Orange

An orange is a fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae, primarily refers to Citrus sinensis, which is also called sweet orange, to distinguish it from the related Citrus aurantium, referred to as bitter orange. The sweet orange reproduces asexually (apomixis through nucellar embryony); varieties of sweet orange arise through mutations.

Orange


About mandarin oranges

  • Calories: 66
  • Water: 86% by weight
  • Protein: 1.3 grams
  • Carbs: 14.8 grams
  • Sugar: 12 grams
  • Fiber: 2.8 grams
  • Fat: 0.2 grams
  • Vitamin C: 92% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Folate: 9% of the DV
  • Calcium: 5% of the DV
  • Potassium: 5% of the DV

High in beneficial plant compounds

Flavonoids
  • Hesperidin. A citrus flavonoid that’s one of the main antioxidants in oranges, hesperidin may have blood pressure-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in the body (9Trusted Source).
  • Naringenin. Naringenin is another citrus flavonoid that has been linked to health benefits. Drinking naringenin-rich orange juice may help improve blood vessel function and enhance antioxidant defenses in the body (10Trusted Source). 
Carotenoids
All citrus fruits are high in carotenoid antioxidants, which are responsible for their rich orange, red, and yellow colors.
  • Beta-cryptoxanthin. This compound acts as an antioxidant in the body, protecting cells against oxidative damage. In addition, your body can convert beta-cryptoxanthin into the active form of vitamin A (12Trusted Source).
  • Lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in high amounts in red-fleshed navel oranges (Cara Cara oranges). It has various health benefits, and getting enough in your diet may help protect you against heart disease (13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
Vitamin C
Health benefits of oranges
Anemia prevention: Consuming vitamin-C-rich foods may help prevent anemia, a condition that occurs when your body lacks adequate amounts of the mineral iron.
Adverse effects

The orange is a hybrid between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata). The chloroplast genome, and therefore the maternal line, is that of pomelo. The sweet orange has had its full genome sequenced.

Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. now grown in many areas around the world, including the United States, Mexico, and Spain (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

The fruit of the orange tree can be eaten fresh, or processed for its juice or fragrant peel.

All citrus trees belong to the single genus Citrus and remain almost entirely interfertile. This includes grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges, and various other types and hybrids. As the interfertility of oranges and other citrus has produced numerous hybrids and cultivars, and bud mutations have also been selected, citrus taxonomy is fairly controversial, confusing or inconsistent. The fruit of any citrus tree is considered a hesperidium, a kind of modified berry; it is covered by a rind originated by a rugged thickening of the ovary wall.

It is possible to grow orange trees directly from seeds, but they may be infertile or produce fruit that may be different from its parent. For the seed of a commercial orange to grow, it must be kept moist at all times. One approach is placing the seeds between two sheets of damp paper towel until they germinate and then planting them, although many cultivators just set the seeds straight into the soil.

Commercially grown orange trees are propagated asexually by grafting a mature cultivar onto a suitable seedling rootstock to ensure the same yield, identical fruit characteristics, and resistance to diseases throughout the years. Propagation involves two stages: first, a rootstock is grown from seed. Then, when it is approximately one year old, the leafy top is cut off and a bud taken from a specific scion variety, is grafted into its bark. The scion is what determines the variety of orange, while the rootstock makes the tree resistant to pests and diseases and adaptable to specific soil and climatic conditions. Thus, rootstocks influence the rate of growth and have an effect on fruit yield and quality.

Rootstocks must be compatible with the variety inserted into them because otherwise, the tree may decline, be less productive, or die.

 

Harvest

Canopy-shaking mechanical harvesters are being used increasingly in Florida to harvest oranges. Current canopy shaker machines use a series of six-to-seven-foot-long tines to shake the tree canopy at a relatively constant stroke and frequency.

Normally, oranges are picked once they are pale orange.

 

Storage

Commercially, oranges can be stored by refrigeration in controlled-atmosphere chambers for up to twelve weeks after harvest. Storage life ultimately depends on cultivar, maturity, pre-harvest conditions, and handling. In stores and markets, however, oranges should be displayed on non-refrigerated shelves.

 

Products

Oranges, whose flavor may vary from sweet to sour, are commonly peeled and eaten fresh or squeezed for juice. 

The thick bitter rind is usually discarded, but can be processed into animal feed by desiccation, using pressure and heat. It also is used in certain recipes as a food flavoring or garnish. The outermost layer of the rind can be thinly grated with a zester to produce orange zest. Zest is popular in cooking because it contains oils and has a strong flavor similar to that of the orange pulp. The white part of the rind, including the pith, is a source of pectin and has nearly the same amount of vitamin C as the flesh and other nutrients.

Although not as juicy or tasty as the flesh, orange peel is edible and has significant contents of vitamin C, dietary fiber, total polyphenols, carotenoids, limonene and dietary minerals, such as potassium and magnesium.

 

Mandarins are citrus fruits that belong to the botanical family Rutaceae. They are smaller and sweeter than oranges, slightly flatter, and with a thinner, looser skin that is easy to peel.

