Pakistani Oranges

Orange is a variety of citrus fruit which is cultivated extensively in Pakistani Punjab Province. 

"This fruit is large and orange in color, with 12 to 25 seeds and round in shape. It matures in January or February. Being a rich source of vitamin C, it has assumed special economic importance and export demand due to its high juice content and special flavour."

Oranges

The fruit is technically hesperidia, a kind of berry. It consists of several easily separated sections, each containing several seeds and juice cells, covered by a leathery peel, containing numerous oil glands. 

Different varieties of oranges include:

•  the sweet orange (also called Sangtareh in Urdu), 
•  the sour orange (also called Seville orange), and 
•  the mandarin orange, all rich in vitamin C.

Orange trees are evergreens, seldom exceeding 9 m (30 ft) in height. They are highly productive and it is not uncommon to find 1000 fruits per tree. The leaves are oval and glossy and the flowers are white and fragrant. Three essential oils are obtained from oranges:

Oranges dangling from the tree

• oil of orange, obtained from the rind of the fruit and used principally as a flavoring agent;
• oil of petigrain, obtained from the leaves and twigs and used in perfumery; and
• oil of neroli, obtained from the blossoms and used in flavorings and perfumes.

Oranges are cultivated in warm regions, although they are native to south-eastern Asia.

Oranges are used extensively in herbal medicines, beauty products, flower arrangements, household chores and not to forget the food industry where its juice, marmalade and cakes bring water in everyone's mouth.

The citrus is very low in Saturated Fats, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of B-complex vitamins such as Thiamin, Pyridoxine and Folate. It also contains Dietary Fiber and Vitamin C. These nutrients help in cutting risk for different types of cancers, chronic diseases e.g. arthritis, obesity and coronary heart diseases.