Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae
Rutaceae
The Rutaceae are a family, commonly known as the rue or citrus family, of flowering plants, usually placed in the order Sapindales. Species of the family generally have flowers that divide into four or five parts, usually with strong scents. They range in form and size from herbs to shrubs and …
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, or Southeastern Asia, is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China and Japan, east of India, west of Papua New Guinea, and north of Australia. Southeast Asia is bordered to the north by East Asia, to the west by South Asia and the …
What are the original species of citrus fruits?
The original species of citrus fruits are pomelo, mandarin orange, and citron. Citrus is the botanical name for the genus of all fruits classified as citrus fruits. All types of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits belong to the family Rutaceae.
Where does citrus grow in the world?
The genus Citrus is native to South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and Australia. Various citrus species have been utilized and domesticated by indigenous cultures in these areas since ancient times. From there its cultivation spread into Micronesia and Polynesia by the Austronesian expansion (c.
Where can I buy citrus fruits?
Basic citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are available year rounds at big box grocers. If you're looking for more niche types, they're available seasonally and can be acquired at smaller specialty markets and health food stores. You can find citrus that is local to your area, if you're in a region where it grows, at farmers markets.
What is the largest citrus fruit?
The pomelo is one of the largest citrus fruits and includes several varieties One of the botanical names for pomelo is Citrus grandis and this is certainly one of the largest citrus fruits. Along with the citron and mandarin orange, pomelo is classed as one of the natural species of citrus fruits.
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What is the best citrus fruit to use for detox?
Lime. Lime is yellowish-green in color and contains more amount of acid than other citrus fruits. Lime is mostly used as a detoxifying agent for cleaning body. Other benefits of lime include its use in treating constipation, peptic ulcer, and other digestive disorders. It is also used for culinary purposes.
What is the fruit that is edible?
Citrus Fruits have Something to Offer to Everyone. Nutrients for a healthy body, calcium for healthy bones, vitamins for healthy skin. Citrus fruits are edible fruits that belong to the genus Citrus, and family Rutaceae. The pulp of these fruits is juicy. These fruits are either eaten by simply peeling off the skin, or are squeezed to make juice. ...
What is sweetie fruit?
Also known as oroblanco, sweetie or sweetie fruit, it is a cross between pomelo and grapefruit. Sweetie fruit is green in color and is very sweet. One of the prominent health benefits of this citrus fruit is its use in reducing diastolic blood pressure.
What is kumquat fruit?
Kumquat is a citrus fruit with an edible skin. It contains vitamins A, B, C, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It helps in healing of wounds, enhances immunity, and also lowers the risk of obesity. It is mostly used for culinary purposes or for making liqueur. Salted kumquats can be used for treating sore throat.
What fruits can be eaten raw?
Citrus fruits can be eaten raw, can be sliced, wedged, juiced, grilled, etc., and used to make a variety of dishes, like salads, jams, marmalade, pies, etc. Oranges and lemons are the commonly known citrus fruits in the world.
Is Pomelo orange sweeter than orange?
Its outer skin is much thicker and the fruit is less sweeter than other varieties of orange. It aids in improving immunity, protecting teeth and gums, and also helps to prevent anemia. Pomelo is mostly used as a low-calorie, low-fat snack. Quick Fact: Pomelo easily crossbreeds with other citrus fruits.
Is citrus fruit fat free?
Citrus fruits are fat free and cholesterol free. Therefore, they can be consumed as healthy breakfast, snacks, weight loss foods, etc.
What is the oldest citrus fruit?
Pomelo. With their hulking size (over two pounds on average, to be exact) and their thick pith, pomelos may seem like some new hybrid fruit, but they’re actually one of the oldest citrus species. Their flavor is likened to a mellow grapefruit, and their flesh can range from pale yellow to coral red.
When are citrus fruits harvested?
While grown in the spring and summer, these brilliant and fragrant fruits are harvested during the winter, ...
What is the difference between key limes and Persian limes?
