Types of citrus fruits: names, descriptions and interesting facts

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Citrus fruits are evergreen shrubs and trees that belong to the Rutaceae family. The types of citrus plants today are diverse, however, few people know that initially only mandarin, pomelo, lime and citron existed in nature. All other fruits were bred through long-term selection.

Being juicy and delicious, citrus fruits are popular all over the world. In addition, they are in high demand due to their amazing he alth benefits. Popular types of citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits and oranges are not only eaten naturally, but also used to make juice, added to jams and marmalades, and used in cooking to add flavor to meats and vegetables.

How are they different?

Citrus fruits are sour exotic fruits in which the seeds are surrounded by juicy and fleshy pulp. Originally grown in Southeast Asia, they have become popular all over the world. How many types of citrus fruits are there in the world? It is currently estimated that there are just over thirty independent varieties.

The combination of sweet and sour flavors and bright aromas is probably one of the reasons why they are among the favorite fruits for many people.around the world. They are usually juicy, and it is this juice that contains the main acid component that gives the fruit its characteristic taste. Not only do they taste great, but they are also an important component of a he althy diet due to their many he alth benefits.

Citrus fruits come in many types and colors. Their color depends on climatic conditions. In tropical regions, there is no winter, and the fruit remains green or greenish-orange until ripe. They are usually harvested before they are fully ripe.

Why should you be careful?

With he alth benefits, these sour fruits aid in detoxification and are a rich source of vitamin C and other nutrients that the human body needs.

The acidity in citrus fruits is their main feature, as in some cases it can cause indigestion and difficulty in consumption. Some people develop allergic reactions to these citrus fruits or have stomach problems. Therefore, it is necessary to listen to your well-being when using each new product.

Today, most large stores offer many types of citrus fruits. Which ones are the most useful?

Lemon

These fruits have antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Lemon is also used as a tool forweight loss, as it aids digestion and cleanses the liver. This citrus contains citric acid, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, bioflavonoid, pectin and limonene, which are known to boost the immune system.

Grapefruit

This is a large subtropical fruit known for its slightly bitter and sour taste. Its name is due to the fact that it grows in bunches that look like grapes (in English - grape). With high levels of enzymes, high water content and very little sodium, grapefruit helps speed up weight loss. It also helps prevent cancer, boosts immunity levels, and aids in digestion. It is rich in B vitamins, magnesium, iron, folic acid, manganese, calcium and potassium.

Orange

When talking about the types of citrus fruits, it is impossible not to mention oranges. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene. Oranges are an ideal source of nutrients for the body. They help maintain heart he alth, prevent kidney disease, and lower cholesterol levels. Oranges are by far one of the most popular citrus fruits.

Mandarin

Tangerines are types of citrus fruits that stand out in a separate family and are slightly more expensive than oranges. They have a distinctly less sour and sweeter taste. These fruits are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene. In addition, tangerines are known to aid digestion, heal wounds and cuts, and limit the risk of obesity.

Clementine

Clementine is a seedless variety of mandarin. Being a rich source of fiber, vitamin C and potassium, it is also regarded as an energy product. In addition, it is an antioxidant and helps in weight loss and vision improvement. Since it is available from November to January, it is also known as "Christmas Orange".

Lime

These fruits are similar to lemons, but unlike them, they are green in color and have a bittersweet taste. These types of citrus fruits are also rich in vitamins C and A, iron, potassium, magnesium and other minerals. Limes can reverse the signs of aging, make skin look younger, and even prevent kidney stones.

Pomelo

As the largest of the citrus fruits, pomelo is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, bioflavonoids, proteins, fiber, he althy fats, potassium, antioxidants and enzymes. This fruit is known to aid digestion, promote heart and dental he alth, and boost the immune system's ability to fight off the common flu and colds.

Red orange

Types of citrus fruits are often similar. However, the red orange is considered a separate variety of fruit. Being one of the most delicious among citrus fruits, it is also effective for he alth. So, it contains a high level of vitamins C and A, as well as folic acid, anthocyanins and calcium. These substances are essential for the body.to prevent cancer, strengthen teeth and bones. In addition, eating red oranges promotes good digestive he alth. Often you can hear the question: "If two types of citrus fruits are grafted, what happens?". This fruit is a visual answer to it.

Buddha's hand

Its scientific name is Citrusmedicavar Sarcodactylis. Better known as Buddha's hand, this fruit is rich in vitamin C. It is commonly used to make tonics and stimulant drinks. Unlike other citrus fruits, it has dry flesh and no seeds.

Citron

This fruit comes from India and Burma. Citron has huge he alth benefits. The antioxidant properties of the fruit make it ideal for diseases caused by oxidative stress (such as Alzheimer's disease). The fruit has hypoglycemic properties that make it an ideal treatment for diabetes. It also has an analgesic effect on wounds, cuts and burns.

Oroblanco

Oroblanco, commonly referred to as the white grapefruit species, is rich in natural sugars, dietary fiber, and is an excellent source of antioxidants that prevent free radicals from wreaking havoc on your body's cells. It is also sodium-free and has a high concentration of beta-carotene.

Benefits of citrus fruits

First of all, they contribute to weight loss. So, one lemon with honey, diluted in warm water, is an excellent tool for weight loss. It works most effectively when consumed in the morning.on an empty stomach Lemon contains pectin, a soluble fiber that helps burn fat and promote weight loss.

Second, all types of citrus fruits increase immunity: most citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C. This substance, consumed together with antioxidants, helps to boost your body's immunity. Studies have shown that people who consume citrus fruits are less susceptible to common infections such as colds and flu.

Thirdly, citrus fruits improve digestion, in particular, lemon and lime are recommended for this purpose. Drinking a glass of lemon juice with your meal will help eliminate bad bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, almost all types of citrus fruits contain calcium and potassium in small amounts. For example, the potassium level in a lemon helps maintain bone calcium density in the body. Potassium helps prevent calcium loss through the kidneys, thus protecting the body from osteoporosis.

Most citrus fruits contain citric acid, and regular consumption of the juice of these fruits helps to increase the level of citrate in the urine. People who are prone to kidney stones should drink plenty of water to prevent the formation of kidney stones. But adding lemon juice can help reduce the risk of such a calcium stone.

How to use different types of citrus fruit for good?

If you will be using citrus fruits bought in advance, store them at room temperature.temperature during the week. If you plan to leave them for a longer amount of time, put the fruits in the refrigerator. There they can stay fit for up to a month.

If you have an upset stomach, drink a glass of lime juice. This will help relieve stomach pain and diarrhea.

Lemon juice is used to rub freshly cut fruit to keep it from turning brown. Also, the juice of this citrus, mixed with honey, cleanses the skin well. Because citrus fruits (especially lemon and lime) are acidic in nature, it helps balance the body's pH. Most of these fruits contain less than a hundred calories per serving, so this is a great option for a he althy snack.

Also, these plants can be used for aesthetic purposes. For example, everyone knows such types of indoor citrus fruits as lemon and tangerine. Despite the fact that they do not always bear fruit, such a tree perfectly decorates any home or office interior.