Fascinating Facts - Oranges
- Oranges are modified berries, and belong to a group of citrus fruits called the hesperidium.
- Oranges have been grown since ancient times and originated in Southeast Asia.
- They have a brightly colored outer rind covering the soft, juicy, pulpy fruit.
- Oranges are seasonal fruits. The blooming period of flowers is in spring. The fruits ripen in fall or winter.
- There are typically ten segments inside an orange.
- Around 85% of all oranges produced are used for juice.
- Marmalade is actually orange jam.
- Apart from being the best source of vitamin C, oranges are also a major source of calcium, phosphorous, potassium, citrus acid, beta-carotene, and certain essential aldehydes.
- Oranges are a good source of fiber. These little marvels of nature are fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free.
- There are now over 600 varieties of oranges worldwide.
- Orange peel can be used by gardeners to sprinkle over vegetables as a slug repellent.