Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Oranges
Nutritional Value (per 100g)
- Vitamin C: 53.2mg (89% DV) - boosts immunity and collagen production
- Fiber: 2.4g (10% DV) - supports digestive health
- Folate: 30μg (8% DV) - important for cell growth
- Potassium: 181mg (5% DV) - helps regulate blood pressure
- Calcium: 40mg (4% DV) - supports bone health
- Thiamine: 0.1mg (7% DV) - aids energy metabolism
Health Benefits
- ✔ Immune Support: High vitamin C content strengthens immune system
- ✔ Heart Health: Fiber and potassium support cardiovascular function
- ✔ Skin Health: Antioxidants help protect skin from damage
- ✔ Cancer Prevention: Contains compounds that may reduce cancer risk
- ✔ Hydration: High water content helps maintain fluid balance
Fun Fact: One medium orange provides all the vitamin C you need in a day!
How to Grow Orange Trees
1
Variety Selection
- Sweet Oranges: Valencia, Navel, Blood oranges
- Juicing Oranges: Hamlin, Pineapple oranges
- Dwarf Varieties: Calamondin, Dwarf Washington Navel
- Climate Considerations: Choose varieties suited to your region
2
Planting
- Location: Full sun (6-8 hours daily), protected from wind
- Soil: Well-draining, pH 6.0-7.5, enriched with organic matter
- Spacing: Standard trees 15-20 feet apart, dwarf 8-12 feet
3
Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Deep watering weekly, more in hot weather
- Fertilizer: Citrus-specific fertilizer 3-4 times per year
- Pruning: Remove dead wood, shape young trees
4
Pest Management
- Common Pests: Aphids, scale, citrus leaf miners
- Solutions: Neem oil, beneficial insects, proper sanitation
5
Winter Protection
- Cold Protection: Cover young trees when frost expected
- Container Growing: Move potted trees indoors in winter
6
Harvesting
- When: Typically 6-12 months after flowering
- Method: Twist and pull or use clippers
- Tip: Oranges don't ripen further after picking
Pro Tip: The best way to test ripeness is to taste one fruit from the tree!
Summary: Choose variety → Plant properly → Care for tree → Manage pests → Protect in winter → Harvest sweet rewards!
Orange Tree Growing Guide
Learn how to grow your own orange tree, even in containers!
Zesty Orange Recipes
Explore these delicious dishes featuring oranges from around the world.
Click on the images for recipes that will brighten your meals!
Orange Recipe Tutorials
Quickly master the art of cooking with oranges through these videos.