Although apples are credited with keeping doctors away, the nutritional benefits of citrus fruits cannot be overlooked. You get vitamin C, antioxidants, phytonutrients, minerals, and more—it’s a hard-to-pass-up deal.
Humans have consumed citrus fruits since the dawn of time. They have the right balance of sour and sweet ingredients, creating a delectable tangy, zesty flavor.
If mangoes are the “king” of fruits, citrus fruits are undoubtedly the royal court. Citrus fruits contain so much fiber and water that they help keep illnesses at bay.
It is vital to maintain weight control to stay healthy, and citrus fruits can significantly assist in this regard. As a result, adding citrus fruits is a must if you are working towards creating a meal plan for weight loss.
Citrus fruit has numerous health benefits, including the reduction of colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, and collagen regeneration.
Citrus fruits come in only three varieties: mandarin orange, pummelo, and citron. The other citrus fruits we see in supermarkets and farmers’ markets today are hybrids of these two species.
There are many other fantastic facts about citrus fruits that you may not be aware of, and they will utterly blow your mind.
Oranges: High-vitamin C Citrus Food
Oranges are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which are beneficial to one’s health. China and Brazil are the world’s top two orange producers, respectively.
They are grown in tropical and subtropical climates and are widely available. Oranges are a combination of mandarin and pomelo.
Oranges are significantly larger than tangerines. There are numerous orange varieties, each with its price and quality.
The Real Facts About Oranges:
Citrus sinensis is the botanical name for the citrus fruit.
This product comes from Southern China, Northeastern India, and Southeast Asia.
Zones 9–11 are the most popular.
Tree Size: 30-33 Feet
Need total sun exposure.
Soil: pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, with good drainage.
Oranges are a go-to fruit for runny nose days because of their high vitamin C content. The vibrantly colored fruit also contains several phytonutrients, one of which is hesperidin, which has been shown to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Make orange creamsicle popsicles for a quick snack, as most of the hesperidin is contained in the peel and interior white pulp.
Tangerine
Tangerine is one of the top citrus fruit varieties. When compared to other citrus fruits, these tangerine fruits are much sweeter.
Tangerine fruits are utilized in desserts, salads, beverages, and a variety of other seafood dishes. Tangerine peels are so tasty that they’re covered in chocolate.
The tangerine is said to be an orange-like fruit. They are sometimes confused with oranges, although they are not the same. Tangerines are smaller than oranges and less sour than oranges.
The Real Facts About Tangerine:
- Morocco is the source of this product.
- Zones 9 and 10 are preferred.
- Tree height: 8-10 ft.
- Soil: Loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral and drains well
Key Lime
Citrus Aurantifolia is the scientific name for key lime, which is also known as Mexican lime. It has a pleasant sweetness to it and is high in vitamin C.
The Key lime is a citrus fruit that belongs to the lemon family. There are numerous different lemon kinds. It has a diameter of 3–6 centimeters and is filled with sour pulp.
The blossoms that bloom with the fruit are incredibly attractive off-white with a faint purple tinge at the margins—and the fruit itself has a pleasant flavor.
Lime juice is a bit tart when eaten alone, but it provides a lot of health benefits. Soldiers and sailors were given lime to avoid scurvy in the past, and many who work in polluted areas do so now.
Lime juice and oils, whether consumed or used externally, revitalize skin and eliminate body odor. To freshen up, take a bath with lime scrub.
The Real Facts About Key Lime:
- Citrus aurantifolia (Botanical Name)
- Southeast Asia is its place of origin.
- Zones 9–10 are preferred.
- 16-foot-tall tree
- Full sun with protection from the elements.
- Soil: Broken rocky soil that is well-drained and mildly acidic to neutral.
Clementine
Clementine is a sweet orange that is a cross between a mandarin and a sweet orange.
They were first cultivated in America, whereas mandarins are native to China, and tangerines are thought to have arrived in Europe from North Africa.
Its acidity is lower than that of sweet oranges, and it is frequently confused with mandarin oranges.
The Real Facts About Clementine:
- Citrus Clementina (Botanical Name)
- Algeria is the country of origin.
- Zones 9-11 are preferred.
