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Citrus Fruits
Produced almost all over the world, Citrus Fruits are an important family of fruit that provides a lot of health benefits. These fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid. Apart from Vitamin C, Citrus Fruits also contain other essential Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. Balanced consumption of citrus fruits is an excellent wellness habit that may provide us with many health benefits. Citrus fruits may help us boost our overall immunity and fight off various lifestyle diseases.
Citrus Fruits are tropical and sub-tropical fruits and are most probably native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and China. The plants of these Fruits belong to the ‘Rutaceae’ flowering plant. These plants can be short to medium-sized shrubs and trees and can have woody stems. Citrus fruits are modified berries that have tough outer skin or rind. Inside the fruit may have a layer of soft and transparent edible skin. The inside of the fruits can be separated into various chambers that may contain juicy pulp.
Generally, these fruits can be spherical, roundish-elongated, and roundish-oblong in shape. The juice of these fruits may be acidic and can have sour, bitter-sour, bitter-sweet, and sweet taste. In this article, we are going to talk about 5 such citrus fruits that are popular across the globe and are cultivated throughout the world.
1. Oranges
Oranges are one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world. Oranges belong to the Rutaceae family of plants. They are the hybrids of two other citrus fruits – Mandarin (Citrus Reticulata) and Pomelo (Citrus Maxima). Although there exist other ‘orange fruits’ that belong to the different species of Rutaceae family, the most common orange fruit that we consume and is sold across the world market, is known as ‘Sweet Orange’ or ‘Common Orange’. This particular orange species is scientifically known as ‘Citrus Sinensis’. There can be other sub-species of the Sweet Orange like Blood Orange, Navel Orange.
It is believed that oranges originated from the Southwest and Southeast Asian regions encompassing the Himalayan mountain range. Oranges are generally roundish in shape and have thick orange color outer skin. The inside of the fruit is divided into several sickle-shaped chambers with transparent edible skin and juicy pulp. Generally, the pulp and juice have an orange hue to it. However, some oranges can have different colors, such as Blood Oranges which have crimson color pulp. When fully ripened, most orange species, such as Sweet Oranges or Common Oranges, Tangerine, Mandarin, Navel Oranges, Blood Oranges, etc, have a sweet to sour-sweet taste. Some orange species, such as Bitter Oranges, may have a sour taste.
Oranges have a meager calorie count and have loads of dietary fiber and other essential nutrients. Oranges have carbohydrates and some protein but they do not contain any fat. This citrus fruit is one of the best sources of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. A medium-sized orange contains the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is instrumental in boosting our overall immunity and contributes to the healing of cuts and bruises. Vitamin C may also protect cells from getting damaged by free radicals. Apart from Vitamin C, oranges also contain Vitamin A, B1, and B9.
Oranges have lots of potassium and calcium that provide many health benefits. While calcium contributes to stronger bones, potassium regulates our blood pressure and helps maintain electrolyte balance in our body. Apart from these two minerals, this citrus fruit also has other important minerals such as phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, zinc, etc. Oranges also contain some very important antioxidants such as lycopene, hesperidin, beta-cryptoxanthin, carotenes, etc. Blood oranges, apart from these antioxidants, contain anthocyanin that gives the Blood orange a crimson hue.
Oranges are generally consumed as raw fruit. Its juice can also be processed and used in various foods and beverages. Although, eating raw orange pulp and juice is the best way to consume it. The orange outer skin also has many uses as a natural skincare substance. Its extracts can also be used as a taste and aromatic inducer in various processed foods and beverages.
However, besides being a delicious and flavorful fruit, oranges have numerous health benefits. Consuming oranges may help us with our digestion and weight management. The vitamins and antioxidants present in this citrus fruit may help us with various lifestyle diseases. Eating oranges may help us fight type-2 diabetes, various types of cancers, inflammation, etc. Oranges may be beneficial in maintaining blood pressure, boosting eyesight, reducing bad cholesterol, and boosting our overall heart health. All in all, this citrus fruit is a super fruit and should be a part of our daily diet.
