Oranges are one of the world’s most popular and commonly grown fruits. While there are many varieties—including Valencia, Mandarin and blood oranges—the common term “orange” typically refers to sweet oranges, such as the navel. There are tree varieties known as “wild orange,” but the origin of the orange tree is actually unknown, though it is thought to have grown first in China. Brazil currently leads the world in orange production, but countries from the U.S. to Italy to India also produce oranges in volume.
Oranges are round fruits, predominantly orange in color, though they may be flecked with green or red. The flesh is also typically orange, though blood oranges are so named because the flesh is a deep, rich red. As with other citrus fruits, oranges are segmented into juicy wedges, while the rind is full of fragrant essential oils. The inner skin (pith) is white and bitter, and some varieties of the fruit have inedible seeds.