Orange fruit is round, with a diameter of 2-3 inches. Average height of Orange tree is usually between 4 and 6 metres. Orange get its name from the skin colour of the fruit.
The famous Nagpur orange has received the Geographical Index (GI).
- Origin: India, China, Vietnam
- Common names: Orange, Sweet Orange, Nagpur Mandarin
- Scientific name: Citrus reticulata blanco
- Botanical family: Rutaceae
- Edibility rating: 10/10
- Health Benefits: 8/10
- Maturity period: Seedlings: 3-6 years; Vegetative propagation (grafting): 2-3 years
- Fruiting season: October to April (India)
- Growing in containers: Possible
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun
- Growth habit type: Tree
- Average Height: 15-20 feet
- Average width (canopy span): 15-20 feet
- Growth rate: Medium
- Ease of growing: Easy
Health benefits of orange
- Orange not only has a distinct and enjoyable taste but is also superior in terms of health benefits.
- These fruits are the best source of calcium. 100 grammes of oranges contain 26 milligrammes of calcium. Oranges contain magnesium, sodium, copper, sulphur and phosphorus minerals, and A, B, and C vitamins.
- Children can be given orange juice regularly to improve their health because it is so nutritious. It promotes growth and prevents malnutrition, such as scurvy and rickets.
- It is also good for the skin's beauty. The fibre between the orange petals and the peel is a good source of phosphorus, so it is good to chew.
- Orange juice with honey is an excellent drink for heart patients. Orange sugar is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Patients suffering from typhoid, measles, and TB may experience a loss of appetite and taste. Drinking orange juice during these times will improve the taste of the mouth, boost the immune system and increase urination.
- Oranges also help in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach. Eating oranges after meals helps relieve constipation by improving the functioning of the digestive system. This accelerates the production of digestive juices. Thus, oranges have the ability to reverse severe indigestion.
- The calcium and vitamin C in oranges can improve bone and tooth health.
Growing Orange Plant
Orange trees prefer neutral soil and full sunlight exposure. Pruning is done during the dormant season to improve the shape of the tree and fruit quality.
Growing orange tree in containers
Orange may be grown in large containers where space is a constraint.