Orange: in the morning it's gold, in the afternoon it's silver, and at night it kills?

Refreshing and full of citrus flavor, oranges are one of the most popular and versatile fruits in the world. With their vibrant color and sweet taste, oranges are widely consumed around the globe and are known for their health benefits. Besides being an excellent source of vitamin C, oranges are used in a wide variety of dishes, from desserts to main courses.

Join us on an exploration of the wonderful world of oranges. Let's demystify the best times to enjoy them, learn about their nutritional benefits, and discover delicious recipes and interesting facts. Get ready to learn everything about this incredible fruit!

Want to find out how these fruits came about?

Oranges have a rich and fascinating history in terms of their origin and spread throughout the world. Although it is difficult to precisely trace the exact origin of oranges, it is believed that they originated in Southeast Asia , probably in the regions encompassing China and India. The orange is one of the oldest fruits cultivated by humans, and there is evidence of its cultivation for thousands of years.

Today, oranges are grown in many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Different varieties of oranges are cultivated in various regions, resulting in a wide diversity of flavors, colors, and fruit sizes.

And in Portugal?

Oranges have a long history of cultivation in Portugal, where they are one of the most popular and widely grown citrus fruits. Orange cultivation in Portugal dates back centuries, with historical evidence indicating the presence of orange trees in the country since the time of the Moors in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

Oranges were brought to Portugal during 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 most well-known orange 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 growing several varieties of orange trees, such as the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), and other hybrid varieties. Portugal's Mediterranean climate results in flavorful, high-quality fruit.

So what makes oranges so nutritionally important?

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 provides the daily recommended dose of vitamin C?

The most well-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 healthy skin.

In addition to their vitamin C properties, 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 management.

The antioxidant properties of this nutritious gem also give it the power to fight free radicals in the body, in order to reduce oxidative stress . If you want to know more about dietary fiber and antioxidants, you can read more on our superfoods page.

Oranges are also a juicy fruit with a high water content, which can maximize hydration for those who enjoy them, especially during hot summer days or after physical activity.

Not only do oranges possess a wealth of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidant properties that give them superpowers, but they also contain other essential nutrients , such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, and thiamine, making them an incredible source of nutrients.

If oranges are such a nutrient-rich fruit, why is it believed that they shouldn't be eaten at night?

There's a common belief that oranges shouldn't be eaten at night, thanks to the popular saying, "in the morning it's gold, in the afternoon it's silver, and at night it kills," but this saying doesn't reflect reality.

The idea that oranges are dangerous to eat at night has been disproven by various biomedical studies , and it has been shown that oranges can be consumed at any time of day. Their nutritional properties are verified, regardless of when they are eaten.

And how can oranges be consumed?

Oranges can be eaten in countless different ways. The best, easiest, and most nutritious way is simply to peel them and eat the segments directly. It's a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the fruit and get as much vitamin C as possible.

Besides the simplest way to consume 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 citrusy and refreshing touch to your salads. They pair 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 marmalades! For more savory dishes, they can be part of roasted meats or used as sauces or ingredients for marinades!

In terms of healthy snacks, oranges are a great option to enjoy with other appetizers like cheese or nuts. Besides being delicious, they're a colorful fruit perfect for decorating dishes or drinks!

Now that you know that oranges are a versatile, nutritious fruit with a rich cultural history, you can enjoy all the benefits they have to offer and include them in your diet in a conscious and creative way!