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Orange Facts

Orange Facts
Orange is a citrus fruit that belongs to the family Rutaceae. There are over 600 varieties of orange trees that can be found in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Oranges originate from Southeast Asia. Cultivation of oranges started 2500 years BC. Oranges were introduced to Europe in 15th century, and soon afterwards (late 15th and early 16th century), they were shipped to the South America which became the greatest manufacturer of oranges in the world. Oranges are very popular and healthy fruit. Besides being used in human diet, oranges are used in the industry of perfumes and cosmetics.
Interesting Orange Facts:
Orange tree is evergreen plant that can reach 30 to 33 feet in height, with a crown that can reach 20 feet in diameter.
Leaves are oval in shape. They have fine, rounded teeth on the edges. Leaves are alternately arranged on the branches.
Flower of the orange tree is white in color and it blossoms in spring.
Botanically speaking, fruit of orange tree belongs to the group of berries. It has peel on the surface which protects juicy flesh in the middle of the fruit. Flesh is usually divided in 10 segments. Size and sweetness of the fruit as well as the color of the peel and flesh depend on variety.
Orange tree rarely reproduces via seed. It is usually propagated by grafting.
Almost 70 million tons of oranges are produced each year. Brazil is the largest producer of oranges. One third of commercially available oranges originate from Brazil.
Oranges are rich source of vitamin C, vitamins of the B group and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
Oranges can be consumed raw, in the form of juices, marmalade or as a part of various desserts. 85% of globally produced oranges are converted into orange juice which is often served with breakfast in the western societies.
Due to high content of vitamin C, orange can improve immune system, facilitate absorption of the iron and accelerate wound healing.
Orange peel contains fragrant oils that are used in the aromatherapy and industry of perfumes. Flower of the orange tree is used for the same purposes.
Petals of the flowers are used for the production of the orange flower water. This liquid is often used as flavor for desserts and baking goods in the Middle East cuisine.
Orange peel contains chemicals which repel pests such as slugs. Because of that, sliced orange peel can be used as natural pesticide in gardens.
Dried leaves and flowers of orange tree can be used for the preparation of tea. Peel of bergamot orange is used for flavoring Earl Grey tea.
Sticks made of orange wood are used for pedicure and manicure.
Orange tree can survive up to 50 years under appropriate climate conditions.


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