and juicy. The seeds are protected inside these juicy and pulpy chambers. The pulp is generally orange in color and can have a sweet, bitter-sweet, or sour-sweet taste.

4. Different Varieties of Oranges

The oranges that we generally see in stores and shops are called ‘Sweet Oranges’ or ‘Common Oranges’. These fruits can come in different varieties. These varieties are mostly sweet in flavor and have pulp with an orange hue. However, some can have different hues. One of the distinct types of ‘Sweet Orange’ is ‘Blood Orange’ which has a crimson hue pulp and a tangy sweet taste. The pulp of this distinct fruit has turned blood red due to the presence of a type of antioxidant – ‘Anthocyanin‘.

Another variety of orange that has a distinct pulp is Cara Cara Navel Orange which has a pinkish hue to its pulp and is very sweet with less acidity. The Navel Orange is itself a distinct type of sweet orange that comes with a small dent in its outer layer. Another type of sweet orange is Valencia orange which is named after the place where it was first cultivated- the city of Valencia. All these oranges mentioned here and above are sub-varieties of sweet or common oranges that are hybrid and cultivated in different cities.

Apart from these sweet or common oranges, there is another type of citrus that looks like a common orange but is smaller in size, very sweet, has less acidic content, and has an orange hue to it. These are called Mandarin with the scientific name Citrus Reticulata. A different type of Mandarin – called Clementines – is even smaller in size and much sweeter than the first one. A little bigger in size with a bright orange hue is Tangarines which are another type of Mandarin that has sour-sweet taste.

The biggest of the Mandarin type is however Sumo Orange which is cultivated in Japan. These big-sized Mandarins have a small bump at the end of the stem giving these fruits a ‘top knot’ type of feature. These Mandarins have bright yellowish to orange hue and they are very sweet with almost no seeds.

5. Sour Oranges

Apart from these sweet varieties, oranges can have pulp with a completely bitter or sour taste. One such fruit is the ‘Bergamot Orange’ which is scientifically known as ‘Citrus Bergamia’. These oranges have an oblong shape and can be greenish to yellow. These fruits have an amazing fragrant smell but are very bitter in taste.

Another type of bitter orange is Seville Oranges which are scientifically known as Citrus Aurantium. Due to their bitterness, they are not consumed directly as fruit. However, just like Bergamot oranges, Seville Oranges also have an amazing fragrance and are used to make various sauces, juice, jam, seasoning, etc. The peel of Seville Oranges is used to make marmalade.

6. Origin

Oranges Origin — Image Credit: Maps of World

Orange is a tropical and sub-tropical fruit grown in various parts of the World. Orange originated from the tropical regions of South Asian and Southeast Asian countries – North-East India, Southern China, Myanmar, Cambodia, and various Archipelago Island-countries countries including Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, etc.

The citrus fruit was brought to the European continent via both sea-route and land-route. By sea route, it came from the Asian mainland to the East African coast, and from there it entered sub-tropical Europe. Via land route, it came through the Mediterranean region. From Europe, it came to the North American continent by the explorers and sailors. The citrus fruit is also taken to the North American and South American mainland via West African and South African sea routes.

7. Production in 2023-24

In current times, orange is produced in almost all the continents, except for the North and South Pole. In 2023-24, a total of 48.8 Million tons of oranges were produced worldwide which is almost 1 Million tons more than what was produced in 2022-23. Brazil is the top orange-producing country in the world with 16.5 Million tons produced in 2023-24. Brazil has almost 34% share of total orange production. China comes in a distant second with 7.63 Million tons and a 16% share. Together Brazil and China produce half of the total orange production.

European Union as a whole produces 5.48 Million tons of orange and comes in the number three spot. It has a share of 11% in total orange production. Mexico comes in fourth with 4.87 Million tons of production and a 10% overall share. Egypt and the USA are in number 5 and 6 spots with 3.7 and 2.54 Million tons and 8% and 5% share respectively.

