OrangePosted 10 years ago under Health

At 93%, oranges contain one of the highest sources of vitamin C available. (1) They are also a great source of other nutrients and relatively cheap and delicious treat. The liminoids in oranges are known to help fight cancers. Drinking orange juice has been shown to help prevent kidney stones as it affects the pH level of the urine. (2) These are just a few of the health benefits of oranges.

Taxonomy

The orange grows on the Citrus sinensis tree.

Kingdom (Plantae) > Angiosperms > Eudicots > Rosids > Order (Sapindales) > Family (Rutaceae) > Genus (Citrus) –> Species (Citrus sinensis)

Description

Orange trees are an evergreen tree that can grow to a range of 18 to 22 feet tall. They have shiny, dark green leaves that are oval in shape and 1.5 to 4 inches long. It has white flowers that are a couple inches in diameter. The fruits can grow to a couple inches in diameter. (3) The outer rinds and inside flesh are orange in color though the pulp on the inside of the rind is white.

Distribution

Oranges originated in Asia but are now grown around the world, generally in subtropical environments. They prefer slightly acidic, loamy soil with full sun exposure. (4) The top producers worldwide now are the United States, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, China, and Israel. (5)

Nutritional Information

Oranges are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is notoriously high in vitamin C as well as B vitamins, copper, potassium, and calcium. They also contain a number of phytonutrient compounds including citrus flavanones, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and polyphenols. Herperidin, a flavanone found in the peel and white pulp of oranges, is associated with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. (6)

Commercial Cultivation

Oranges can be grown from seed but that is typically unsuccessful. Instead, they are usually grown from grafts. (7) If grown from seed, they can take up to 15 years to produce fruit. If grown from grafts, they take 3 to 6 years to produce fruit. (8)

Diseases, Pests, Predators

Oranges are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases that commonly afflict citrus fruits. These include aphids, spider mites, and fruit flies. Common diseases include root and crown rots, fungal leaf spots, and the tristeza virus which can be spread by aphids. (9)

Sources

(1) http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/vitamin-c-packed-fruits-and-vegetables/
(2) http://www.naturalnews.com/034116_oranges_health_benefits.html
(3) http://www.almanac.com/plant/lemons-oranges
(4) http://www.almanac.com/plant/lemons-oranges
(5) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=37
(6) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=37
(7) http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/oranges/growing-an-orange-tree.htm
(8) http://www.almanac.com/plant/lemons-oranges
(9) http://www.almanac.com/plant/lemons-oranges