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Origin
Oranges were grown in the Far East since ancient times. The Satsuma is believed to have originated in Japan probably in the mid-sixth century A.D. The first grapefruit was recorded in the Indies in the 18th century
Varieties
Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Satsuma, Clementine, Mandarin, Lime
Growing Conditions Required
Citrus fruit are grown in the tropics and sub tropics between 20ºC and 30ºC
Handling Requirements
Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Satsuma, Clementine, Mandarin and Lime should be stored between 3ºC-10ºC depending on the cultivar.
Irish Season
Citrus fruit are not commercially grown in Ireland as the temperate climate will not encourage growth
Eating Experience
Oranges, Satsuma, Clementine and Mandarins have a mild sweet flavour, full of juice and can peel easily. The Lemon and Grapefruit have a sharper taste but are also full of juice. Many new varieties of citrus are seedless.
The Healthy Option
Oranges are packed with Vitamin C which is of enormous importance in combatting infection. It is recommended that you drink the juice of an orange with meals as it increases iron absorption.
Interesting Fact
- The Citrus fruit of is technically a hesperidium, a kind of berry. It consists of several easily separated carpels, or sections, each containing several seeds and many juice cells, covered by a leathery exocarp, or skin, containing numerous oil glands. Orange trees are evergreens. Three essential oils are obtained from oranges: oil of orange, obtained from the rind of the fruit and used principally as a flavouring agent; oil of petigrain, obtained from the leaves and twigs and used in perfumery; and oil of neroli, obtained from the blossoms and used in flavorings and perfumes.
- Microwaving the lemon for a few seconds before squeezing will help extract more juice. Don't overdo it. You don't want to boil the juice.
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