Key limes are small but mighty, packing a more sour and bitter punch than Persian limes . They also contain more seeds, but any extra effort spent removing them will be well worth it. Try them in key lime bars, which calls for sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks to mellow their flavor for a sweet and fragrant treat.
What fruit is similar to a tangerine?
This funky looking fruit is characterized by a nub on its top. They're a hybrid between a grapefruit and a tangerine, and when you take a bite, you'll experience an immediate burst of sweetness, followed by tartness. Tangelos are seedless and their skins are easily peeled, making them great substitutes for oranges or tangerines when you're short on time.
What is blood orange?
Their name suggests squeamish things, but their appearance implies lusciously glazed cakes and carmine-colored sangria . The blood orange is a mild and sweet citrus, renowned for its beautiful red flesh. They get their signature hue from anthocyanins, the same polyphenol pigments that lend beets and blueberries their hue. Blood oranges aren’t always available, but keep your eyes peeled at your farmers market or specialty store from November to April for your best chances.
What is the flavor of a lime?
Limes stand out for their simultaneously acidic and bitter flavor, so they are perfect when brightening the coconut cream in this laksa noodle soup and balancing the salty kick on this Mexican street corn . Limes are naturally more fibrous than many citrus fruits, so get their juices flowing by rolling them on your cutting board before you cut them.
What is a ripe grapefruit?
Grapefruit. A ripe grapefruit is a true delight, imparting a sweet, sour, and bitter flavor all at once —it certainly takes this fennel and arugula salad to the next level, if you ask us. When at the market, choose fruit that is round, save for their ends, which should be slightly blunted.
Where is the most citrus grown?
Around 70% of the world's total marketable citrus are grown in the Northern Hemisphere, in particular Brazil, countries around the Mediterranean, and the United States. The greatest production in Europe is in Spain, which accounts for more than 55% of the European citrus output.
Why are citrus fruits so popular?
Citrus fruits are consumed and relished worldwide for its fresh flavor and juiciness. They are grown worldwide. Fruits of citrus genus are endowed with various health-benefiting properties owing to the presence of an array of bioactive components in them. They are well known for their vitamin C, folic acid, and carotenoid content.
What is the oxalic acid in citrus peel?
The oxalic acid present in the peel of the citrus fruit is in the form of insoluble calcium oxalate. So, the organic acids from the citrus waste are obtained in the form of citric acid. Thus the production of citric acid has potential application in the flavoring of fruit beverages. View chapter Purchase book.
How to degreen citrus?
Therefore the process of degreening is conducted after harvest to change the color of the fruit to the common yellow or orange color without affecting the internal composition of the fruit. Degreening consists of exposing citrus fruits for 24–72 h to an atmosphere containing 2–5 ppm ethylene gas, at temperatures of 20–23°C and high relative humidity greater than 92%. Degreening is usually applied to citrus fruit in bulk field bins or in plastic boxes prior to packing using special refrigerated and humidified rooms designed for that purpose with a false ceiling bulkhead to ensure good air and ethylene distribution ( Fig. 9.37 ).
What is the largest fruit crop in the world?
Citrus fruits are one of the largest fruit crops in the world. About 30% of citrus fruits is processed to obtain various products, mainly juice. Similarly, the citrus industry is also the second largest fruit-processing industry, surpassed again by the grape industry, which mainly produces wine. Neither orange juice nor wine can be considered essential foods but they do have an important role in our lives.
What is the waste of citrus peels?
The citrus pith and peel waste contains soluble (e.g., glucose, fructose, and sucrose) and insoluble carbohydrates (e.g., cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectin), which make the waste a tempting feedstock for organic acid production.
How long does it take for citrus to grow?
