Navel orange
A variety of sweet orange with a distinctive navel-like formation
[edit | edit source]
The navel orange is a variety of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) with a characteristic "navel" formation at the blossom end. This formation is actually a small, secondary fruit embedded at the apex of the primary fruit, giving it a unique appearance.
History[edit | edit source]
The navel orange is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in Brazil. It was introduced to the United States in the 1870s, where it became popular due to its seedless nature and ease of peeling. The Washington navel orange is one of the most well-known varieties and is widely cultivated in California and Florida.
Botanical Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Navel oranges are medium to large in size, with a bright orange, slightly thick rind that is easy to peel. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and seedless, making it a popular choice for fresh consumption. The "navel" is a small, undeveloped fruit that protrudes slightly from the top of the orange, resembling a human navel.
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Navel oranges thrive in subtropical climates with warm temperatures and well-drained soil. They require full sun exposure and regular watering to produce high-quality fruit. The trees are typically propagated through grafting to ensure the consistency of fruit quality and to maintain the seedless trait.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Navel oranges are primarily consumed fresh due to their sweet flavor and ease of peeling. They are also used in fruit salads, juices, and as a garnish for various dishes. The zest of the navel orange is often used in baking and cooking to add a citrusy aroma and flavor.
Health Benefits[edit | edit source]
Navel oranges are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to the diet. They are known to boost the immune system, improve skin health, and aid in digestion.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD