|
Ripening
|
|
|
Citrus fruit
|
|
Oranges
|
|
This species is of oriental origin, more specifically from the southeast of Asia, and its introduction into Europe occurred in different stages depending on the variety. First, the Arabs introduced the bitter orange into the Mediterranean region in approximately the 10th century and later, in the 15th century, the sweet variety was brought by Genoese traders.
|
|
The orange is an evergreen tree, with a rounded head, angular branches and green bark, often with axillary thorns. Only rarely does it reach 10 m. of height. Its leaves are oval and shiny and its flowers, the orange blossom, white and fragrant.
|
|
|
|
It must be pointed out that it is principally produced for its fruit: the orange, basically used for human consumption, is especially recommendable for its rich vitamin C content.
|
|
Essential oils are also extracted from the orange.
|
|
|
|
Grapefruit
|
|
It originated as a natural cross between the sweet orange and the pummelo which occurred in Barbados (West Indies). It is an evergreen tree that usually measures between 3 and 5 metres tall and does not usually have thorns.
|
|
It belongs to the Rutaceae family, which is a medium sized one composed of 150 genera and about 1000 species spread throughout tropical countries and warm regions all over the world. As a citrus fruit, it is a variety of great economic importance
|
|
|
|
It is produced mainly to be consumed as a fresh fruit (with a tasty sweet or slightly bitter juice depending on the variety) although it can also be cultivated as an ornamental tree.
|
|
The Burgundy variety is grown very little today. On the other hand the most frequently cultivated variety worldwide is currently the Ruby. It is a favourite in the European market as are other varieties of the red grapefruit.
|
|
|
PRODUCTS
|
|
RIPENING
|
|
CITRUS FRUIT
|
|
STONE FRUIT
|
|
HORTICULTURE
|
|
