Spotlight On Oranges

Have we talked about oranges yet in our food spotlight?

I think not.

I’ve spotlighted lots of other tasty foods, ( just look for past Spotlight posts) but realized munching on an orange the other day, I hadn’t brought it to the forefront.

So let’s dig in!

Is there anything better than a crisp, cold orange? Sweet and tender with so much juice it runs off your chin?

One medium orange has about 80 calories, zero fat, 250 milligrams of potassium, 19 grabs of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein.

Loaded with vitamins and minerals the oranges biggest nutritional claim is packing a whopping 115%  of your daily Vitamin C needs.  They also contain healthy doses of Thiamin, Folate, and Potassium.

Oranges are also a rich source of various anti-oxidants that help our bodies fight diseases.

Because of it’s mineral and vitamin content it may help with heart disease and in the prevention of kidney stones.

Benefits of orange nutrition

1. High in Antioxidants
2. Enhances Immunity
3. Fights Cancer
4. Rich in Fiber
5. Improves Heart Health
6. Boosts Brain Function
7. Keeps Skin Healthy

Oranges are also very acidic, which may aggravate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms in those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If you notice that oranges cause negative side effects like a burning feeling in the chest, nausea or belching, consider reducing your intake.

Orange juice and oranges do not have same nutritional benefits

While orange nutrition benefits are pretty impressive, it’s important to remember that the same benefits may not extend to orange juice. This is because oranges contain a good amount of fiber, which helps slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. Orange juice, on the other hand, provides a concentrated amount of the sugar found in oranges, without any of the beneficial fiber. Commercial varieties, in particular, are pumped full of sugar and additives, minimizing the nutritional value of orange juice. Eating the whole orange is always the best way to go, and keep juice drinking to a minimum for best health benefits.

Some other interesting orange nutrition thoughts…

There are very few calories in a large orange, but they are high in fiber, vitamin C and a host of other micronutrients. Compared to apple nutrition, oranges are lower in calories and fiber but higher in vitamin C, folate, thiamine and potassium. Be sure to add both into your diet to enjoy all of the health-promoting properties.

How about some fun facts?

This is one of my favorite parts of food posts, sharing random, interesting or unknown facts about them.

Here we go….

Orange is actually a type of berry, hesperidia to be exact.

Orange trees are actually evergreen trees.

About 20% of the orange crop is sold as whole fruit. The rest are used for juices, extracts and preserves.

An orange tree can grow to over 30 feet and live 100 years.

A single citrus plant can bear over 60,000 flowers but only 1% will turn into fruit.

Valencia oranges are the most planted variety of orange world wide.

It’s thought that the reason oranges have long been associated with fertility (and therefore, weddings) is because this lush evergreen tree can simultaneously produce flowers, fruit and foliage

Christopher Columbus brought the first orange to America in 1493

Oranges are the largest citrus crop in the world

Orange trees were first grown in China

Oranges and orange blossoms are a symbol of love

And finally, after chocolate and vanilla, orange is the most popular flavor.

Yeah that shocked me too.

For me, growing up as a kid, Santa also left big oranges in the bottom of our stockings. My kids have gotten the same thing growing up and now, my grandkids too.  There have been lots of jokes from them but, they also expect to get them too haha

Ok let’s eat!

I can’t tell you all about the amazing orange without some recipes too, right?

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry with Asparagus

 

 

Ok your turn! How do you like oranges? Do you have any special recipes using them?