A citrus that is eaten with the peel. What types of citrus fruits can be found on sale and grown at home

As a rule, we consume a large amount of citrus fruits during the New Year holidays. Moreover, sometimes it comes to the point that all the benefits of these fruits turn into harm - diathesis begins from an excess of citrus fruits. In fact, citrus fruits need to be given more attention and included in the daily diet. But let's talk about everything in order. How useful are oranges and tangerines, and when can they be harmful? What other fruits are included in the citrus group? How to use them to get the maximum benefit?

The word "citrus" literally means "lemon tree" in Latin. It is believed that the first citrus - its name is yuza - appeared about 2500 years ago in China. It is this country that is the birthplace of citrus fruits. Two hundred years later, in the historical annals, a mention appeared of the "citron" - a plant with round-shaped fruits, which, however, were not eaten, but were used as a powerful source of a pleasant aroma. In Europe, oranges and lemons appeared only in the Middle Ages.

The benefits of citrus

The fact that citrus fruits contain vitamin C, and in huge doses, is probably known to many. This is perhaps one of the most valuable substances known to modern medicine. Vitamin C actively contributes to strengthening the immune system, helps fight viral diseases, and is also a powerful antioxidant that prevents premature aging of cells throughout the body.

But the benefits of citrus don't end there. Citric acid, vitamin P, carotene and B vitamins - all these substances are also found in fruits in large quantities. One of the “tasks” of vitamin B is a strong nervous system (including sound sleep), and the substance also has a “cosmetic” effect, as it significantly strengthens hair and improves skin. Another valuable "citrus element" is potassium, which is inextricably linked with the work of the heart and blood vessels.

But the most valuable property of citrus fruits is the release of phytoncides - biologically active substances that can quickly and effectively suppress the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. In fact, these are natural antibiotics.

The healthiest citrus

If we talk about the amount of vitamin C (and in the human body it is not synthesized and does not accumulate), then the orange is the leader. 100 grams of the product "fits" 60 mg of ascorbic acid. This is even a little more than the daily norm, which the body of an adult needs. Only pregnant women and nursing mothers need more. In addition, the orange contains a large amount of vitamins B and A (choose the fruit of the brightest orange color), as well as pectin, which improves the functioning of the digestive system. Perhaps that is why a “food tradition” appeared during a plentiful feast to eat oranges.

Lemon, in addition to ascorbic acid, contains a substance called citrine, due to which vitamin C is absorbed faster and more completely. Lemon improves metabolism, so it is recommended not only for those who want to lose weight, but also as a prevention of diabetes. This fruit is valuable for its antipyretic and anti-cold properties.

Mandarin slightly lags behind its counterparts in the amount of vitamins, but this fruit is less calorie and contains many sugars, which will positively affect the activity and productivity of mental activity.

Grapefruit is another one of the most beloved and healthy citrus fruits and is known for its ability to burn extra calories. The composition of grapefruit pulp contains the substance lycopene, which contributes to a more active removal of toxins and waste products from cells.

How to use citrus fruits

In order to get the maximum benefit from citrus fruits, it is enough to eat one or two fruits a day. This will provide the body with many useful substances, strengthen the immune system, prevent beriberi and depression. There is even a so-called citrus diet, because, in addition to useful elements, fruits contain fiber, which allows you to effectively saturate and at the same time cleanse the body of toxins. But experts do not recommend abusing citrus fruits, as a large amount of them can cause an allergic reaction.

Of course, fresh citruses bring maximum benefit. It is best to eat half a piece of fruit at breakfast or during the first snack to recharge your batteries for the whole day. It is useful to prepare fresh juices from citrus fruits, as well as mashed potatoes, which are mixed with honey.

Remember that strict contraindications to the use of citrus are diseases such as ulcers, increased acidity of the stomach, hepatitis and cystitis!

Citrus fruits for weight loss

Citruses are able to effectively deal with excess weight. This provides a flavonoid called naringenin. It is needed in order for the liver to process and utilize fat more actively - this will help prevent excess weight and lose extra pounds. One fruit is able to saturate the body for a long time, thanks to fiber, and also lower insulin levels, which will help pacify the appetite.

In cosmetology, especially products designed to combat cellulite, extracts and oils of citrus fruits are widely used. Ascorbic acid actively helps in this, which activates the production of collagen, which means it tightens the skin and makes it more elastic. To prepare a homemade anti-cellulite remedy, grind the dried peel of an orange, tangerine or grapefruit, mix it with a few tablespoons of olive oil, and get a simple scrub for problem areas that perfectly tightens the skin. Citrus essential oils are also able to fight depression, stress and fatigue.

Long list (citrus species)

The most common citrus fruits include lemon, orange, grapefruit, and tangerine. It is these fruits that are grown, transported and sold most massively. In addition to them, citrus fruits also include:

• pomelo
• kumquat
• trifoliate (a type of orange)
• citrons
• uglyfruit (hybrid of grapefruit and tangerine)
• limequat (lime + kumquat)
• tangelo (a mixture of tangerine with other citrus fruits, has a lot of varieties)
• rangpurlime (very sour tangerine)
• zander (citrus, which is used exclusively as a flavoring)
• sweetie (white grapefruit + pomelo)
• orange (citrus fruit, which is used in medicine, is very similar to tangerine)
• orangequat (hybrid of kumquat and mandarin variety)

In total, 32 kinds of fruits are classified as citrus fruits, nine of which are of hybrid origin.

