ORANGES are delicious—and one of the most popular fruits in the U.S. (after apples & bananas)! Whether you prefer the fruit or its juice, one medium orange contains more than one day’s requirements of Vitamin C. Oranges also provide other key nutrients for health:
- Potassium , which helps decrease risk of hypertension and stroke, and maintains proper fluid balance.
- Folic Acid helps make red blood cells, keeps the heart healthy, and helps prevent birth defects.
- B Cryptothanxin, a carotenoid that protects against oxygen damage that harms DNA.
IT’S EASY TO SEE WHY ORANGES ARE A FANTASTIC FALL FRUIT!!
Popular Varieties:
Valencia oranges have seeds, thick skins and are medium-sized. These are great for juicing.
A mandarin orange is a smaller variety with loose skin, making it easier to peel.
Clementines, one of the most popular varieties, are basically seedless mandarin oranges.
Blood oranges are small- to medium-sized, have thin skins, and few or no seeds. These have a beautiful red interior and great flavor.
Selecting & Storing Oranges
Don’t disregard oranges just because of a little green on the skin! This is called regreening, where the plant makes chlorophyll to feed the fruit. They may actually be a little sweeter.
Oranges are best stored in the refrigerator, but will maintain their flavor and nutrients for 2 weeks at room temperature.
ORANGES …Where do they come from?
- Oranges first grew in Asia 20 million years ago!
- Christopher Columbus and other early explorers were the first to plant orange trees in the Caribbean, Central America, and the southern United States.
- Florida , California & Arizona are the largest orange producers in the US.
- Florida has about 10.3 million citrus trees on 853,000 acres. The " Sunshine State" produces 70% of US oranges—90% of which are made into juice!
Honey Glazed Citrus Salad
Makes 6 servings
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
4 cups torn lettuce
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 mandarin oranges, peeled, sectioned & drained
1. Stir together oil, vinegar, and honey.
2. Combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Pour dressing over the salad, toss to coat.
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