Oranges are the most eaten fruit worldwide and Spain’s is the world’s leading exporter.
The ideal climate for orange production requires an abundance of sun, water and a dry atmosphere.
The commercial quality of the oranges is determined by the maximum diameter of the fruit according to the following table:
| Commercial sizes of our oranges | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| mm. | 67-76 | 70-80 | 73-84 | 77-88 | 81-92 | 84-96 | ||
The low calorific content of oranges is due to its high water content, 90%, its levels of vitamin C, the minerals it contains as well as the folic acid.
The consumption of oranges offers a wide range of benefits given that vitamin C is an excellent fighter of infections as well as facilitating the body’s absorption of iron and is also involved in the formation of red-blood cells, collagen, teeth and bones. In addition to the benefits of vitamin C, folic acid also encourages the production of anti-bodies and magnesium to help improve the body’s defences.
For the storage and transporting of oranges it is important to maintain a temperature of between 3.5 and 5.5 degrees Celsius and air humidity between 90 and 95%. Oranges can be transported with mandarins.
Nutritional values of oranges (this may vary slightly according to the variety):
| Contains per 100gr: | |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 50,6(mg) |
| Calcium | 41(mg) |
| Potassium | 200(mg) |
| Magnesium | 15,2(mg) |
| Carbohydrates | 8,9(g) |
| Fibers | 2,3(g) |
| Folic Acid | 38,7(mcg) |
| Beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) | 49(mcg) |
| Calories | 36,6 |