Many of us love the taste of bergamot tea called EarlGrey, and are quite satisfied with the description on the package as "ground pear". In fact, bergamot is also a citrus fruit, only very sour and not directly edible, so essential oil is squeezed out of its peel and flavored (perfumed) with tea leaves. In Spanish-speaking countries - and this is more than 330 million people - citrus fruits are an important part folklore and folk beliefs. Orange in this culture means happy shared love, while lemon, on the contrary, means loneliness and unrequited passion.

"Buddha's Hand" is the most expensive and frightening type of citrus. This citron fruit has the appearance of an arthritic hand and lacks flesh. Its peel is used exclusively for the preparation of candied fruits. At the same time, their aroma is so refined and multidimensional that it is commensurate with chrysanthemums and the most exquisite perfumes. One such orange-sized fruit can cost up to $200.

Citrus is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs in the Rutaceae family. The list of citrus fruits is quite long. They are used not only in cooking, but also in perfumery. Not everyone knows about their rich variety: many have not even heard of the bizarre names of some citrus fruits. Combines their benefits and pleasant, fresh smells.

All citruses have a rich composition with many useful substances.

The benefits of citrus

Representatives of the Rutov family can easily replenish a healthy diet menu and make the taste of many dishes brighter.

Different types of citrus fruits have beneficial properties due to their composition. They contain:

• organic acids;
• vitamins (C, B, E, PP, B2, A);
• essential oils;
• mineral salts;
• calcium, copper, phosphorus and iron.

Brief description of all species of the genus

Despite many similarities, citrus fruit varieties also have differences, and each of them is used for its intended purpose. In order to have a positive effect on the body with their help, it is enough to determine which types of citrus fruits will be more useful for a person at the moment.

Agli, or uglifruit

Combines the properties of mandarin, orange and grapefruit. Its name comes from the English word "ugly" ("ugly"). The fruit looks unappetizing: it has a yellow-green wrinkled peel. But on the inside, agli, like many citrus fruits, is sweet. The taste has shades of light grapefruit bitterness. There are no bones in the pulp. A ripe uglyfruit fruit, 10–15 cm in diameter, is usually quite heavy for its size. Citrus is popular in Western Europe.

Remember: if, after pressing on the peel of the coalfruit, deep depressions form on it, it began to deteriorate.

Orange

Refers to hybrids and was obtained as a result of natural crossing of pomelo and mandarin. The fruit was first discovered in China. Orange is one of the sweetest citrus fruits. In addition to its juiciness, it has the ability to have a beneficial tonic effect on the body, cheer up and improve the digestive tract. There are about 100 varieties of oranges in the world.

Lemon

The brightest representative of the Rutov family. It appeared as a result of crossing lime and citron. There is a version that lemon is a descendant of orange and lime. This citrus is native to South Asia. The acidity of lemon species depends on the conditions in which they grow. The benefits of this fruit are:

• the presence of a large amount of vitamin C;
• the ability to enhance the taste of dishes;
• providing a beneficial effect on the liver, stomach and intestines.

Lemons are the most popular citrus in the world.

Mandarin

The symbol of the New Year, familiar to everyone since childhood, is divided into many varieties: the color of some can be pale yellow, while others can be bright orange.

Mandarin participated in the "birth" of many hybrids. Among them are natsumikan, tangelo and calamondin.

The fruit is able to increase the overall tone of the body. For many gardeners, the fact that tangerine trees are more frost-resistant than other citrus plants is important, but along with all the pluses, there is one minus: excessive use of it can cause allergies.

Red orange, or "kinglet"

The result of a mutation of an ordinary orange in natural conditions. The people called it "bloody" because of its deep red flesh. There are also specimens with light red flesh. The fruits of this plant have a bright taste, do not have seeds, and are easy to clean. Blood orange is an ingredient in many gourmet dishes and is included in many diets. For the first time, the "kinglet" was found in Sicily.

A genus of evergreens. It was obtained by crossing citron and orange. The tree is distinguished by a lush crown and the presence of leathery oblong-ovate leaves. Bergamot has low taste qualities: the fruits of the plant are sour and bitter. But it, like all types of citrus fruits, has an exquisite aroma, so the fruit is widely used in perfumery. Bergamot was brought from Southeast Asia.

Bergamot is similar to lime, but has a specific smell.

Gayanima

The fruit is a hybrid of citron and lemon. The tree is hardy and requires little maintenance, and its branches are covered with long thorns (2–4 cm). The leaves are large and shiny. Gayanima fruit has a smooth lemon-yellow skin. The pulp of the fruit has a pleasant smell, but is very sour in taste, so it is often used for marinades. Inside the fruit is a large number of small seeds. Gayanima grows only in India.

Grapefruit

It is a descendant of orange and pomelo. The name of this citrus fruit was composed of two English words "grape" (grape) and "fruit". It is explained by the fact that citrus fruits are often collected in bunches similar to grapes. A ripe grapefruit weighs 300–500 g.

Not everyone likes a fruit that has a bitter taste, but real gourmets often prefer this type of tart citrus fruit. The grains of the fruit can be either yellow or red.. The saturation of the color of the pulp indicates the ripeness of the grapefruit. This fruit was first discovered in Barbados, and then in Jamaica.

