Orange trees are the most cultivated fruit trees in the world. Oranges are a popular fruit because of their natural sweetness, the wide variety of types and diversity of uses - from juices and marmalades to face masks and candied orange slices. Due to their availability in the market all round the year, oranges are the most common citrus fruits consumed in India.
Natives names: Hindi (Narangi), Tamil (Naaram), Kannada (Kittale)
How to select: Orange should be firm and heavy for their size. When you choose an orange, the skin of the orange will the firm and smooth with smaller pores. Don't worry about color as sometimes an orange might be slightly green on the outside like the Nagpur Oranges, but will be super sweet. Hence, it is always important to buy oranges when in season. Stick to local brands as opposed to imported varieties to get the best taste.
How to store: Oranges stay well for few days at room temperature and can be stored in the fridge as well. Once the skin is peeled, the orange should be consumed immediately else they turn bitter and will lose its nutrition content in it as well.
Culinary Uses: Orange segments are included in many salad recipes. The juice of the fruit is full of bursting flavors and nutritional benefits, it can be consumed on its own or blended with other juices to prepare mocktail.Orange juice along with pulp of the fruit is also used to make a variety of jams and jellies.Candied Orange peel is also used in many baking recipes for the citrusy aroma and flavor.
Health Benefits: Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, regulated high blood pressure and boost the immunity as well. One medium-size orange provides the daily requirement of Vitamin C to the human body. Oranges also contain thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and copper. Because of their high vitamin C content oranges are also considered good for skin and eyesight.
Orange Image via Shutterstock