People in the United States often use the terms mandarin and tangerine interchangeably. However, tangerines are a type of mandarin, but not all mandarins are tangerines – there are different varieties.

Tangerines are larger and flatter in shape with an uneven ‘pebbly’ textured skin.

There are many different mandarin orange varieties, including Chinese honey mandarin, Satsuma, and clementine. Additionally, mandarin orange hybrids include tangelo and tangor.

Satsuma mandarins are a specific type of mandarin orange originating in Japan over 700 years ago. They are sweet, tender, and seedless, and more difficult for people to find fresh in stores.

Mandarins vary in color from bright orange to a deep reddish-orange. Their peel pulls away from the flesh quickly, allowing people to segment the orange into individual pieces without any difficulty.

Mandarin oranges vary in color and flavor. They are easy to peel and last for 1–2 weeks in a cool place. People can also keep them for longer in the refrigerator or freezer.

 

Jar of orange marmalade

Orange juice is obtained by squeezing the fruit on a special tool (a juicer or squeezer) and collecting the juice in a tray underneath. This can be made at home or, on a much larger scale, industrially. Brazil is the largest producer of orange juice in the world, followed by the United States, where it is one of the commodities traded on the New York Board of Trade. Frozen orange juice concentrate is made from freshly squeezed and filtered orange juice.

Sweet orange oil is a by-product of the juice industry produced by pressing the peel. It is used for flavoring food and drinks and also in the perfume industry and aromatherapy for its fragrance. Sweet orange oil consists of approximately 90% D-limonene, a solvent used in various household chemicals, such as wood conditioners for furniture and—along with other citrus oils—detergents and hand cleansers. It is an efficient cleaning agent with a pleasant smell, promoted for being environmentally friendly and therefore, preferable to petrochemicals. D-limonene is, however, classified as irritating to the skin and as very toxic to aquatic life in different countries

 

Nutrients

Aproximate nutritional breakdown for 1 orange (140 grams) (3Trusted Source):

Like most fruits, oranges mainly comprise carbs and water, contain very little protein and fat, and are relatively low in calories.

SUMMARY

Oranges are a good source of fiber and a rich source of vitamin C and folate, among many other beneficial nutrients.

 

Oranges are an excellent source of various bioactive plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These include flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C.

Oranges are packed with phenolic compounds — especially flavonoids, which contribute to most of their antioxidant properties.

A study found that drinking fresh orange juice helped increase skin carotenoid levels, which are good indicators of total antioxidant status of the body (11Trusted Source).

Vitamin C is one of the most well-known and well-researched antioxidants.

It’s essential to maintain optimal intakes of vitamin-C-rich foods and beverages like oranges. Higher dietary intake and blood concentrations of vitamin C have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and death from all causes (16Trusted Source).

Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

Boosting the immune system: Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties.

This nutrient is critical to the function of immune cells like natural killer cells. It’s likewise necessary for a process called apoptosis, in which old, damaged cells die, then are cleared out and replaced with new healthy cells (26Trusted Source).

 

Reducing the risk of heart disease: The fiber and antioxidants in oranges may help reduce the risk of heart disease. (16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).

Lowering blood pressure: The potassium in oranges can help lower blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Reducing the risk of kidney stones: Oranges are a good source of citric acid, which can help reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Improving digestion: Fiber is another nutrient provided by oranges that can help promote improve digestion and reduce the risk of constipation.. Your body needs fiber to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which influence immune system development and function (28Trusted Source).

Reducing the risk of cancer: The antioxidants in oranges may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and lung cancer.

Improving skin health: The vitamin C in oranges can help improve the health and appearance of the skin by promoting collagen production.

Although oranges are not a good source of iron, they’re an excellent source of vitamin C, which enhances your body’s ability to absorb iron (7Trusted Source).

What’s more, diets high in fruits, including citrus fruits, may help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes (24Trusted Source).

 

Overall, oranges are a healthy choice that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

(4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

 

Folate is a B vitamin that plays a role in metabolism, fetal and placental development, and many other important processes (8Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Oranges are a rich source of several plant compounds that may be responsible for many of their health benefits.

Oranges don’t have many known adverse effects.

Although rare, orange allergies do exist. If you’re allergic to oranges, you should avoid eating oranges or drinking orange juice (30Trusted Source).

For people with gastroesophageal reflux disease may experience increase in symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. Eating oranges can make symptoms worse. This is because oranges contain organic acids, mainly citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) (31Trusted Source).


SUMMARY

Some people are allergic to oranges, and their acidity may increase the symptoms of heartburn. However, oranges pose few health risks overall.

 

If you’re looking for ways to include oranges into your diet;

(Try This Today)

Try scattering orange slices into your favorite salad. Their sweet taste pairs well with savory salad ingredients like fish, chicken, nuts, and cheese.


Frequentl Asked Questions:

Q. What are the benefits of orange fruit?

Ans. Health Benefits of Oranges

Protects your cells from damage.

Helps your body make collagen, a protein that heals wounds and gives you smoother skin.