The smallest representative of the Rutov family. The tree is also small - 1.5 m in height. The fruit is oval with rounded edges. Its peel is dense, but chewed easily and has a sweet taste. Kumquat is consumed fresh, and can also be included in various sauces. Its homeland is southeast Asia.

Kumquat can be eaten with peel

pomelo

Refers to citrus. The fruit comes from China. Compared to other representatives of this group - it is very large. The maximum weight of a pomelo is 10 kg, but on the shelves of Russian supermarkets, there are mostly specimens weighing no more than 1.5 kg. The light yellow flesh has a sweet taste. Pomelo zest is yellow and green.

Lime

The green "brother" of the lemon. Its main purpose is to spice up the taste of desserts and cocktails. Small round fruits are superior in quality to large ones. Lime was first spotted on the island of Malacca. The leaves of this plant are valued in cooking because of their aroma. Like all citrus fruits, lime is rich in various vitamins.

Pomeranian

A bitter variety of orange. A hybrid of mandarin and pomelo. Fresh citrus is not consumed, it is used in cooking for making jams and marmalade. Pomeranian is grown as an ornamental plant. Its fruits exude a pleasant smell; in appearance they are round with a wrinkled yellow-orange skin with spots of light red. Essential oils of orange are often used in medicine, perfumery and cosmetology. Citrus is native to Asia.

Yemeni Citron (Estrog)

A special sweet variety of citron with a very thick skin. It has little pulp. Its peculiarity is the absence of a sign that unites all other citrus fruits - a pronounced pleasant aroma.

Ugly looks like a suite

Karna

It is a hybrid of lemon and orange. The fruit has an unpleasant sour and at the same time bitter taste. There is practically no smell. The pulp of citrus is used to make marmalade and candied fruits. Karna is used in medicine as a cure for diseases of many internal organs. This fruit is grown in India and China.

A complete list of citrus species contains many varieties that are native to Japan.

Dekopon

According to some experts, it is a hybrid of two types of tangerines. The fruit is larger than a normal tangerine and has an elongated top. The pulp is juicy and sweet. A striking advantage of dekopon is the absence of stones. The peel of the fruit is orange, thick and bumpy. Citrus is low calorie.

Yekan

It arose as a result of crossing a mandarin and a pomelo. In terms of size, weight and color of the fruit, this type of citrus fruit resembles a grapefruit, but there is a significant difference: the pulp of the yekan has a more pleasant taste.

This variety includes both tangerines and oranges. These are very sweet-tasting, seedless fruits. They are added to various desserts and consumed fresh. Mikan is often canned and made into juice.

Mikan - Japanese tangerines

Kikudaidai

Appeared as a result of crossing orange and grapefruit. Kikudadai belongs to the types of inedible citrus fruits: its fruits have a bitter-sour taste, so a beautiful plant usually performs only a decorative function.

Natsudaidai

Natural hybrid of pomelo and orange. The peel is dense, yellow. Natsudaidai is sour in taste, but it is consumed fresh. A distinctive feature of this fruit is its high content of folic acid.

Have you ever wondered what a rich assortment of citrus fruits are? The list, of course, is not endless, but very long. Each variety has its own unique taste, unusual appearance and application. One thing unites all types of citrus fruits - the incredible smell of flowers and fruits. Fruits vary in color, shape, pulp, brightness of taste, but a bright aroma is their calling card.

It is believed that representatives of the citrus family were formed as a result of interspecific crossing. Some citrus fruits are obtained naturally, others have appeared thanks to the labors of breeders. Lime, mandarin, citron and are considered the progenitors of citruses. Various combinations of properties and qualities of these fruits have created the whole variety of sweet and sour, sunny citrus fruits.

Ugli (Uglifruit)

This citrus fruit is a successful hybrid of a mandarin and an orange. J. Sharp grafted a cutting of an unprepossessing plant into sour oranges and obtained a fruit superior in sweetness. He continued grafting until he developed a sugar variety with a minimum number of seeds. 15-20 years after the first experiment, Ugli fell in love in European countries. Today the citrus fruit is grown in Jamaica and Florida from December to April.

The name comes from the English "ugly" and means "ugly". We can safely say that this is the very case when you should not judge by appearance. A yellowish-green wrinkled peel with large pores and orange spots hides a juicy, sweet flesh underneath. The citrus fruit is easy to peel and separates into orange slices with a pleasant bitterness. The taste can be imagined as a combination of cloying tangerine with a noble note of grapefruit bitterness.

Uglifrut grows up to 10-15 cm in diameter. Ripe fruit should be heavy in weight. If, when you click on the spots, the fruit is strongly deformed, it means that it is overripe and has already begun to deteriorate. A special difference is the manufacturer's label or trademark printed on the peel. By the way, for decorative purposes, the tree is grown in tubs around the world, including in Russia.

Agli is eaten fresh. In cooking, it is used to make marmalade, jams, preserves, salads, yogurt, ice cream, sauces and candied fruits. Juice is used to flavor drinks and create cocktails.

It's hard to believe, but a citrus familiar from childhood is a natural hybrid of mandarin and pomelo. The plant was first discovered as early as 2500 BC. Its homeland is China, from where hundreds of years later the fruit spread to European countries. For this, the orange is also called the Chinese apple. The orange round fruit is protected by a dense skin that hides large grains of pulp.