The duration of growth and maturation differs with variety. The development of a citrus flower's ovary into a fruit ready to harvest takes 6–18 months or more depending upon the type of fruit, particular cultivar, and climate. The growth can be shown as a single sigmoid curve—two stages of slow growth with a period of rapid growth in between. With respect to maturation, the fruits are non-climacteric—they ripen on the tree. They neither ripen after harvest, nor do they show any respiratory rise accompanied by major changes in flavor and biochemical composition. Indices of maturity, fruit grades, and standards are discussed. Sweet oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, and pummelos are considered mature when their juice content and total soluble solids and acidity ratio have attained certain minimum limits for palatability. Fruit grades are mostly related to size, appearance, extent of defects, shape, and color of the fruit. European citrus-growing countries, South Australia, California, and other places with Mediterranean-type climates (cool winter nights, bright days, and low rainfall) can rely almost entirely on external standards to sell their fruit. It is essential to know the physical and mechanical properties of various citrus fruits for designing mechanical systems, optimal harvesting, and handling capacities with minimum damage to fruit.
Where does citrus grow?
Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes . The genus Citrus is native to South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and Australia.
What family is citrus in?
See also below for other species and hybrids. Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes .
Why are my citrus plants dying?
Citrus plants can also develop a deficiency condition called chlorosis, characterized by yellowing leaves highlighted by contrasting leaf veins. The shriveling leaves eventually fall, and if the plant loses too many, it will slowly die. This condition is often caused by an excessively high pH ( alkaline soil ), which prevents the plant from absorbing iron, magnesium, zinc, or other nutrients it needs to produce chlorophyll. This condition can be cured by adding an appropriate acidic fertilizer formulated for citrus, which can sometimes revive a plant to produce new leaves and even flower buds within a few weeks under optimum conditions. A soil which is too acidic can also cause problems; citrus prefers neutral soil (pH between 6 and 8). Citrus plants are also sensitive to excessive salt in the soil. Soil testing may be necessary to properly diagnose nutrient-deficiency diseases.
How much citrus is produced in the world?
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, world production of all citrus fruits in 2016 was 124 million tons , with about half of this production as oranges. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), citrus production grew during the early 21st century mainly by the increase in cultivation areas, improvements in transportation and packaging, rising incomes and consumer preference for healthy foods. In 2019-20, world production of oranges was estimated to be 47.5 million tons, led by Brazil, Mexico, the European Union, and China as the largest producers.
How did citrus fruit evolve?
The large citrus fruit of today evolved originally from small, edible berries over millions of years. Citrus species began to diverge from a common ancestor about 15 million years ago, at about the same time that Severinia (such as the Chinese box orange) diverged from the same ancestor. About 7 million years ago, the ancestors of Citrus split into the main genus, Citrus, and the genus Poncirus (such as the trifoliate orange ), which is closely enough related that it can still be hybridized with all other citrus and used as rootstock. These estimates are made using genetic mapping of plant chloroplasts. A DNA study published in Nature in 2018 concludes that the genus Citrus first evolved in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the area of Assam ( India ), western Yunnan ( China ), and northern Myanmar.
Why are citrus fruits so popular?
Citrus fruits are notable for their fragrance, partly due to flavonoids and limonoids (which in turn are terpenes) contained in the rind, and most are juice-laden. The juice contains a high quantity of citric acid and other organic acids giving them their characteristic sharp flavour. The genus is commercially important as many species are cultivated for their fruit, which is eaten fresh, pressed for juice, or preserved in marmalades and pickles .
How many tons of oranges are there in the world?
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, world production of all citrus fruits in 2016 was 124 million tons, with about half of this production as oranges. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), citrus production grew during the early 21st century mainly by the increase in cultivation areas, improvements in transportation and packaging, rising incomes and consumer preference for healthy foods. In 2019–20, world production of oranges was estimated to be 47.5 million tons, led by Brazil, Mexico, the European Union, and China as the largest producers.
What are Citrus Fruits?
The original species of citrus fruits are pomelo, mandarin orange, and citron.
What are some examples of citrus fruits?
Other varieties of citrus fruits are varieties such as kumquats, yuzu, citron, pomelo, and Buddha’s hand.
How to tell when limes are ripe?
There are a number of types of limes with the Key lime and Persian lime varieties being the most common. Limes generally have green rind and greenish-yellow flesh. You can tell when limes are ripe because their skin turns yellowish. Scientific name: Citrus × aurantiifolia (Key lime), Citrus × latifolia (Persian lime).
