Refreshing and bursting with citrus flavor, oranges are one of the world’s most popular and versatile fruits. With their vibrant color and sweet taste, oranges are widely consumed around the world and are known for their health benefits. As well as being an excellent source of vitamin C, oranges are used in a wide variety of dishes, from desserts to main courses.
Join us as we explore the wonderful world of oranges. We’ll demystify the times when to enjoy them, learn about their nutritional benefits, and discover delicious recipes and interesting facts. Get ready to learn all about this incredible fruit!
Do you want to find out how these fruits came about?
Oranges have a rich and fascinating history in terms of their origin and spread around the world. Although it is difficult to trace the exact origin of oranges, it is believed that they originated in Southeast Asia , probably in the regions comprising China and India. Oranges are one of the oldest fruits cultivated by humans and there is evidence of their cultivation thousands of years ago.
Today, oranges are grown in many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Different varieties of oranges are grown in different regions, resulting in a wide variety of flavors, colors, and sizes of fruit.
And in Portugal?
Oranges have a long history of cultivation in Portugal, where they are one of the most popular and widely cultivated citrus fruits. Orange cultivation in Portugal dates back centuries, with historical evidence indicating the presence of orange trees in the country as far back as the time of the Moors in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.
Oranges were brought to Portugal during the Portuguese maritime explorations in the 15th century via trade routes with the East. Since then, oranges have become an important part of Portuguese agriculture, with several regions of the country known for their production of high-quality oranges.
The best-known production in Portugal is concentrated mainly in the Algarve region. Oranges are an important crop for many farmers in Portugal, contributing to the country's agricultural economy and being exported to other international markets.
Orange cultivation in Portugal involves the cultivation of several varieties of orange trees, such as sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) and other hybrid varieties. Portugal's Mediterranean climate results in high-quality, tasty fruit.
And what makes oranges so important nutritionally?
Oranges are known to be a nutrient-rich citrus fruit and offer several health benefits. Did you know that eating just one orange a day is enough to get your daily dose of vitamin C?
The best-known property of oranges is their richness in vitamin C, a superpower that helps strengthen the immune system, fight infections, promote iron absorption and contribute to skin health.
In addition to the properties of vitamin C, oranges are very rich in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which can help promote digestive health, regulate blood sugar and maintain a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight maintenance.
The antioxidant properties of this nutritional gem also give it the power to fight free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress . If you want to know more about dietary fiber and antioxidants, you can read more on our superfoods page.
Orange is also a juicy fruit with a high water content, which can maximize hydration for those who enjoy it, especially during hot summer days or after physical activities.
Not only do the richness of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidant properties give oranges a super power, there are other essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, potassium and thiamine that make oranges an incredible source of nutrients.
And if oranges are such a nutrient-rich fruit, why is it believed that oranges should not be eaten at night?
There is an idea that oranges should not be consumed at night, thanks to the popular saying, “in the morning it is gold, in the afternoon it is silver and at night it kills”, but the saying does not represent reality.
This idea that oranges are dangerous at night has already been disproved by different biomedical studies and it has been proven that oranges can be consumed at any time of the day. Their nutritional attributes are verified, regardless of the time at which they are consumed.
And how can oranges be consumed?
Oranges can be eaten in many different ways. The best, easiest and most nutritious way is to simply peel and eat the segments directly. It is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the fruit and get as much vitamin C as possible.
In addition to the simplest way of consuming oranges, we also have one of the most popular ways, a delicious natural juice! Simply squeeze the oranges to obtain a sweet and citrusy juice. It can be drunk pure or mixed with other fruits to make different juices.
Orange segments can also be a great way to add a refreshing citrusy touch to your salads. They go well with green salads or fruit salads!
For sweet dishes, they can be incorporated into dessert recipes such as pies, cakes, mousses, ice cream or orange jams! For savory dishes, they can be part of roast meat or used as sauces or ingredients for marinades!
When it comes to healthy snacks, oranges are a great choice to eat with other appetizers such as cheese or nuts. In addition to being tasty, they are a colorful fruit that can be used to decorate dishes or drinks!
Now that you know that oranges are a versatile, nutritious fruit with a rich cultural history, you can take advantage of all the benefits that oranges have to offer and include them in your diet in a conscious and creative way!