- Tree Height: 25 ft.
- Full solar exposure
- Soil: This is well-drained soil.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit has a distinct flavor profile that includes sour, semi-sweet, and bitter overtones. It’s a cross between a sweet orange and a pomelo.
The grape-like clusters in which this citrus fruit grows give it its name. Depending on the cultivar, the flesh of this lovely fruit can be red, white, or pink.
These grapefruits have the appearance of little orange citrus fruits. It’s more than a weight-loss suggestion to eat half a grapefruit before each meal.
The phytonutrients liminoid, which suppresses cancer, and naringenin, which repairs DNA in human prostate cancer cells, are found in the pink-colored citrus fruit.
The Real Facts About Grapefruit:
- Citrus paradisi is the botanical name for this fruit.
- Barbados is the place where it all began.
- Zones 9–11 are the most popular.
- Tree height: 16-20 feet
- Full sun exposure
- Soil: A well-drained soil is ideal.
Orange-Colored Blood
Given its vivid red flesh, the name “blood orange” is fairly apt. This is because it contains anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant present in no other citrus fruit.
Another feature that distinguishes it from other citrus fruits is that it has a distinct raspberry flavor in addition to the typical citric flavor.
Blood orange is also a member of the orange family of fruits. These antioxidants aren’t found in any other citrus fruit.
It’s a visual and gastronomic delight! These are so beautiful to look at that even a single piece of the delectable fruit can brighten up the most ordinary of dishes.
The scarlet flesh lends drama to any delicacy while remaining solid on the palate. Chefs from all over the world like them for their unique raspberry-like flavors and zesty zing.
Blood Orange: The Real Facts About Blood Orange:
- Citrus sinensis is its botanical name.
- China is the source.
- Zones 9–10 are preferred.
- 15-foot-tall tree
- Sunlight exposure:
- Soil: Well-drained loamy soil with a slight acidity.
Orange Mandarin
The mandarin orange is a citrus fruit that looks like sweet orange. In Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, this sweet citrus fruit is used to cure stomach, digestive, and phlegm-related problems.
Mandarin oranges are classic abundance symbols that are given and exhibited throughout the Chinese New Year. These tiny, easy-to-peel morsels are high in antioxidants and minerals.
According to research, fruit juice also possesses anti-cancer characteristics, preventing Hepatitis-C sufferers from getting liver cancer.
Researchers also discovered that consuming more mandarin oranges reduces the incidence of liver disease, artery hardening, and diabetes-related insulin resistance.
It also contains natural fiber that could also help you lose weight. A high-fiber diet is also touted as a natural ayurvedic weight loss process.
The Real Facts About Orange Mandarin:
- Citrus reticulata (Botanical Name)
- China is the country of origin.
- Zones 9-10 are preferred.
- Tree Height: 8-10 Feet
- Full solar exposure
- Soil: Loamy, well-drained soil
Lemon
The lemon is one of the greatest citrus fruits for pickling and adding tang to recipes. It also has a high citric acid content, which makes it a powerful cleaning agent, and its essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help people relax.
Lemon zest is a common ingredient in salads and desserts. Lemons have a wide range of medicinal characteristics and were even utilized by the Romans to treat a variety of toxins.
Its high vitamin C concentration aids in the prevention and treatment of infections, as well as the speedy recovery of fevers.
Lemon is also a diuretic, making it helpful for patients who are prone to urinary tract infections and high uric acid issues, such as arthritis and rheumatism.
To treat a headache, mix it with coffee, or add it to hot water to reduce nausea and heartburn.The Real Facts About Lemon:
- Citrus limon (Botanical Name)
- Southeast Asia is where it all started.
- Zones 9 and 10 are preferred.
- Tree Size: 10-20 Feet
- Full sun exposure
- Soil: Loamy, acidic, well-drained soil.
Conclusion
Citrus fruits are high in nutrients and plant components. As a result, citrus fruits can help guard against diseases such as cancer, kidney problems, heart disease, brain malfunctions, and many more.
Citrus fruits are very low in calories and nutritious for our bodies. As a result, adoption of the top best citrus fruits in one’s diet may be beneficial.