Orange Facts

There are three main types of oranges--bitter, sweet and loose skinned. Bitter oranges are typically used for cooking and the rinds for candy and oils. Sweet oranges are most common for eating and loose skinned oranges peel easily like mandarin oranges. When choosing oranges, you'll want to compare weight with size as the heavier and smaller the oranges are, the sweeter and juicer they will be for you.

Vitamin C

• Oranges contain a significant source of Vitamin C. However, your oranges can lose up to 20 percent of that vitamin, if left standing for more than eight hours, once squeezed or portioned.

Other Vitamins and Minerals

• Oranges also contain Vitamins B and A. Oranges are a good source of minerals, such as fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.

Won't Over Ripen

• If left on the tree, oranges are one of only a few fruits that won't over ripen.

Major Crop

• Oranges are a major agricultural crop for the United States. However, Brazil grows the most oranges in the world.

A Long History

• Records show that oranges date back as far as 2500 B.C. growing in China.