8. Oranges: Carbohydrate, Protein, and Lipid

A medium-sized whole common or sweet orange (around 120 grams to 140 grams) has approximately 65-75 calories. Of the total weight of the fruit, water accounts for approximately 110-120 grams. It has 15-18 grams of carbohydrates and within carbohydrates, the natural sugar accounts for 10-14 grams. It is to be noted that the amount of carbohydrates and sugar may vary according to the sub-species and acidic content of the orange.

Oranges contain mostly three types of natural sugar – Sucrose, Fructose, and Glucose. Of these three types, Sucrose accounts for 40%-50% of total natural sugar content while Fructose content is around 25%-27%. Glucose is the least prevalent natural sugar with 20%-25% of the total content. The oranges have a glycemic index of 40-45 which falls into the low category. One of the reasons for the low glycemic index is that Fructose is the most sweet-tasting natural sugar and, as it accounts for one-fourth of the natural sugars in oranges, oranges taste very sweet. So, consuming oranges may not spike blood sugar to an alarming level. Still, those who have blood sugar, should not consume too much oranges, especially the sweet variants.

The oranges have a good amount of dietary fiber. The medium-sized orange may have approximately 3 grams of dietary fiber which is another reason why it has a low glycemic index even though it is fairly sweet. A medium-sized orange could provide 10%-15% of the total daily dietary fiber needs. Oranges are low in protein. A medium-sized orange has approximately 1-2 grams of protein that will cover only 2%-3% of total daily protein needs. Oranges are also low in lipids and a medium-sized orange may have 0.1-0.2 grams of lipids in it.

9. Oranges: One of The Best Sources of Vitamin C

Oranges are one of the best sources of Vitamin C. It is also known as Ascorbic Acid and due to the acidic nature of Vitamin C, Oranges have an acidic or sour taste. On a side note, oranges also contain citric acid which contributes to its acidic nature and sour taste. A medium-sized (120 grams to 140 grams) whole orange contains 60-70 mg of Vitamin C which covers 80%-90% of the total daily need for Vitamin C.

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid is an essential water-soluble antioxidant that plays an extremely essential part in the smooth functioning of our bodies. As this essential vitamin is water-soluble, it can get destroyed due to heat. So, even if certain vegetables or foods have loads of Vitamin C in raw form when we cook those vegetables or foods, the Vitamin C in them gets destroyed due to heat. So eating raw and fresh fruits, like Oranges, is the best way to get Vitamin C.

Our bodies create a lot of free radicals during the oxidative process – a necessary process to unlock the energy of our foods. The number of free radicals in the body can increase due to an unhealthy lifestyle, consumption of tobacco, alcohol etc, pollution, etc. The free radicals are atoms with an unpaired electron which makes these atoms highly reactive, hence they cause cell damage. These free radicals damage the cells and accelerate the aging process. The cell damage by the free radicals causes a lot of diseases including cancers. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, take the unpaired electrons from the free radical atoms and neutralize them.

Vitamin C also helps our bodies to heal. It helps produce a protein called collagen that creates various connective tissues. Collagen helps create cartilage, bones, connecting tendons, muscles, etc and assists in the healing process of our bodies. Vitamin C also increases our overall immunity and protects us from seasonal flu and various viral and bacterial infections. It also protects us from an array of non-communicable diseases. Vitamin C may also help our bodies absorb other essential nutrients. It helps us absorb plant-based iron. It also aids in the absorption of copper and aluminum that we get from supplements and medication.

10. Oranges: Other Nutrients

Oranges are not only good sources of Vitamin C but they are also loaded with various other essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oranges contain various types of Vitamin Bs – Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9. These Vitamin B complexes are essential for our metabolism, energy creation, immune system, mental well-being, etc. Oranges also contain Choline which is a very essential organic compound that resembles the structure of Vitamin B. Apart from Vitamin B & C, oranges also contain Vitamin A & E. Medium-sized oranges contain 290-298 IU of Vitamin A and 0.2-0.3 mg of Vitamin E. Vitamin A strengthens our overall vision and our eyesight while Vitamin E helps us with inflammation, liver health, heart diseases, etc.