It is known that lemon and orange are the most consumed and common citrus fruits. Unlike its sour counterpart, the sunny fruit is more often eaten in its natural form, and is also used in cooking for the preparation of candied fruits, salads, desserts, marmalade, jam, as a filling in chocolates and pastries. It is impossible to remain silent about the delicious orange juice, which is one of the most popular drinks in the world. The peel of the fruit is also used in the production of beverages, although alcoholic ones, such as wine or liquor.

Of course, we are mostly familiar with sweet oranges, but there are also bitter (orange), which you will learn about a little later.

King orange or red orange

In addition to the usual, orange, there are bloody oranges. They look very exotic, they are often called beetles. Citrus fruits owe their unusual name to red-colored pulp: from light to saturated. The point is the anthocyanin pigment and its concentration in various varieties. Outwardly, the beetle looks like an orange, it is smaller and has red-orange spots on the porous peel. The pulp contains practically no seeds. The slices are easily separated from each other.

The fruit is a natural mutation of the orange and is similar in taste. Red citrus is eaten fresh or used in salads, smoothies and sweet desserts. Rich juice looks attractive. Most varieties of blood fruit are grown in Mediterranean countries. The most famous of them are Moro, Sanguinello and Tarocco.

Fragrant bergamot is a descendant of bitter orange (orange) and lemon. The birthplace of the fruit is considered to be Southeast Asia. It is named after the Italian city of Bergamo, where the citrus was domesticated.

The pear-shaped, roundish fruit of dark green color is protected by a dense wrinkled skin. Due to the specific bitter-sour taste, fresh fruit is not often eaten. Marmalade and candied fruits are prepared from it, teas and confectionery are flavored. Essential oil with a pleasant refreshing aroma is used in perfumery.

A citrus fruit native to India, a descendant of the citron and lemon. Outwardly, it looks like a round, portly lemon. When rubbed, the leaves exude a delicious smell, similar to the spice of ginger and the freshness of eucalyptus. The yellow-sand smooth peel covers a pale, almost transparent, sour pulp with numerous small bones. Due to its spicy taste, Gayanima is a popular ingredient in marinades in Indian cuisine.

Scientists have long argued as to which citrus fruits were the ancestors of the grapefruit. Ultimately, it is believed that this is a natural hybrid of orange and pomelo. First, the plant was discovered in Barbados in 1650, and a little later in Jamaica, in 1814. Today, citrus has spread to most countries with a suitable subtropical climate. The name comes from the word "grape", which means "grapes". When ripe, the fruits of grapefruit closely gather side by side, resembling bunches of grapes.

A large rounded fruit reaches 10-15 cm in diameter, weighs about 300-500 g. The flesh is hidden under a dense orange shell, divided by bitter partitions. This variety of citrus fruits is varied in the color of sweet grains: from yellow to deep red. It is believed that the redder the flesh, the tastier it is. The number of small bones is minimal, there are representatives with their complete absence.

When choosing a grapefruit, give preference to heavy fruits. The fruit, unlike other citrus fruits, can retain its taste properties for a long time, even during heat treatment. Grapefruit is eaten fresh, used as an ingredient in dishes and drinks: salads, desserts, liqueurs and jams. Delicious spicy candied fruits are made from the peel. The fruit is peeled and freed from partitions, or cut across, after which the pulp is eaten out with a small spoon. The fruit, like juice, due to its composition, is included in the list of products for weight loss.

An intraspecific hybrid of tangerines - dekopon, which is also referred to as sumo, was discovered in Nagasaki in 1972. Citrus is native to Japan, South Korea, Brazil and some US states and is grown in large greenhouses. Fruits mainly in winter. Unlike its ancestors, the citrus fruit is larger in size and is decorated with a large, elongated tubercle at the top. The orange peel is easily separated and peeled off. Beneath it are hidden sweet, poured pitted pulp.

From the name it is clear that citrus comes from India. Outwardly, it looks like a voluminous tangerine with a relief peel and brightly defined slices. The fruit is used in folk medicine and in spiritual rituals. This is one of the oldest ancestors of citrus fruits. Currently considered endangered.

Yekan or anadomican, whose homeland is Japan, is still a mystery to breeders. Many are inclined to believe that this is a hybrid of pomelo and tangerine. The fruit was first discovered in 1886, and has been bred in China for some time.

Yekan can be compared to a grapefruit. The fruits are similar in size, weight and ways of eating. The fruit also has a slight bitterness of the partitions, but the pulp itself is much sweeter. Bright orange, sometimes red anadomican fell in love with the inhabitants of Asia. Farmers have even learned to grow citrus with five corners.

The second name of citrus fruit is estrogen. A separate type of citron, practically does not contain pulp, is used in religious ceremonies. Very large, grows 1.5-2 times the size of a human palm, slightly tapering from the base. The peel is massive, bumpy, elastic. The pulp is slightly sugary, does not have a pronounced aroma.

Indian lime comes from the country of the same name. Also called Palestinian and Colombian limes. The fruit is considered a hybrid of Mexican lime and sweet citron. According to other sources, this is the result of crossing lime and lime. Unfortunately, attempts by scientists to breed this variety in the laboratory have not been successful.

Light yellow fruits are spherical, or vice versa, slightly elongated. Thin smooth peel has a light, subtle smell. The flesh is transparent yellow, slightly sweet, even a little bland in taste, due to the absence of acids. The fruits of this plant are not edible. The tree is used as a rootstock.

