Health benefits of oranges
Health benefits of oranges
Learn about oranges.
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz
Transcript
NARRATOR: The orange originated in China and is actually a cross between a mandarin and a grapefruit. Today, hundreds of varieties are available, from Spanish navel oranges and bitter oranges suitable only for marmalade, to the king among oranges, La Soculente.
EMINE SARIKAYA: "The special thing about this orange is that it's been allowed to ripen longer. The longer the fruit is left on the branches, the better the taste. It will be much less acidic."
NARRATOR: Brazil and the USA produce the most oranges in the world. In Europe, Spain and Italy are the top exporters. The later the fruit is harvested, the more sugar, vitamins and juice it will contain. Fruit that is picked too early will taste bitter and a little bland. But can consumers distinguish the good from the bad?
SARIYAKA: "With oranges, the color is very important. It should be a deep orange. That means it's been on the tree for longer and allowed to develop this rich colour. It also means more juice and a better taste."
NARRATOR: Rich, dark green leaves are also a good indication of freshness. Oranges are an important source of vitamins, particularly in the winter. Where possible, juices and health drinks should be made with organic oranges. This is because most oranges are treated with pesticides and the skins are waxed. For that reason, you should try to ensure that the chemicals don't come into contact with the skin when peeling your orange.
BORIS MEDAK: "This orange is treated, so I shouldn't peel it by hand. Instead, I'm going to cut it at either end with a knife. I'll show you, it's really simple and very quick."
NARRATOR: In the hands of an expert, this should take no longer than a minute. A bit of pith won't hurt anyone. It's rich in color, smell and flavor.
MEDAK: "It's important to use a sharp knife. A sharp knife allows you to cut through the orange, whereas a blunt one simply squashes the fruit, ruining your orange."
NARRATOR: Whether it's a blood orange or a common orange, almost no other food contains quite so much vitamin C. Two oranges a day will meet your daily requirement. Studies have shown that the body is better able to absorb vitamin C from this natural source than from a tablet. But be careful, freshly squeezed orange juice should be drunk straight away. It should never be left to stand, even if it's chilled.
MEDAK: "Vitamin C is very sensitive to light, air and oxygen. The longer it's left, the more it breaks down."
NARRATOR: Blend carrots, bananas, oats, vanilla yogurt and orange juice to create the perfect health drink. And the best thing about it? It tastes pretty good too. Cheers.
EMINE SARIKAYA: "The special thing about this orange is that it's been allowed to ripen longer. The longer the fruit is left on the branches, the better the taste. It will be much less acidic."
NARRATOR: Brazil and the USA produce the most oranges in the world. In Europe, Spain and Italy are the top exporters. The later the fruit is harvested, the more sugar, vitamins and juice it will contain. Fruit that is picked too early will taste bitter and a little bland. But can consumers distinguish the good from the bad?
SARIYAKA: "With oranges, the color is very important. It should be a deep orange. That means it's been on the tree for longer and allowed to develop this rich colour. It also means more juice and a better taste."
NARRATOR: Rich, dark green leaves are also a good indication of freshness. Oranges are an important source of vitamins, particularly in the winter. Where possible, juices and health drinks should be made with organic oranges. This is because most oranges are treated with pesticides and the skins are waxed. For that reason, you should try to ensure that the chemicals don't come into contact with the skin when peeling your orange.
BORIS MEDAK: "This orange is treated, so I shouldn't peel it by hand. Instead, I'm going to cut it at either end with a knife. I'll show you, it's really simple and very quick."
NARRATOR: In the hands of an expert, this should take no longer than a minute. A bit of pith won't hurt anyone. It's rich in color, smell and flavor.
MEDAK: "It's important to use a sharp knife. A sharp knife allows you to cut through the orange, whereas a blunt one simply squashes the fruit, ruining your orange."
NARRATOR: Whether it's a blood orange or a common orange, almost no other food contains quite so much vitamin C. Two oranges a day will meet your daily requirement. Studies have shown that the body is better able to absorb vitamin C from this natural source than from a tablet. But be careful, freshly squeezed orange juice should be drunk straight away. It should never be left to stand, even if it's chilled.
MEDAK: "Vitamin C is very sensitive to light, air and oxygen. The longer it's left, the more it breaks down."
NARRATOR: Blend carrots, bananas, oats, vanilla yogurt and orange juice to create the perfect health drink. And the best thing about it? It tastes pretty good too. Cheers.