Orange

History and origin

The orange, native to Southeast Asia, was consumed in China more than 4,000 years ago, before spreading to the west. Its introduction into Europe dates back to the 10th century thanks to the Arabs, although the first orange groves appeared in North Africa in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. It was in the 15th century, with Portuguese explorations, that the modern sweet orange was brought from Ceylon and acclimatized in Europe, notably in royal orange groves like that of Versailles under Louis XIV. It then becomes a prized fruit, appreciated for its sweetness and its versatility in cooking.

Variety and cultivation

The orange tree, a fragile tree, requires protection in winter and pruning in February-March to encourage growth. Flowering, from March to July, produces fragrant white flowers. The harvest lasts 6 months, depending on the variety, with oranges like the sweet Navel and the juicy Valencia. Cultivated in warm climates, notably in Spain, the United States and Brazil.

Did you know?

The word orange comes from the Sanskrit word “narang” which will become “narensh” in Persian. The Arabs will use the word “naranja” to designate the tree and the word “naranjah” to designate the fruit. The old French “orange apple” is the copy of the Italian “melarancia”, apple in old French meaning fruit.