Ichandarin (Yuzu)

A very interesting result of the hybridization of sour mandarin (sunki) and Ichan lemon. The ancient citrus plant of China and Tibet is considered an essential ingredient of the national cuisine. Outwardly, Ichandarin (aka Yunos or Yuzu) looks like a green, spherical lemon. The pulp is very sour, with a light tangerine flavor and a refreshing aroma. In cooking, it is used as an alternative to lemon or lime.

The citrus fruit is also called kabusu. It is a hybrid of bitter orange with primitive citrus fruits (papedas). Kabosu is native to China, but the people of Japan also cultivate this plant. The fruit is plucked from the tree as soon as it turns bright green. Outwardly, it is very similar to a lemon. And if you leave it on a branch, the kabusu turns yellow and becomes completely indistinguishable from its citrus counterpart.

Sour fruit - the owner of a transparent amber pulp with a slight lemon aroma and a large number of small, bitter seeds. Vinegar, marinades for fish and meat, seasonings, desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are prepared from citrus. Zest is used to flavor confectionery.

Calamansi or musky lime is a citrus fruit, similar in shape to a miniature spherical lime. The taste is clearly felt a combination of mandarin and lemon. It is considered the oldest citrus fruit, which served as an ancestor for many representatives. Valued in the Philippines. The fruit is used in cooking as an alternative to lemon or lime.

Calamondin (Citrofortunella)

Despite the fact that the plant is also called the dwarf orange, there is no direct relationship between citruses. The citrus fruit comes from the mandarin and the kumquat. The tree was discovered in Southeast Asia, spread throughout the world due to its unpretentiousness to temperature conditions. Citrofortunella can be grown at home as an ornamental plant. The fruits are small, round, similar to a small tangerine. Everything in this fruit is edible, even the orange thin peel that protects the sugar pulp. Jam and candied fruits are prepared from juicy mini-citrus with an unusual taste. Juice acts as an excellent marinade and addition to second courses.

The citrus fruit is called the sour orange, for its appearance and properties inherited from its ancestors: lemon and orange. Citrus looks like a weighty wrinkled lemon. Beneath the thick, warm yellow rind is orange flesh with a subtle, subtle citrus scent. Due to the unusual bitter-sour taste, the fruit is not eaten raw. Candied fruits and marmalade are prepared from it, juice is used as a seasoning. Seeds, leaves, flowers and rinds are used as raw materials for the preparation of oils used in cooking and perfumery.

The plant often decorates the urban landscape, or citrus fruits with an underdeveloped root system are moved to it. In folk medicine, karna is considered a drug against diseases of the circulatory, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract.

Additional fruit names are Kombava citrus. This citrus with inedible sour pulp reaches about 4 cm in diameter. The dense wrinkled lime-colored zest is extremely rarely used in cooking. It may seem that citrus fruit does not have special significance for humans. This is wrong. The plant is valued mainly for its dark green foliage. Traditional Thai, Indonesian, Cambodian, and also Malay dishes cannot do without it. Tom Yum soup is not possible without fragrant leaves with spicy sourness.

A Japanese citrus fruit grown as an ornamental plant. Bitter orange or canaliculata is the result of crossing an orange and a grapefruit. The sandy-orange fruits are considered inedible for their strong sour and unpleasant bitter taste.

This is the sweetest hybrid of mandarin and orange created by Pierre Clementin in the early 20th century. Outwardly, citrus is similar to tangerine, it is distinguished by a rich saffron color and a matte smoothness of the peel. Juicy, fragrant pulp surpasses its ancestors in sweetness, contains many seeds. The fruits are consumed fresh, in cooking they are used similarly to ancestral fruits.

An unusual citrus fruit is a hybrid of Fingerlime and limandarin Rangupr. Citrus was first discovered in Australia in 1990. Small fruits have a rich red-burgundy color. Blood limes are slightly sweeter than lemons and are eaten fresh and cooked.

Citrus is also called Australian, which is associated with the place of growth. Rounded greenish fruits, thick skin, light, almost transparent flesh. Candied fruit is prepared from the fruit, drinks are decorated and essential oil is obtained.

A miniature citrus fruit classified as a separate subgenus Fortunella. , or Kinkan reaches only 4 cm in length and 2 cm in diameter. Citrus originated in Southeast Asia, earning it the name Japanese and Golden orange. In fact, it looks like a small lemon with a rounded top. The slightly acidic flesh is paired with an edible honey rind. The fruit is eaten as an independent product, added to sweet dishes and baked with other products.

Most often, it is the Mexican lime that is mistaken for a representative of this citrus. It is depicted on the labels of drinks and products that include lime. Lime green neat fruit with a very acidic, translucent pulp. much more acidic than lemon, used in cooking for similar purposes. A fragrant essential oil is extracted from the zest and seeds. Ripe fruits always look weighty for their size.

Limetta is still a subject of controversy among breeders and citrus lovers. It is not known which fruits belong to the ancestors of citrus. Sweet or Italian lime is classified as both a lime and a lemon. It is possible that limetta originated from these fruits. The spherical pink-orange fruit is slightly flattened, pointed at the tip. The pulp is sweet, sour, pleasant in aroma. Drinks are prepared from citrus fruit, including alcoholic drinks, canned or turned into dried fruits.

