Oranges

Oranges were probably domesticated in China, where their cultivation is attested as early as 4,000 years ago. Oranges are members of the citrus family. There are two species of oranges: the familiar sweet orange and the bitter orange, also called Seville orange or sour orange.

Popular varieties of sweet orange include Valencia (the juice orange of retail food stores), Washington navel and blood orange. The blood orange has crimson flesh, juice, and rind and a sweet perfumed flavor.

Christopher Columbus introduced the bitter orange to the New World during his second voyage in 1493. Other colonists later introduced the sweet orange.

Source: Kids Cook Farm-Fresh Food, California Department of Education

Contents
Fun FactsFace of a FarmerSeasonNutritionStatisticsHelpful Links
Orange Tree
Orange Tree
Oranges
Oranges
Orange
Orange

Face of a Farmer

The LoBue Bros

The LoBue Bros., Inc. story begins in 1934 with Philip LoBue, an Italian immigrant More...

Johnston Farms

Johnston Farms has been growing citrus in Kern County since the 1960s. More...



Back To Top

Fun Facts

  • Citrus fruits are a source of high-potency vitamin C and are high in fiber. Citrus fruits were routinely included on long sea voyages hundreds of years ago because they helped travelers avoid scurvy, a disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency.
  • To get maximum juice yield from an orange (or any citrus fruit), first roll the fruit firmly on a countertop to loosen the pulp.



    Back To Top

    • Season, Ripeness and Storage
    Seasonality Chart
    State Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Arizona                        
    California                        
    In-Season  

    Season

    Navel and Valencia oranges are available in California and Arizona from March through winter.

    Ripeness

    When choosing oranges, look for weighty, firm fruits with smooth, thin, shiny skin.

    Storage

    Oranges should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.



    Back To Top

    Nutrition

    One orange contains all the vitamin C your body needs for the day.
    Nutrition Facts
    Serving Size: 1/2 cup sections
    Amount Per Serving  
    Calories: 40
      % Daily Value*
    Total Fat: 0.12g 0%
    Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
    Sodium: 1mg 0.04%
    Total Carbohydrate: 10.35g 3.45%
         Dietary Fiber: 1.8 0% 
         Sugars: 7.01g  
    Protein: 0.75g  
    Vitamin A 4.08% Vitamin C 81.33%
    Calcium 3.5% Iron 0.61%
    *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

    Source: USDA National Nutrient Database


    Back To Top

    Statistics
    County Value
    Tulare 566,107,000
    Kern 267,513,000
    Fresno 159,988,000
    Ventura 21,175,000
    Riverside 8,495,600
    Madera 5,013,000
    Placer 1,050,670
    Butte 643,000
    Imperial 246,000
    Riverside 176,400
    Orange 103,126
    Total 1,030,510,796
    You need to upgrade your Flash Player


    Back To Top

    Helpful Links
  • Dole 5 A Day
  • Sunkist

    Back To Top