So, it turns out that oranges are native to Southeast Asia, where they've been cultivated for thousands of years. And, back in the day, they were more like mandarins or kumquats, which are those tiny, adorable citrus fruits that you can eat whole, skin and all. But, over time, farmers started selectively breeding them to be bigger and sweeter, and eventually, they turned into the oranges we know and love today.
Now, you might be wondering, what's the deal with the color? Well, it's actually pretty cool. You see, oranges get their color from a pigment called carotene, which is the same stuff that makes carrots orange (who knew?). And, it's also what makes tomatoes red, although that's a whole different story. But, basically, the more carotene an orange has, the more orange it will be.
But, here's the thing: not all oranges are created equal. Some varieties, like blood oranges, have a deep red or purple color, which is just plain cool. And, others, like navel oranges, are more of a light orange or yellow color, which is still pretty great. So, it's not like oranges are just one-size-fits-all or anything.
Why Is A Orange Called An Orange | Detroit Chinatown