What is the botanical name for citrus?
Citrus is the botanical name for the genus of all fruits classified as citrus fruits. All types of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits belong to the family Rutaceae. The tangy fruits in this family generally have juicy segments that are surrounded by a zesty rind.
What is the taste of citrus?
The taste of citrus fruits is a varying combination of sweet and sour flavors that refresh, delight, and invigorate your taste buds. There are over 100 different varieties of citrus fruits. Citrus fruits such as lemons and limes can be so sour, they make your mouth pucker. Others such as oranges are delicious and sweet with a slightly tangy taste.
What is the difference between Mandarin orange and orange?
Mandarin Orange. Mandarins are smaller and sweeter than oranges and have a squashed shape . Mandarin oranges are one of the original citrus fruits that are used to develop many citrus hybrids. Mandarins look similar to tangerines and the two names are often used interchangeably.
What is the most popular fruit in the world?
Orange. Orange is a popular type of citrus fruit grown worldwide. Oranges are one of the most-loved citrus fruits due to their sweet taste and many benefits. All varieties of oranges are hybrids from 2 of the natural citrus fruits – pomelo and mandarin.
Where are citrus fruits native to?
The citrus family is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Malay Archipelago. The large varieties of citrus fruit we see today evolved from tiny berries over millions of years.
What are the three citrus fruit species?
All modern-day citrus fruit that we see today were hybridized from three original species — mandarin orange, pomelo, and citron. The common citrus fruit, including lemons, grapefruit, and oranges, were all created by crossing these three original species. Amazing, isn’t it?
Why is grapefruit called grapefruit?
The citrus is called grapefruit because it grows as a part of a cluster of fruit on its tree, similar to a grape cluster. Much-favored citrus fruit for breakfast, the grapefruit has a sour to semi-sweet, often slightly bitter taste.
Why is blood orange called blood orange?
The sinister-sounding name of the blood orange actually comes from the deep crimson pulp of the fruit, which is a result of anthocyanins, an uncommon antioxidant in citrus fruit. Sometimes, the dark reddish tone also bleeds into the rind of the fruit, which is very thick, tough, and hard to peel.
What is the most favored fruit in the world?
Who doesn’t love the tangy, Vitamin C-imbued fruity goodness that describes the many varieties of citrus fruit? The perfect combination of sweet and sour, this class of fruit is the most favored and sought after in the entire world. Citruses are so beloved that humans have created dozens of delicious varieties.
What does blood orange taste like?
The blood orange is a natural mutation of the orange and has a distinct raspberry-like taste, in combination with the usual sweet and tart flavors of citrus fruit.
Where did oranges originate?
Orange. Species: Citrus x sinensis. Origin: Southeast Asia, Northeastern Asia, and Southern China. Famous varieties: Valencia and Hamlin. Also known as sweet orange, this species of citrus is a hybrid of a pomelo and a mandarin. The juicy fruit grows in tropical and subtropical climates and has been around for millennia.
Where are citrus fruits grown?
Trusted Source. ). Nowadays, they are cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world. Major production hubs include Spain, Brazil, China, the US, Mexico and India ( 1. Trusted Source. ). Interestingly, nearly a third of all citrus fruits are used to make juice ( 1. Trusted Source. ).
What are the fruits in the class of citrus?
This class of fruits includes lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit, as well as many more hybrids and varieties.
How many calories are in a citrus fruit?
Citrus Fruits Are Low in Calories. If you’re watching your calorie intake, citrus fruits are a good choice. They’re low in calories, yet their water and fiber contents help fill you up. Here’s how many calories the main kinds of citrus fruits contain ( 6, 12, 13, 14, 15 ): 1 small clementine: 35.
How much fiber is in oranges?
They’re a Good Source of Fiber. Citrus fruits are a good source of fiber. Just one cup of orange segments contains four grams of fiber ( 6 ). To put that in perspective, it’s recommended that you consume 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories you eat.
