Variety of Citrus

Citrus fruit has been cultivated in many regions of the world since ancient times. The most recognized examples are oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. Presently, according to the United Nations, the largest citrus-producers in the world are Brazil, China, the United States, Mexico, India, Spain, and Pakistan. Orange production is greatest in Brazil, the US, and Mexico, while China produces mandarins and India grows lemons and limes. The first citrus seeds were planted and cultivated in the New World under the supervision of Christopher Columbus in Haiti in 1493. The voyage of Vasco de Gamma to India in 1498 resulted in the introduction of the sweet orange variety, known as the Portugal orange, into European markets and orchards.

The citrus industry in western United States was initially established by the Spanish in their territories which were then ceded to the United States. Grove owners in Florida and California shared cultivars and knowledge to create a domination of the world citrus industry until adverse weather conditions in the late 19th and early 20th century in Florida, causing a transition to the California orchards as primary producers in the United States.

Citrus fruit plants are small shrub-like trees with spiny shoots and evergreen leaves. The flowers are solitary with five white petals and numerous stamens and are highly aromatic. The fruit is round to elongate with a leathery rind around segmented parts filled with pulp. The fruit may be eaten fresh, pressed for juice, and preserved in marmalade.

Oranges, clementines, and tangerines are peeled and split into segments and eaten fresh, while grapefruit is halved and its pulp spooned out. Grapefruit and oranges are pressed for their juice. Lemons and limes are more acidic citrus and their juice and peel is used for flavoring prepared food. Lemonade and limeade are popular beverages made with their diluted juices and sugar. The rind and oil of citrus fruit is very bitter, so is often sweetened with sugar, and is a common ingredient of salad dressings and meat marinades.

Citrus juices have medicinal benefits, too. Lemon juice relieves the pain of bee stings. Oranges have a high level of Vitamin C and was used to prevent scurvy in sailors during long sea voyages. The peel of lemons and oranges may be used as a facial cleanser as well as aromatic scent to mask other less desirous odors. The juice of lemons, limes, and oranges are useful in preventing calcium oxalate stone formation which causes kidney stones.