2. Lemon
Lemon is another popular citrus fruit and, just like, oranges, it belongs to the Rutaceae family of evergreen flowering plants. Scientifically known as Citrus Limon, this fruit has a roundish oblong shape, is smaller than the oranges, and is yellow when fully ripened. This citrus fruit is native to Eastern parts of India, Southern China, and Northern parts of Myanmar. In modern times, it is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. India, Mexico, and China are the top three lemon-producing countries in the world.
As mentioned earlier, Lemon is roundish oblong in shape. It has thick and yellow outer skin. The inner portion of this citrus fruit is covered in a white, soft, squashy, and edible layer of skin. The inside of the fruit is separated into several chambers by the thin layer of the above-mentioned inner skin. The inside of the lemon has an off-white-yellowish hue and is full of juicy pulp. The juice of this citrus fruit can be sour-sweet to bitter-sweet. The juice of the lemon is used in various forms in various deserts, foods, and beverages.
In warm temperate areas, lemon juice is used to make cool beverages such as lemonade. The lemon juice can also be added to warm drinks such as green tea. The juice is also used in various dishes as a taste and aromatic enhancer and adds a tangy refreshing flavor to the food. It is also used as a homemade natural preservative to extend the shelf life of various foods such as pickles, kimchi, etc. The processed lemon juice is used to enhance the taste of various food items such as desserts, pies, cakes, toffies, yogurt, etc.
Lemon, just like other citrus fruits, is a great source of Vitamin C. Apart from Vitamin C, it also contains many other essential Vitamins such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, D, etc. This citrus fruit is a good source of potassium which can be essential in managing blood pressure. It also contains several other important minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium, etc. Lemon also has some very important antioxidants such as Eriocitrin, flavonoids, anthocyanin, limonoids, hesperidin, kaempferol, etc.
These antioxidants, along with Vitamin C or ascorbic acid which itself is an antioxidant, rid our bodies of free radicals and repair damaged cells. These antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, play an important part in the healing of external cuts and bruises. They also boost our overall immunity and protect us from various viral and bacterial infections.
The nutrients present in lemon may help us in fighting various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart attack, etc. As mentioned earlier, potassium in lemon helps us manage our blood pressure. The fiber present in the lemon can aid us in managing our weight and regulating glucose levels in our blood. Lemon also has a salt called Citrate which prevents the formation of stones in our kidneys. Overall, Lemon is another super citrus fruit and comes with innumerable health benefits.
3. Grapefruit
Scientifically known as Citrus Paradisi, Grapefruit is an interesting citrus fruit as it is believed to be the youngest of the citrus fruit. Scientists believe that Grapefruit originated 300-400 years ago in the islands of the Caribbean. This citrus fruit is another hybrid that is created due to a cross between Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis) and Pomelo or Shaddok (Citrus Maxima). Grapefruit trees are woody flowering plants that can grow up to 7 meters. As Grapefruit grows in bunches like ‘grapes’, it is named ‘Grapefruit’.
Grapefruit has a roundish oblong shape and can be green to yellowish-green before it ripens. Once it ripens, it may look similar to the Sweet Oranges. However, unlike Sweet Oranges, it tastes bitter-sweet to sour-sweet as it have a more acidic content. Its thick outer skin may have a yellow or orange tinge to it. The inside of the fruit is protected by a transparent edible layer of skin and is separated into different sickle-shaped chambers. Depending on the varieties of the Grapefruit, the pulp of the fruit can be whitish, yellowish, or pinkish. The more redder the pulp, the sweeter it tastes.
Grapefruit is best consumed raw with pulp which will provide all the nutrients including the fiber. The pulp can be mixed with salt, sugar, and other spices to enhance the taste. The Grapefruit juice is also very healthy and tasty and can be consumed raw. Grapefruit pulps can also be added to a salad to enhance its taste. The processed juice of the Grapefruit is used in various desserts, foods, and beverages. In various culinary traditions, Grapefruit juice is used in cooking as a taste and aromatic multiplier. The sweet-sour taste of Grapefruit juice balances the flavor and adds a tanginess to the food.