What is the color of citrus fruit?
Citrus fruits grow on flowering trees and shrubs. They are characterized by a leathery rind and white pith that encases juicy segments.
Why do we need citrus fruits?
1. They’re Rich in Vitamins and Plant Compounds. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that strengthens the immune system and keeps your skin smooth and elastic ( 2. Trusted Source. , 3.
What are the anti-inflammatory properties of citrus?
Flavonoids found in citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory capabilities that are thought to help protect against the chain of events that causes the nervous system to deteriorate ( 27, 28 ).
Where does citric acid come from?
Citric acid is a compound originally derived from lemon juice. It’s produced today from a specific type of mold and used in a variety of applications.
Where does the word "citric" come from?
In fact, the word citric originates from the Latin word citrus ( 2 ).
What is citric acid used for?
). Citric acid is a versatile additive for food, beverages, medicines, and dietary supplements, as well as cleaning and disinfecting products.
Why is citric acid added to medicine?
Citric acid is an industrial staple in medicines and dietary supplements. It’s added to medicines to help stabilize and preserve the active ingredients and used to enhance or mask the taste of chewable and syrup-based medications ( 6 ).
How much citric acid is used in food?
Food and beverages use an estimated 70% of manufactured citric acid, pharmaceutical and dietary supplements use 20%, and the remaining 10% goes into cleaning agents ( 4 ).
Why is citric acid used in soft drinks?
Because of its acidic, sour-tasting nature, citric acid is predominantly used as a flavoring and preserving agent — especially in soft drinks and candies.
What is manufactured citric acid?
Manufactured citric acid is one of the most common food additives in the world. It’s used to boost acidity, enhance flavor, and preserve ingredients ( 5 ). Sodas, juices, powdered beverages, candies, frozen foods, and some dairy products often contain manufactured citric acid.
Overview
List of citrus fruits
The genus Citrus has been suggested to originate in the eastern Himalayan foothills. Prior to human cultivation, it consisted of just a few species, though the status of some as distinct species has yet to be confirmed:
• Citrus crenatifolia – species name is unresolved, from Sri Lanka
• Citrus japonica – kumquats, from East Asia ranging into Southeast Asia (sometimes separate…
History
Citrus plants are native to subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, Island Southeast Asia, Near Oceania, and northeastern Australia. Domestication of citrus species involved much hybridization and introgression, leaving much uncertainty about when and where domestication first happened. A genomic, phylogenic, and biogeographical analysis by Wu et al. (2018) has shown that t…
Taxonomy
The taxonomy and systematics of the genus are complex and the precise number of natural species is unclear, as many of the named species are hybrids clonally propagated through seeds (by apomixis), and genetic evidence indicates that even some wild, true-breeding species are of hybrid origin.
Most cultivated Citrus spp. seem to be natural or artificial hybrids of a small num…
Description
These plants are large shrubs or small to moderate-sized trees, reaching 5–15 m (16–49 ft) tall, with spiny shoots and alternately arranged evergreen leaves with an entire margin. The flowers are solitary or in small corymbs, each flower 2–4 cm (0.79–1.57 in) diameter, with five (rarely four) white petals and numerous stamens; they are often very strongly scented, due to the presence of essentia…
Cultivation
Citrus trees hybridise very readily – depending on the pollen source, plants grown from a Persian lime's seeds can produce fruit similar to grapefruit. Thus, all commercial citrus cultivation uses trees produced by grafting the desired fruiting cultivars onto rootstocks selected for disease resistance and hardiness.
The colour of citrus fruits only develops in climates with a (diurnal) cool winter…
Uses
Many citrus fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and clementines, are generally eaten fresh. They are typically peeled and can be easily split into segments. Grapefruit is more commonly halved and eaten out of the skin with a spoon. Special spoons (grapefruit spoons) with serrated tips are designed for this purpose. Orange and grapefruit juices are also popular breakfast beverag…
See also
• Citrus taxonomy
• Japanese citrus
• List of lemon dishes and beverages