Apart from these Vitamins, Oranges have many important plant compounds and antioxidants that benefit us in several ways. It contains various carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, etc. These antioxidants are pro-vitamin A which gets converted into Vitamin A. Oranges also contain citrus flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringenin. These fruit flavonoids are types of antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties that help our heart health, ease blood pressure, and increase blood flow in the blood vessels.

Oranges are also good sources of some important minerals. A medium-sized orange contains 230-250 mg of potassium which covers 5%-7% daily potassium need. Potassium regulates blood flow in our blood vessels and helps us balance our blood pressure. It also strengthens our heart health and helps build muscles in our body. Oranges also contain calcium – a mineral essential for strong bones. A medium-sized orange could have 50-60 mg of calcium which covers 4%-5% daily need of the mineral.

Oranges also contain magnesium and phosphorus. Magnesium is good for our bone health, mood elevation, sleep cycle, migration, brain function, etc while Phosphorus helps us release energy from cells, create proteins, repair cells, and protect our kidneys. Apart from these minerals, oranges also contain trace amounts of iron, zinc, selenium, copper, etc.

11. Oranges: Health Benefits

As oranges are low in calories and fat and high in fiber and other essential minerals, they provide some amazing health benefits. The dietary fiber in the orange could help us in managing our weight. The fiber also helps with our digestion. The fiber also prevents the sudden glucose spike in our blood. Also, as oranges have a low glycemic index, they help manage our diabetes.

Consuming oranges alongside other fruits is considered a good wellness habit. Orange pulp can be consumed raw or one can be made into juice. Orange juice is considered a ‘Super Drink’. Even though orange pulps and juice are sweet, consuming them in moderation may not increase the sugar levels too much. However, the oranges still carry carbohydrates and natural sugar which have calories and can have adverse effects on existing diabetes. So, moderation in consuming oranges is advised.

Oranges also contain a certain water-soluble fiber called pectin that helps lower the bad cholesterol in our blood. Pectin binds itself with the cholesterol and prevents it from getting into the bloodstream. Oranges also have another plant compound – phytosterol – which also lowers the cholesterol level in the blood. It is a plant-based fat that prevents cholesterol from getting into the bloodstream. For this, orange is also good for our heart health. Daily consumption of this citrus fruit may aid in the prevention of heart attacks. It is also good for increasing the blood flow in our blood vessels and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

As mentioned earlier, oranges have loads of Vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Consumption of this citrus fruit may boost our overall immunity and protect us from seasonal flu and various viral & bacterial infections. The antioxidants remove harmful free radicals in our bodies and prevent cell damage. The cell damage of these free radicals may lead to cancer. Regular and moderate consumption of oranges may lower the chances of contracting cancer. Oranges are also good for our renal system. The citrate or citric acid present in the orange prevents the formation of stones in the kidney.

Orange is also amazing for our liver health. It helps detox our liver and rid our body of harmful pollutants. Orange is also good for our eyesight. It helps prevent eye infections and boost our vision. It may also aid in our mood elevation and help us with our depression. This citrus fruit may also assist with normal brain functions.

A Word of Caution

Oranges - Caution — Imae Credit: iken3.com

Overall, orange has some amazing health benefits and regular consumption of this citrus fruit may provide us with loads of health benefits. However, one must not overconsume this fruit as the overconsumption may lead to unwanted health hazards. As mentioned earlier, oranges contain carbohydrates and natural sugar. So they may spike blood sugar in diabetic people if consumed in huge quantities. Too much consumption of this citrus fruit may also interfere with blood thinning medication. Overconsumption of this citrus fruit may also cause stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting, nausea, etc, and may also damage our kidneys.

Also orange, no matter how beneficial it is, can not replace the medication and modern medical procedures. So, in case of any medical emergency, one must go to a health professional or a doctor.

**This article is only for information purposes. It does not provide any medical information. Do not make your critical decision based solely on the information provided in this article. In case of a medical emergency please contact a medical professional or a doctor.

Oranges: 11 Incredible Facts About This Tangy Citrus Fruit

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