Did you know that orange peel can be used in the garden as a slug repellent? Possibly not. But we all know that oranges are a citrus fruit packed with vitamin C. They are therefore a great thing to incorporate into your diet year round, but particularly in these colder months when winter bugs are looming. One orange can give you 100% of your daily vitamin C requirements.
The orange tree is the most common tree grown in the world. It is thought that the orange tree originated in South East Asia. They are now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates. Brazil is the largest orange producing nation. It also produces the most orange juice.
Vitamin C belongs to a class known as vitamins soluble in water. This means that it is not stored in the body and must be replaced either through diet or supplements.Taking a vitamin C supplement does not offer same protective benefits as drinking a glass of orange juice, and eating a whole orange is even better.
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant for our body as it neutralises the effects free radicals. Free radicals in our body can cause damage such as ageing and cancer because of the damage they cause our cells.
Oranges are packed with other nutrients including phytonutrients, fibre, folate, vitamin A and B1, potassium and calcium. They are also good for preventing kidney stones and can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Oranges have a shelf life of about a week at room temperature and one month if refrigerated. The best way to store oranges is loosely, in an open or perforated plastic bag. If you are going to store your oranges in the fridge, their scent may be absorbed by meat, eggs and dairy products.
Like many fruit and vegetables the orange has much of its goodness in its skin, but often the skin is thought to harbour much of the pesticides used in the production process. Oranges cannot be artificially ripened and must be mature when picked. Ripe oranges often have some green or yellow-green colour in the skin.
So, if you are starting to see some of the winter time bugs coming through your house it could be a great time to make an autumn kumara and orange salad followed by the classic orange almond cake with greek yoghurt for pudding?
Mummy to Three Small Boys
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