Also known as:
Santra, narangi
Description:
Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety. Oranges are round citrus fruits with finely-textured skins that are, of course, orange in color just like their pulpy flesh; the skin can vary in thickness from very thin to very thick. Oranges usually range from approximately two to three inches in diameter. Orange is one of the finest gifts of the nature. It is the most popular wide-spread of the citrus fruits. It is very delicious and nourishing fruit. Oranges are oval to sphere-shaped fruits with leathery, porous skin. Their color ranges from orange to red-orange. There are many varieties of Oranges. The more important ones are the loose-skinned orange, tight-skinned orange and sour orange. The loose-skinned orange is very popular in India.
Commonly used in:
Jams, marmalades, puddings, salads, desserts, toppings, sauces.
Health benefit:
Among other things, orange is a rich source of Vitamin A, C, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Sulphur and Chlorine. It contains Beta carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Orange contains Calcium, which is important for building the bones and teeth. It also contains folic acid necessary for proper development. The blood pressure can be kept in balance with the magnesium found in Oranges. To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and to maintain electrolyte balance of cells, one can eat oranges for potassium it provides. The food we eat is converted into energy by the thiamin found in oranges.
