Oranges

Oranges, clementines and again lemons, tangerines, cedars, grapefruits, Caribbean limes or small kumquats: all citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are a huge family of plants cultivated in all areas at sub-tropical tempered climate. Needless to ask for Italian oranges in summer: with few exceptions, citrus fruits are harvested in autumn-winter. In Italy oranges are grown throughout the South and particularly in Sicily and Calabria. The supply of Italian oranges, unlike the rest of the world, is represented mainly by a specific product: the pigmented orange, the red one. The pigmented oranges have quite special characteristics and are grown almost exclusively in Sicily, particularly in the area  around the Etna volcano and they have been assigned a Protected Geographical Indication (IGP). You might say that the cultivation of pigmented oranges boast many attempts of imitation: nothing to do, you can get the real red orange only in the particular conditions of soil and climate near the highest volcano in Europe.

The most cultivated and best known variety of pigmented orange  is Tarocco. Today  some  varieties of the Tarocco oranges, named nucellari, have been obtained and they have no seeds in the pulp. Tarocco oranges begin to be collected in December but according to experts the best period in terms of quality starts with the month of January. Towards the end of winter other pigmented varieties, today, unfortunately, less and less popular, are collected: le Sanguinello (to gourmets, we recommend the search for amazing and rare Sanguinello Moscato) or the Moro (the strongly pigmented juice is a real "bomb" of anti-aging substances). In Italy, however, the golden oranges are also produced. They have a non-pigmented pulp (light orange)  and are worldwide the most popular.

Nutritional properties

A famous, nutritional characteristic of oranges (and of all citrus fruits) is the presence of vitamin C in the pulp which is known for its flu properties, stimulates the production of antibodies and interferon, inactivates  the proliferation of viruses and strengthens phagocytes (the cells that are specialized in the elimination of micro-organisms). Vitamin C also has a strong anti-oxidant activity which results in inactivation of those substances (free radicals) that damage cells making them grow old and / or degenerate. The vitamin C of oranges (and not only) has a major plus in comparison to synthetic vitamin C: it is completely absorbed and helps to fix calcium in the bones therefore osteoporosis, bony and teeth troubles  are prevented and fought. Not surprisingly, nutrinionists recommend the consumption of oranges to women in pregnancy and menopause. Many studies have demonstrated anti-tumoural preventive action of oranges.

The activity towards free radicals and to cellular degeneration in clinical studies appears even stronger as regards red oranges. The red colour of the pulp is due to substances such as flavonoids. Of these substances (present in many plant species such as soft fruit or cherries ...) it has been demonstrated a strong anti-oxidant and contrast action to senescence and cell degeneration.