Grapefruit is loaded with fibers, Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fiber in the Grapefruit may help us manage our hunger and aid in weight loss. The fiber also assists in regulating the blood sugar level. Just like other citrus fruits, the Grapefruit is also a good source of Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C. Vitamin C repairs cell damage, heals cuts and bruises, and boosts our overall immunity. Grapefruit also has various other antioxidants such as Lycopene, various flavonoids, carotenoids, etc. Lycopene gives the Grapefruit pulp its pinkish hue. These antioxidants help us to get rid of free radicals that damage our cells and lower the probability of having various lifestyle diseases.
Consuming Grapefruit regularly may help us prevent various types of cancers. Grapefruit may prove helpful in managing type-2 diabetes. This citrus fruit may also help prevent the formation of stones in the kidney. Apart from Vitamins and antioxidants, Grapefruit is loaded with potassium which plays an important part in lowering blood pressure. Potassium is also helpful in propping up overall heart health and preventing heart attacks. This citrus fruit also has various other essential minerals such as potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Overall, Grapefruit is an important citrus fruit that is flavorful, tangy, and tasty and it provides us with loads of health benefits.
4. Sweet Lime or Sweet Lemon
Scientifically known as Citrus Limetta, Sweet Lime or Sweet Lemon is a tropical citrus fruit that is native to tropical and sub-tropical Asia. There can be some other varieties of this citrus fruit that are grown in other tropical and sub-tropical areas, like the Mediterranean basin, Middle-East Asia, etc. The Sweet Lime tree is a woody, small to mid-size plant that can grow up to 8 meters. The plant has thorny branches, white flowers, and fragrant leaves that smell like the fruit itself. This citrus fruit is round to oval in shape and has a thick outer skin which is green in color and turns to yellowish-green after the fruit ripens.
The inside of the fruit has a transparent layer of edible skin that surrounds and separates the pulp into different segments. The pulp generally has a yellow hue and tastes sour-sweet to sweet when fully ripened. Sweet lime is consumed raw or as juice. The juice of Sweet lime has been extensively used in various culinary traditions to enhance the taste of the food. It is also added to salad due to its distinct aroma and tangy taste. The juice is also used as a natural preserver to make pickles, sweet and sour sauce, spiced jams, and jelly.
Sweet Lime or Sweet Lemon contains some very important nutrients that help us boost our health and fight various lifestyle diseases. It is less in calories and is packed with fibers, carbohydrates, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, etc. Just like other citrus fruits in this list, Sweet Lime is also a great source of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid. This citrus fruit also contains a decent amount of Vitamin A, and B9, and a trace amount of Vitamin E, B1, B6, etc. Apart from Ascorbic acid, Sweet Lime also contains some important antioxidants such as flavonoids, limonoids, beta-carotene, kaempferol, etc. It also has a load of potassium and other important minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, etc.
Consuming Sweet Lime/Lemon can be extremely beneficial. Regular and balanced consumption of this fruit may increase our overall immunity. Drinking the juice of this citrus fruit helps us stay hydrated. It also balances the electrolytes and detoxes our body. The dietary fiber present in this citrus fruit helps digestion and may relieve constipation. The fiber present in this fruit may also help us manage our weight. Regular and balanced consumption of Sweet Lime may lower the glucose level in the blood and aid in our fight against type-2 diabetes. The potassium present in this citrus fruit helps lower the blood pressure. It also helps prevent stone formation in the kidneys.
The antioxidants present in Sweet Lime help our bodies to rid of free radicals which may form due to cell metabolism, pollution, or unhealthy life choices. These antioxidants prevent cell damage, repair the damaged cells, check uncontrolled and unusual cell growth, and lower the probability of developing various cancers and malignant tumors. Consumption of Sweet Lime is also linked with the reduction of bad cholesterol in our bloodstream and with the improvement of our overall heart health. It may also lower the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
In conclusion, Sweet Lime or Sweet Lemon is another super citrus fruit that enhances our test buds with its sweet and sour tangy taste while improving our overall health.