Makes it easier to absorb iron to fight anemia.

Boosts your immune system, your body's defense against germs.


Q. Is it good to eat oranges every day?

Ans. The fibre content in oranges can affect digestion, trigger abdominal cramps, and lead to diarrhoea; but eating one orange a day can boost your immunity, improve the appearance of your skin, maintain your vision, prevent heart-related diseases, reduce the development of ulcers in the stomach, prevent loss of hair, and many more..


Q. What are 5 orange benefits?

Ans. The benefits of oranges can be attributed to their nutrients. They can promote weight loss, delay signs of aging, and promote heart and eye health. Oranges also boost immunity, reduce cancer risk, aid in treating diabetes, anemia, and polycystic ovary syndrome, and help reduce kidney stone risk.


Q. What are the side effects of orange?

Ans. If one starts to eat 4-5 oranges every day, it can lead to overconsumption of fibre. This can cause an upset stomach, cramping, diarrhoea, bloating and nausea. Excessive intake of vitamin C can lead to heartburn, vomiting, insomnia and heart attack, as per reports.


Q. What is the best time to eat orange?

Ans. The morning is the best time of day to eat oranges.

To assimilate all the nutrients of oranges — and this also applies to all other fruits — it is best to eat them on an empty stomach, i.e., in the morning for breakfast, after resting or fasting overnight, or as a snack between main meals.


Q. Is orange healthier or Apple?

Ans. Apples vs oranges

A clear winner comes forth if you're trying to boost your immune system before the winter hits. While apples contain more fiber, an important nutrient that aids in healthy digestion and lowering cholesterol, oranges provide more vitamins and minerals including the ever-powerful vitamin C.


Q. Can I eat orange on empty stomach?

Ans. Eating citrus fruits on an empty stomach may increase acid production. Moreover, too much fiber and fructose in fruits can also make slow down your digestive system if eaten on an empty stomach. You should especially avoid eating fruits with tough fibers like guava and oranges early morning.


Q. Are oranges high in sugar?

Ans. Oranges are another great sweet snack you can enjoy without consuming many calories or much sugar. They're also a good way to boost your vitamin C intake. A typical navel orange has nearly 14 grams of sugar and about 77 calories.


Q. Is orange good at night?

Ans. Acidic foods like oranges and grapefruits can trigger heartburn and acid reflux, which can keep you up all night


Q. Is orange good for diabetes?

Ans. If you have diabetes, eating a variety of fruits — including oranges — is good for your health. Whole oranges may keep your blood sugar levels steady due to their low GI, fiber content, and other nutrients.


Q. How do oranges affect your brain?

Ans. Flavonoids may reduce inflammation and maintain or improve blood flow to the brain which could have positive effects on cognition. A clinical study in healthy older adults reported that adults who consumed 100% orange juice scored better on combined tests for global cognitive function compared to the control group.


Q. Do oranges have vitamin D?

Ans. While there is no vitamin D in oranges, many orange juices are fortified with vitamin D (and often calcium—as the two nutrients work hand-in-hand), and that's a good option for getting some vitamin D in your diet.


Q. Which fruit is best to eat empty stomach?

Ans. Empty stomach in the morning.

Some of the best fruits to eat first thing in the morning are watermelon, papayas, guavas, mangoes, pomegranates, and bananas.


Q. Is orange healthier than banana?

Ans. NuVal rates foods from 1 to 100, with 100 being the most nutritious. Oranges have a perfect score of 100, earning more credit that apples (96) and bananas (91) due to high concentrations of vitamin C, fiber, calcium, folate, bioflavonoids and carotenoids.


Q. Which fruit is better than orange?

Ans. Another fruit that packs in more vitamin C than an orange is pineapple. Having pineapple in any form can help boost your daily required amount of vitamin C. One cup of chopped pineapple pieces contains about 79 mg of vitamin C.


Q. Can we drink water before eating orange?

Ans. You should avoid having water for 30 minutes especially after having fruits like orange, kinnow, watermelon, papaya, muskmelon, pineapple, strawberry, mango and cucumber.


Q. When we should not eat orange?

Ans. Oranges are a vitamin-packed and healthy food, but moderation is key. They have a high concentration of acid, which can be irritating to the stomach, especially if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Oranges are high in potassium, so if you're on beta-blockers, eating too many can lead to kidney damage.


Readers reference:

Healthline: "Oranges 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits" - This blog post provides an overview of the nutritional benefits of oranges and how they can contribute to a healthy diet.

The Spruce Eats: "Orange Fruit Profile" - This blog post offers a comprehensive look at the orange fruit, including its history, varieties, and culinary uses.

FruitStand: "The Ultimate Guide to Oranges: Varieties, Nutrition, Recipes & More" - This blog post delves into the different varieties of oranges and provides information about their nutritional content and culinary uses.

California Citrus Mutual: "All About Oranges" - This blog post is a detailed guide to oranges, including their history, production, and health benefits.

Love and Lemons: "Orange Recipes" - This blog post offers a variety of recipes featuring oranges, from salads and smoothies to cakes and cocktails.