Citrus × sinensis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Citrus × sinensis
Scientific classification
Genus:	Citrus
Species:	× sinensis

Citrus × sinensis (sometimes written Citrus sinensis), also known as the sweet oranges, is a commonly cultivated family of oranges that includes blood oranges and navel oranges.

Uses

The orange fruit is an important agricultural product, used for both the juicy fruit pulp and the aromatic peel (rind). Orange blossoms (the flowers) are used in several different ways, as are the leaves and wood of the tree.

Flowers

• The orange blossom, which is the state flower of Florida, is highly fragrant and traditionally associated with good fortune. It has long been popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths.
• Orange blossom essence is an important component in the making of perfume.
• Orange blossom petals can also be made into a delicately citrus-scented counterpart to rosewater, known as "orange blossom water" or "orange flower water". It is a common ingredient in French and Middle Eastern cuisines, especially in desserts and baked goods. In some Middle Eastern countries, drops of orange flower water are added to disguise the unpleasant taste of hard water drawn from wells or stored in qullahs (traditional Egyptian water pitchers made of porous clay). In the United States, orange flower water is used to make orange blossom scones and marshmallows.
• In Spain, fallen blossoms are dried and used to make orange tea.
• Orange blossom honey (or citrus honey) is obtained by putting beehives in the citrus groves while trees bloom. By this method, bees also pollinate seeded citrus varieties. This type of honey has an orangey taste and is highly prized.

Leaves

• Orange leaves can be boiled to make orange tea.

Wood

• Orangewood sticks are used as cuticle pushers in manicures and pedicures, and as spudgers for manipulating slender electronic wires.
• Orangewood is used in the same way as mesquite, oak, and hickory for seasoning grilled meat.

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  Orange trees in movable pots, so that they can be placed indoors for the winter

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  Orange flowers

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  Unripened fruit

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  Blood orange

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  Oranges on the branch

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  Orange tree

Chemical composition

Orange fruit and leaf both are reported to contain indole alkaloids including N,N-DMT.

Threats

Giant swallowtail larva

Giant swallowtail caterpillars (Papilio cresphontes) cause serious damage to this crop, especially to young trees.

See also

In Spanish: Citrus × sinensis para niños