5. Kumquat
Scientifically known as Citrus Japonica, Kumquat is an interesting citrus fruit that grows in small woody plants also called shrubs. The Kumquat plant can grow up to 3-4 meters and has a bushy structure with homogeneous branches coming out of a woody stem. The branches are throneless and it grows evergreen leaves. The fruit itself is small in size and has a round to oval shape. It looks like an olive or small Roma tomato. Upon fully ripening, the skin gets an orange hue and develops an aroma that is similar to an orange.
Kumquat is native to Eastern Asia, China, and Japan and is grown in many parts of sub-tropical Asia. ‘Kumquat’ means ‘Golden Orange’ in the Cantonese language. One of the interesting features of this citrus fruit is that it is the only citrus fruit in this list that has an edible outer skin. As this citrus fruit has an edible skin, The fruit can be consumed whole and it tastes bitter-sweet to sour-sweet with a bit of tanginess and acidic savor. The pulp also has an orange hue and is segmented into 4-5 different chambers with a thin layer of edible transparent inner skin or endocarp, surrounding the juicy tart pulp and 2-4 seeds.
The first written mention of Kumquat can be found in the 12th century and it was introduced to Europe and in USA in mid 19th century. Kumquat can have different sub-species such as Jiangsu, Meiwa, Nagami, Maruma, etc. This citrus fruit has been part of the cuisines of Eastern Asia for centuries. Apart from being eaten raw, the tart juice of Kumquat is used to enhance the taste and aroma of various dishes. The juice is also used as a natural preservative and as a seasoning. This citrus fruit is also extensively used to make jams, jelly, pickles, sauce, etc.
Kumquat provides some amazing health benefits as it is loaded with essential nutrients. This citrus fruit is a great source of Vitamin C. It also contains some other essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, E, B1, B2, B6, etc. This fruit is a good source of various important minerals. Kumquat is packed with potassium. Other than potassium, this citrus fruit also contains sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, etc. Kumquat, including its edible outer skin, is an amazing source of various important antioxidants such as various flavonoids, limonene, phytosterol, etc.
Consuming Kumquat can provide some amazing health benefits. The fruit is loaded with dietary fibers and has a high percentage of water content. The dietary fibers help us manage our weight, aid in our digestion, and assist in regulating our blood sugar levels. The water content, along with various minerals hydrates our bodies and balances the electrolyte contents. This fruit is very good for our heart health. The phytosterol present in Kumquat lowers the LDL cholesterol levels in our bloodstream. The potassium present in this citrus fruit lowers the blood pressure. The Vitamin C and other antioxidants present in Kumquat rid our bodies of free radicals, repair damaged cells, heal cuts and bruises, and boost our overall immunity.
All in all, Kumquat is a tangy, tasty, and delicious citrus fruit that comes with some amazing health benefits and should be a permanent part of our daily diets.
Not An Exhaustive List and Some Caution to Note
Of course, there are some other important citrus fruits that are not part of this list such as Lime, Pomelo, Key Lime, Bergamot Orange, Tangelo, Buddha’s Hand, etc. Many of these citrus fruits are popular and almost all of them provide amazing health benefits. Out of all this, Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medical) is a unique citrus fruit that has an unusual shape. This citrus fruit has a greenish-yellow hue and, from the origin point of the branch, this fruit is divided into finger-like segments, resembling a hand-like construct.
Consuming citrus fruits is good for health but a balanced approach is required. Consuming too much of these fruits may lead to unwanted health hazards. These citrus fruits have lots of acidic content which negatively affects the enamel of our teeth. Potassium present in these citrus fruits lowers our blood pressure. So, people who have low blood pressure may need to be cautious before consuming too much of these fruits. Also, most of these citrus fruits, especially the sweet ones, do contain carbohydrates and granular sugar which might spike the sugar level for diabetic people. Again, people with special medical conditions should consult a doctor if they face issues while consuming citrus fruits.
All in all, Citrus fruits are amazing fruits that provide a lot of health benefits but they have to be consumed in moderation. Barring that, consuming citrus fruits is an essential wellness habit.
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*This article is for informational purposes only. Do not make your decisions based solely on the information provided in this article. In case of a medical emergency, consult a medical professional or a doctor.
