Oranges

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Oranges are round citrus fruits with a fine-textured peel, of course orange in color, as well as their inside. The size of oranges usually varies from about two to three inches in diameter.

Oranges originated thousands of years ago in Asia, in the region south of China to Indonesia, from where they are distributed in India. They were not cultivated in the Middle East until the 9th century. Sweet oranges were imported into Europe around the 15th century by various groups, such as Moors, Portuguese and Italian merchants.

Orange trees began to be grown in the Caribbean in the late 15th century, after Christopher Columbus carried their seeds there during his second voyage to the New World. Spanish explorers brought oranges to Florida in the 16th century, while Spanish missionaries imported them to California in the 18th century and began growing these citrus fruits in the two states widely known for their oranges. Currently, the countries that are some of the largest producers and traders of oranges are the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, China and Israel.

Composition of oranges

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber. These fruits are also a good source of B vitamins, including vitamin B1 and folate, as well as vitamin A, calcium and potassium. 131 g of oranges contain 61.57 calories and 1.23 g of protein.

About 170 phytochemical elements as well as about 20 carotenoic acid compounds have been found in oranges.

Types of oranges

Oranges are generally classified into two categories - sweet and bitter. Popular varieties of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) include Valencia, Navel and Jaffa - a type of large orange, as well as red oranges - hybrid species that are smaller in size, more fragrant and have red hues. Bitter oranges (Citrus aurantium) are often used to make jam or marmalade, and serve as an essence for liqueurs such as Grand Marnier and Cointreau.

Selection and storage of oranges

Oranges they do not need to have a bright orange color to be of good quality. In fact, the saturated color of non-organic oranges may be due to their injection of artificial dyes into their skins. It is necessary to avoid those fruits that have soft spots or traces of mold. And since oranges are among the foods most common with pesticide residues, it is necessary to buy organic oranges whenever possible. It is also necessary to choose oranges that have a smooth textured rind and are hard and heavy for their size. For the best antioxidant effect, you should buy fully ripe oranges. It should be borne in mind that oranges are one of the foods most often associated with allergic reactions.

Culinary use of oranges

Oranges are most often eaten raw because they have a very fresh and pleasant taste. In addition, raw oranges are used in many fruit salads, as an extremely fragrant spice for salads and dishes with fish and chicken.

Naturally, oranges are also used to make many people's favorite fresh orange juice. Oranges are used to decorate or cream many cakes, delicious pastries and muffins. Oranges are the basis for a number of delicious jams. Most types of meat can also be prepared with oranges. Orange sauce is very suitable for garnishing meat, mainly poultry.

Benefits of oranges

Oranges have an extremely beneficial effect on human health, namely:

- Oranges contain useful phytonutrients. In recent studies, the healing properties of oranges have been linked to a wide range of phytonutrient compounds. These include citrus flavanones (types of flavonoids that include the molecules hesperetin and naringenin), anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acid, and a variety of polyphenols.

- Oranges contain vitamin C, which has an antioxidant effect and protects the immune system. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C - only one orange provides 116.2% of the required dose of vitamin C per day. Vitamin C is the main water-soluble antioxidant in the body, it destroys free radicals and prevents damage from them, both inside and outside the cells.

- According to data from a study, the intake of vitamin C as a supplement does not provide the same protection as the amount contained in a glass of orange juice;

- Oranges provide protection against cardiovascular disease;

- Studies show that a diet rich in citrus fruits provides significant protection against some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, larynx and pharynx and stomach cancer. Consumption of oranges reduces the risk by 40 - 50%.

- Compounds in citrus fruits, including oranges, called limonoids play an important role in the fight against cancer of the mouth, skin, lungs, breast, stomach and colon;

- Oranges are useful for lowering cholesterol levels;

- Oranges are a very good source of fiber;

- Oranges help prevent the formation of kidney stones, prevent the formation of ulcers;

- Oranges help protect respiratory health and provide protection against rheumatoid arthritis.

- To slow down the aging process of the body, nutritionists recommend eating at least four red oranges a day. Another option for consuming red fruits is to drink their juice.

Weight loss with red oranges

Oranges contain a large amount of vitamin C, which, unlike some other products, is preserved until the summer. Red oranges are recognized by world-renowned nutritionists as an important part of a balanced diet rich in nutrients for our body.

Red orange juice significantly reduces excess weight and counteracts the accumulation of fat in the tissues. It is associated with anthocyanins, pigments in dark red and blue, which are known for their high antioxidant activity.