A colorful citrus fruit, also called limonella, is a delicious hybrid of lime and kumquat, obtained in the early 20th century. Small, yellow-green oval fruit originated in China. The peel is edible sweet, the pulp with appetizing bitterness. Citrus makes refreshing drinks, lean dishes with an incredibly pleasant aroma.

Habitual and familiar to everyone, yellow, sour citrus is an ancient natural hybrid, originally from South Asia. There are versions that lemons are descended from lime and citron or orange and lime. In any case, these are healthy citruses - sources of vitamin C. The fruits are oval, yellow, with a narrowed top. Pulp with bones. Acidity varies by variety and growing conditions. There are many options for consuming citrus: eaten raw, preparing marinades, sauces, added to many dishes.

A beautiful, fragrant lemon got its name in honor of the Chinese city of Yichang. This is one of the rare types of citrus fruits that adorn the cities of Europe. Citrus fruit is resistant to adverse climatic conditions, decorated with yellow, light green and orange-orange fruits. Greenish beautiful foliage fits perfectly into the urban landscape. Flat fruits, similar to Kaffir lime, have a rich sour taste, so they are rarely eaten raw. In cooking, it replaces the usual lemon.

Meyer lemon (Meyer) or Chinese lemon is a hybrid of an ordinary lemon with an orange. It was discovered by Frank Meyer at the beginning of the 20th century. In China, citrus fruit is grown at home. Meyer lemon is distinguished by its large size, rich warm color and pleasant taste, appreciated by gourmets around the world.

Limandarin Rangpur

From the name it is clear that this is a hybrid of lemon and tangerine, from which it inherited its taste and appearance, respectively. First found in the city of Rangpur. The plant is used as a rootstock and decorates the urban interior with it. In cooking, it is used as a lemon, serves as an ingredient for the preparation of candied fruits and marmalade, and is added to juices for flavoring.

Otahite is a sweet rangpur discovered in Tahiti in 1813. It has a cloying taste when compared with other limandarins.

Sweet mandarin - a guest from southern China, is now grown in Asia and the Mediterranean countries. The fruit is round, slightly flattened, with a saffron-orange thin skin and sugary flesh. Depending on the variety, color and taste vary. The fruit is eaten fresh, many dishes, sauces and desserts are prepared, drinks and pastries are flavored.

Noble mandarin or royal mandarin

A citrus fruit with a noticeable, memorable appearance. It is a tangor - a hybrid of mandarin and sweet orange. Kunenbo or Cambodian mandarin came from Southwest China and Northeast India. Outwardly, it looks like an “aged” tangerine, a dark orange wrinkled, porous peel fits snugly to the slices, slightly outlining their contour. Rarely found on our shelves. The pulp is very sweet, with a lot of juice and a pleasant aroma. Noble mandarin is eaten on its own, or added to drinks and canned. The peel is used to flavor sweets and liqueurs.

Mandarin Unshio

Like many tangerines, Unshio (Inshiu, Satsuma) appeared in China, from where it spread to the countries of Southeast Asia. Citrus fruit is productive and adapts to low temperatures, therefore it is presented in European countries as an element of landscape design. Many mandarins imported to Russia belong to this variety.

The fruit is yellow-orange in color, round, slightly flattened from the top. The juicy pulp easily separates from a peel, does not contain seeds. Yingshiu is sweeter than regular tangerine, similar in use.

A hybrid of mandarin and kumquat is also called Orangequat. An attractive plant with an alluring sweet fragrance. The fruits are oval in shape, slightly elongated, similar to a kumquat enlarged at times. The sweet, edible rind ranges from orange to deep red-pink. The pulp is juicy, with a pleasant sour taste and slight bitterness. Mandarinokvat has a unique taste, which gives scope for gastronomic use. Marmalade and candied fruits are prepared from it, alcohol is flavored.

One of the representatives of the citron, which will be discussed later. It has a pleasant sweetness and less acidity. It grows in Morocco, ideal for making marmalade and candied fruits.

Delicious citrus fruit, obtained by the labors of breeders in 1931. Named after the city of the same name where it was bred. We can safely say that this is an excellent combination of tangerine and grapefruit. Rounded red-orange fruits with a slightly elongated top, reminiscent in shape. The skin is thin, but strong, easily peeled off. The pulp is sweet and sour, with a small amount of seeds. - a storehouse of folic acid, necessary for human health. Eaten fresh, squeeze the juice and add to pastries. Essential oil and peel flavor alcoholic beverages.

Citrus with a "murmuring name" is also referred to as honey. Murcott or Marcott was developed by scientists in the United States almost 100 years ago by crossing an orange with a tangerine. Today, the sweet citrus fruit has spread throughout the world and is even grown at home. The fruit is identical to the tangerine, surpassing it in sweetness and aroma. The only drawback is the excessive number of seeds, of which there are about 30. It is mainly used fresh.

Natural descendant of bitter orange and pomelo, found in the 17th century in the land of the rising sun. It looks like a large, elongated pear-shaped lemon. The crusts are light yellow, dense, easy to peel off. The filling is not juicy enough, with a persistent sour taste. Despite the strange gastronomic combination, citrus fruit can be eaten as an independent product.

Despite the name, citrus is not a grapefruit at all. Presumably, this is a descendant of pomelo and grapefruit or natural tangelo. The place of origin is also unknown.

