OUR FRUITS | ORANGE

ORIGIN & PRODUCTION

One of the earliest mentions of oranges is in a Chinese medical book called the Chraka-Samita; that is more than 2,200 years-old, for it was in the Oriental mountain ranges of Asia that the fruit was first cultivated. Before being introduced in Europe, oranges were grown in North Africa.

Now they are grown in Spain, the North African countries, Israel, Italy, South Africa and in the United States, depending on the season.

The Orange is the second-most consumed fruit in France, behind the apple and ahead of the banana.

DESCRIPTION & APPEARANCE

Round and orange in colour, the fruit weighs an average of 200 grams. Oranges for eating are generally larger than those used for juice.

NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
& PREPARATION

Like most citrus fruit, oranges are acidic, but their flavour is determined primarily by the proportions of acidic, sweet and bitter compounds. Their taste evolves as the harvests progress; they will be more likely to be sweet and acidic (rather than bitter) at the end of the harvests than at the beginning.

They are usually consumed fresh and are very popular juiced. Due to their versatility, oranges are considered to be a basic ingredient in the kitchen, where they are used in meat, fish and vegetable dishes, and in pastries and desserts. They are also used to make jams and marmalades, and as a flavouring in some alcoholic beverages. Basically, there is something orange-flavoured for all tastes!

Available in the winter, oranges provide an excellent source of vitamin C. Just one orange contains almost the entire recommended daily amount, and helps combat fatigue. Furthermore, they are a source of vitamin B9 (folic acid) and selenium, which can help to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Rich in magnesium and fibre, oranges can also help prevent diabetes, improve athletic performance and help the intestines combat infectious bacteria.

The orange has a bright future…

VARIETY AT TOTAL PRODUCE INDIGO

There are many different varieties, which can be divided into two categories: sweet oranges and blood oranges. There are also oranges for eating and oranges for juice.

TOTAL PRODUCE INDIGO imports sweet oranges, which are the most well-known and widely sold on the market. In terms of varieties, we import Valencia and Navel.