Orange - not named for their color

Scientific Synonym - Citrus

Also known as - Chinese apple, Sinaasappel in Dutch, Apfelsine in German

Native to - Originated in Southeast Asia

Rich Source of - 75% vitamin C

Tastes like - some are sweet, bitter and even tart

Propagation - seedling, budding onto appropriate rootstocks

Interesting Facts -

• Oranges were not named for their color. The word orange comes from the Sanskrit naranga which means "fragrant"
• An orange seed is called a pip. The white thread-like material attached to the inside of the peel is called pith.
• Top 10 producers - Brazil,United States,Mexico,India,China,Spain,Italy,Iran,Egypt,Pakistan
• The orange blossom, which is the state flower of Florida, is highly fragrant and traditionally associated with good fortune. It has long been popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for weddings.
• Orange blossom essence is an important component in the making of perfume.
• The petals of orange blossom can also be made into a delicately citrus-scented version of rosewater; orange blossom water (aka orange flower water) is a common part of both French and Middle Eastern cuisines, most often as an ingredient in desserts and baked goods.
• Orange peel is used by gardeners as a slug repellent.
• Orange leaves can be boiled to make tea.
• Orange wood sticks (also spelt orangewood) are used as cuticle pushers in manicures and pedicures, and as spudgers for manipulating slender electronic wires
• Orange blossom honey, or actually citrus honey, is produced by putting beehives in the citrus groves during bloom, which also pollinates seeded citrus varieties. Orange blossom honey is highly prized, and tastes much like orange.
• Once cut or squeezed, the Vitamin C quickly disappears. After only 8 hours at room temperature (or 24 hours in the refrigerator),approximately 25% of the Vitamin C is lost. Thus, canned or bottled orange juice products tend to have lower Vitamin C content unless they are fortified
• The skin or the pith of the orange has as much vitamin c as the orange so one must try to eat it. You can add some spices to it, if you think it is not edible.

Availability - all year long, with a peak season during the winter months.

Health Benefits -

• Helps maintain a healthy immune system.
• They are also have high fiber and no fat, which means you will be able to lose those extra holiday pounds easier
• Oranges also have a fair amount of Folic Acid, Calcium, Potassium and Thiamine! So, not only are oranges good for anyone to eat, but they are particularly healthy for expectant mothers.
• Vitamin C in oranges protects sperms from genetic damage that may cause birth defects
• Orange contains Beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant guarding the health of our cells.
• Orange contains Calcium, which a school going knows how important is in healthy bones and teeth's.
• Our brain needs folic acid for proper development which is found in Oranges.
• Blood pressure can be kept in balance with magnesium found in Oranges.
• To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and to maintain electrolyte balance of cells, one can eat oranges for potassium it provides.
• The food we take is converted into energy by thiamin found in orange.
• Arteriosclerosis: Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.
• Cancer prevention: A compound in oranges called liminoid, has been found to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. The high vitamin C content also acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.
• Cholesterol: The alkaloid synephrine found under the orange peel can reduce the liver's production of cholesterol. Whereas the anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.
• Constipation: Even though the orange "tastes acidic", it actually has an alkaline effect in the digestive system and helps stimulate the digestive juices, relieving constipation.
• Damaged sperms, repair: An orange a day is sufficient for a man to keep his sperms healthy. Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, protects sperms from genetic damage that may cause a birth defect.
• Heart disease: A high intake of flavonoids and vitamin C has been known to halve the risk of heart diseases.
• High blood pressure: Studies have shown that a flavonoid called hesperidin in oranges can lower high blood pressure.
• Immune system: The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.
• Kidney stones, prevent: Drinking orange juice daily can significantly drop the risk of formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney.
• Skin: The anti-oxidant in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.
• Stomach ulcer: Consuming vitamin C rich foods helps to lower the incidence of peptic ulcers and in turn, reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
• Viral infections, protection against: The abundance of polyphenols have been shown to provide protection against viral infections.