Compared to grapefruit, the fruit is smaller and much sweeter. Thin light green-yellow skin with slight wrinkles, easily removed, exposing fragrant orange-pink flesh. Citrus makes delicious juice. The addition of citrus enriches the taste of dishes with a light, subtle bitterness.

So called the descendants of grapefruit and orange. The most popular representative is Chironha, discovered in the mountains of Puerto Rico in the fifties of the last century. The fruits are lemon-orange in color, the size of a grapefruit, slightly elongated. The pulp is very close to orange in taste. The fruit is canned, candied fruits are made from it, or the pulp is eaten with a small spoon, after cutting it in half.

The famous tangor is the result of a mixture of tangerine and orange, found in 1920 in Jamaica. Citrus fruit is also called tambor and mandora. The fruit is larger than a tangerine, with a thick orange-reddish skin. Pulp with a lot of juice and seeds, at the same time combines the taste qualities of predecessor fruits. Eaten fresh and used in cooking.

One of the memorable, unusual plants, originally from Eastern Australia. Fingerlime resembles a finger or a small thin cucumber: an oval, oblong fruit, about 10 cm. Under the thin skin of different colors (from transparent yellow to red-pink), the flesh of the corresponding shade is hidden. The shape of the contents is similar to fish eggs, has a sour taste and a persistent citrus aroma. The original is added to ready-made dishes and decorate them.

Ancient plants that scientists believe are the ancestors of many citrus fruits, including the kumquat and lime. Green fruits with thick wrinkled skin are covered with dark spots. The pulp is dense, rich in aromatic oil, therefore it is inedible. Papeda is resistant to frost, often used for citrus rootstocks with an underdeveloped root system.

A plant with a very interesting origin. Tahiti lime, as it is also called, is the result of crossing three fruits: sweet lemon, grapefruit and micro-citrus. A small rich green oval-shaped fruit with yellow-green flesh. First discovered in the United States, grown in countries with a subtropical climate. Persian lime is used to flavor confectionery and alcoholic products.

A large citrus that came from the shores of Asia and China. It is also called Pompelmus (Portuguese for "swollen lemon") and Sheddock (after the captain who brought the seeds to western India).

The fruit is large, yellow, similar to grapefruit, reaches 10 kg in weight. Under the thick fragrant and oily peel contains a dryish pulp, separated by bitter partitions. The contents are yellow, light green and red. Pompelmus is much sweeter than grapefruit. It is eaten fresh, included as an ingredient in various dishes. For example, the national cuisine of China and Thailand is not complete without this product.

So we got to the bitter orange, which is also called Bigaradia and Chinotto. This is a natural hybrid of mandarin and pomelo, inedible due to the specific sour taste. The Asian citrus fruit is mainly valued for its aromatic zest. Today it is grown in the Mediterranean, found only as a cultivated plant. In many countries, the orange has been domesticated and planted in pots, decorate houses and apartments. Round, shriveled fruits are covered with a red-orange skin. It peels off easily, releasing a pleasant lemon-orange flesh. Jam and marmalade are prepared from the fruit, drinks and pastries are flavored with zest. The ground peel is used as a spicy spice. Essential oil is used in medicine, cosmetology, and perfumery.

Citrus fruit is considered the most delicious tangerine in the world, also referred to as Suntara or Golden Citrus. Born in the mountains of India and widely distributed in countries with a suitable hot climate. In some countries it is grown as a houseplant for decoration. Orange smooth fruit with a thin skin and sugar, incredibly fragrant pulp. Eat and use like a normal tangerine.

This plant is the closest relative of the lemon, also called Trifoliata, the wild and rough-skinned lemon. Since ancient times, poncirus has grown in northern China. Frost resistant, often used as rootstock. Small yellow fruits are covered with soft fluff. Elastic, dense skin is peeled off badly. The pulp is oily, strongly bitter, therefore it is not used in cooking.

Rangeron (Tashkent lemon)

A variety of lemons bred in Tashkent, for which it is also called the Tashkent lemon. Smooth, rounded fruit has a pleasant citrus smell with a slight hint of pine needles. Inside and out, the fruit is painted in a warm, rich orange color. The skin is sweet and edible. It tastes like an orange with a delicate sourness.

In fact, these are the names of different fruits. Oroblanco was bred in the USA in 1970 by hybridizing pomelo and grapefruit. In 1984, Israeli scientists recrossed the new plant with a grapefruit and produced a fruit that was superior in sweetness, after which they named Sweety. Both citrus fruits are also referred to as pomelit.

Light yellow or greenish fruits are covered with a bitter, thick peel. The pulp of a delicate, yellow-beige color is divided into slices and framed by a bitter film. Virtually no seeds. Sweets are eaten like a grapefruit, cut in half and taking out sweet grains with a teaspoon. Like many citrus fruits, it is used to prepare unusual dishes and candied fruits. Essential oil is popular for making perfume compositions.

The fruit belongs to the bitter oranges, grows in Seville. Outwardly similar to a mandarin, slightly larger in size. It is not consumed on its own due to an unpleasant taste. It is used for the preparation of marmalade, flavoring of alcoholic products, and also as a rootstock.

Japanese citrus fruit obtained by combining paped and tangerine. Sudachi looks like a slightly rounded, green mandarin, covered with a dense peel. The pulp is comparable to a lime: light green, juicy, overly acidic. Juice is used instead of vinegar, marinades and sauces are prepared from it, drinks and desserts are flavored.

