Sunburst Oranges Presents: Fun Facts About Oranges

This is another chapter in “Did You Know?” about oranges.  Did you know these fun facts about our favorite citrus fruit?

What are some of the things that affects the taste of oranges?
Oranges that are grown in different seasons and locations also vary in taste and smell. Even the position of the fruit in the tree affects the taste, as oranges that grow in the south side of the orange tree are generally sweeter than those that grow on the side facing north.

Do all oranges have the same number of segments?
A typical orange contains ten segments. But some varieties have just eight segments. There are always an equal number.

The number of sections (formally, Gynoecium or carpels) citrus fruits have is determined by the number of ovules the particular flower and fruit has. While ten is 'standard' for oranges, they can have fewer or more. Navel oranges, for example, will have twice the number -- more or less.

Are ripe oranges always orange in color?
A ripe orange that is not plucked from the tree can revert to a green color in a process called re-greening. This color transformation, however, will not affect the fruit’s taste.

Why are Navel Oranges called navel oranges?
The navel orange, a popular orange variety, is so named because of the peculiar appendage found on the blossoming end of the fruit, which is shaped like a navel. The bigger the navel usually means a sweeter fruit.

Are Mandarin Oranges really Oranges?
The mandarin (Citrus reticulata), also known as the mandarine, is a small citrus tree with fruit resembling other oranges. According to molecular studies, the mandarin, the citron, the pomelo, and the papeda were the ancestors of all other citrus species and their varieties, through breeding or natural hybridization; mandarins are therefore all the more important as the only sweet fruit among the parental species.

Did Oranges help colonize the new world?
Because oranges do not spoil easily and are full of vitamin C during the years of world exploration sailors planted orange and other citrus trees along trade routes to prevent scurvy which is a disease that develops from a deficiency of vitamin C.

It is believed that Christopher Columbus was the first to bring orange seeds to America during his second voyage to the region in 1493.

If you are looking for the perfect wholesome vitamin packed gift for a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.

Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA  93257
559-561-3391