The orange, from the Rutaceae family, is the best-known citrus fruit in all countries. It is a very sweet fruit, full of juice, spherical in shape, and is protected by a thick but not hard skin, with an intense and bright orange color. Its pulp, also bright orange, is divided into segments protected by a very thin second white skin, which gives off an exquisite perfume. Oranges are on the market all year round, thanks to off-season imports, especially from South Africa, Argentina and Uruguay. The main varieties are: Navel, Navel Late, Valencia, Valencia Late, Navelina and Salustiana, Washington Navel, Navel Lanelate, Ricalate, Thompson, among others.

It seems likely that its cultivation originated in China, from where it would have spread to the Middle East and from there to the Mediterranean basin. Currently, Spain is one of the main orange producing countries in the world, along with Israel, Italy, Morocco, the United States, Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa.

The orange has nutritional, dietary and medicinal properties. It contains vitamin A, B and especially C, very important for the body. It also has calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus, as well as sugars. It is also recommended in a complete and balanced daily diet, essential for children and in general, for the health of adults, as well as for the sick.

The orange is eaten raw, to enjoy its exquisite flavor and take advantage of its many healthy nutritional qualities. It can be eaten at any time, removing the skin and savoring its extremely juicy pulp. It is also enjoyed in natural juice. In addition, it is used in pastry and ice cream.

Oranges are perfectly preserved in the refrigerator.