The sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), a hybrid of pomelo and mandarin, is recognized as one of the world’s most popular fruits and is widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates.

An excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and a good source of citric acid and citrates, oranges are a very good source of dietary fiber, as well as a good source of potassium, calcium, folate and vitamin B1 (thiamin). They contain a wide variety of phytonutrient compounds including citrus flavanones like hesperedin and naringenin, carotenoids like beta-cryptoxanthin, as well as anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids and a variety of other polyphenols. Despite being comprised of mostly carbohydrates and water, with very little protein or fat, oranges have a low glycemic index, due to their high fiber and polyphenol content.*