Orange
The earliest mention of the sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis) is in Chinese literature and dates back to 314 BC. It is not known exactly where the fruit originated, but most people believe it was in southern or southwestern China.
From China to Europe
The Moors brought oranges to Europe when they conquered Spain in the seventh century. At first, the orange was not used as a fruit for eating but solely as an ornamental plant. Later it became the highest fashion among kings and nobles in Europe to grow oranges in orangeries.
From status symbol to global fruit
The most famous of these is probably the orangery at Versailles in France, built around the year 1674 and considered to be more beautiful than the castle itself. In the orangery, there were 1,200 orange trees in silver tubs. For centuries, the upper class had orangeries with oranges that they rarely ate.
It was the Portuguese who started growing oranges for eating. Today, Brazil is the world's largest producer of oranges, followed by the United States
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Mediterranean house
- Danish name: Appelsin
- Latin name: Citrus × sinensis
- Family: Rue family / Rutaceae
- Natural habitat: China