Winter fruit may be less varied and outwardly fragrant than summer fruits but it’s packed with amazing nutrients and delicious flavor! Oranges are one of the most prolific fruits of this season, with many varietals appearing in our produce department throughout the months of December, January, February and March!
Orang
es are a known source for their vitamin c content. Here are some other fun facts about one of winter’s favorite fruits:
- Oranges originated around 4000 B.C. in Southeast Asia
- The fruit came before the color. The word “orange” derives from the Arabic “naranj” and arrived in English as “narange” in the 14th century, gradually losing the initial “n.”
- The name “navel orange” comes from the belly-button formation opposite the fruit’s stem end. It is said that the bigger the navel, the sweeter the orange.
- Oranges can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will generally last about two weeks, with either method.
- The best way to store oranges is loose rather than wrapped in a plastic bag, to avoid trapping in mold causing moisture.
- About 85 percent of all oranges produced are used for juice.
- There are over 600 varieties of oranges worldwide.
- A typical orange has 10 segments.
- Orange peel sprinkled over a vegetable garden is an effective slug repellent.
We hope you enjoy citrus season!