All citrus trees are of the single genus Citrus, and remain largely interbreedable, that is there is only one “ super species” which includes lemons, limes, and oranges. Nevertheless, names have been given to the various members of the citrus family, oranges often referred to as Citrus sinensis.
Orange derives its name from the Sanskrit word Naranga. The Sanskrit word was borrowed into European languages through Persian, Armenian, Arabic and Spanish.
The Portuguese brought the sweet orange from China or India to Europe during the 15th century. For the same reason, some languages refer to it as Applesin (or variants), which means “ Apple from China”, while the bitter orange was introduced through Persia.
Oranges are widely grown in warm climates worldwide, and the flavors of oranges vary from sweet to sour. The fruit is commonly peeled and eaten fresh, or squeezed for its juice.
Sweet orange oil is a by-product of the juice industry produced by pressing the peel. It is used as flavoring of food and drink and for its fragrance in perfume and aromatherapy.
Sweet orange oil consists of about 90% d-Limonene, a solvent used in various household chemicals, such as to condition wooden furniture, and along with other citrus oils in greases removal and as a hand- cleansing agent. It is an efficient cleaning agent, which is promoted as being environmentally friendly and preferred.
The orange blossom, which is the state flower of Florida, is traditionally associated with good fortune, and was popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for weddings for some time.
Citrus or orange are believed to have medicinal properties that are helpful in the fight against several diseases.
The fruit juice is an effective remedy for cough and cold, fever, scurvy, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, hypertension, sunstroke, heat stroke, nervous debility and menorrhagia.
Orange juice is high in flavonoids, folate, and Vitamin C. leading them to be potentially beneficial in reducing the risk of heat disease.