A very sour tangerine that comes from China. Small citrus fruits are flattened, packed in an orange-yellow thin skin. The pulp is very acidic, therefore it is not used in its natural form, it serves as a product for the preparation of desserts, marinades and candied fruits. The Sunkata tree is used as a rootstock.

A group of citrus fruits derived from sweet mandarin (tangerine) and orange is called Tangor. The most famous representatives - Ortanik and Murcott are described in detail in the article.

It is worth saying that "tangerine" does not apply to botanical terms and plant classification. This is a variety of very sweet tangerines grown in China and the United States. The fruit is rich orange in color, easily peeled from a thin peel. The pulp is juicy, pitted. Eat and use like a normal tangerine.

Citrus fruits, which appeared from tangerine (sweet tangerine) and grapefruit, are called Tangelo. The first plant was obtained in 1897 in the states. One of the brightest representatives is Mineola. Most Tangelos do not grow naturally and require hand pollination. All fruits are large in size and have a sweet taste.

Descendant of orange and mandarin, bred on the island of Taiwan. It is considered the most delicious oriental citrus. Tankan differs from mandarin in bright red color. The skin is thin and easy to peel off. The pulp is slightly sugary, juicy, smells delicious. Citrus fruit is used in Japanese cuisine.

Thomasville (Citranzhquat)

The name itself indicates the ancestors of the plant. Obviously, this is a descendant of kumquat and citrange. The first fruits were obtained in 1923, in the US city of the same name. The citrus fruit looks like a small, pear-shaped lemon with a thin skin. It can be used in different ways, depending on the degree of maturity. Ripe fruits, similar in taste to lime, are used in a similar way. Replace lemon with green citranium.

African cherry oranges are also called Citropsis, Frocitrus. The plant lives in Africa. Small orange fruits resemble tangerines, they smell very tasty. The pulp hides from 1 to 3 large seeds. Citrus fruit is consumed like mandarin, used in folk medicine in Africa. Also, this plant is considered the strongest aphrodisiac.

The result of the hybridization of lemon and tangerine, the appearance and taste of which confuses many people. The fruit looks like an orange lemon, and tastes like a sweet and sour tangerine. Like both parents, it is used in cooking.

Another interesting citrus fruit derived from sweet orange and poncirus. Citrange is similar to citrandarine, slightly larger, with a smooth surface. The taste is not the most pleasant, so the fruit is not eaten fresh. It serves as a raw material for the preparation of jam and marmalade.

One of the oldest citrus fruits with the largest fruits and thickest skin. Cedrat, as it is called, was the first citrus brought to Europe.

The citrus fruit looks like a large, elongated lemon with a characteristic soft color. The peel reaches 2-5 cm, occupies about half of the volume. The pulp is sour, cloying or slightly bitter can be felt. Fresh fruit is usually not eaten. The filling is suitable for making jam, and the massive shell goes for candied fruits. An essential oil is also obtained from citron, which is used in many industries.

The original and memorable citron "Buddha's fingers". Due to an unknown anomaly, the fruit sprouts do not fuse together, forming a fruit that looks like a human hand. Fruits of yellow-beige color contain many seeds and a minimum of pulp. The fruit smells very good. Candied fruits, marmalade and jam are prepared from the zest, grind it and add it as a seasoning to the main dishes.

Japanese citrus with a very interesting taste, the result of crossing tangerine and grapefruit. Large lemon-colored fruits with a very thick skin. The pulp is sour, does not have sweetness, but on the contrary, it is slightly bitter due to partitions. The fruit is eaten fresh, like grapefruit.

Citrus halimii

Citrus halimii (Mountain Citron) is a very little known fruit from Southeast Asia. It grows in the Malaysian peninsula and the adjacent peninsula of Thailand and some isolated Indonesian islands. It contains sour fruits. In Thailand, it grows in the rain forests of the southern regions between altitudes of 900 to 1800 m. In fact, this fruit was identified by botanists not so long ago. It was described for the first time in 1973.

Citruses are evergreen shrubs or trees with thorns on their stems, dense leathery petiole leaves with glands containing essential oil, white or anthocyanin-colored flowers with five petals on the outside and a peculiar berry-like fruit of a spherical, pointed-elongated or flattened-spherical shape, covered with peel . The fruit is divided into segments filled with sacs with juicy pulp. Citrus seeds are elongated or oval.

Types of citrus plants

Lemon.

Lemon (lat. Citrus limon)- this is the name of a species of the genus Citrus, as well as the fruit of plants of this species. Lemons are native to China, India and the Pacific Islands with tropical climates. Most likely, the modern lemon is a natural hybrid that gradually developed as a separate species. The lemon was introduced into the culture in the 12th century in Pakistan and India, and from there the Arabs brought it to the Middle East and North Africa, Italy and Spain. Today, India and Mexico are considered the leaders in the cultivation of lemons. In the middle lane, lemon cultivation is possible only in a greenhouse or in a room culture.

Lemon is an evergreen tree no more than 8 m high with a pyramidal sprawling crown. Lemon lives up to 50 years. Its bark on old branches is gray, slightly fissured, and on young branches it is smooth, reddish-violet or green. Usually thorns grow on the branches of a lemon. The leaves are fragrant, leathery, entire, broadly oval or oblong-ovate, pointed at both ends, with venation, green and glossy on the upper side and lighter, dull on the lower side. The length of the leaves located on the petioles is 10-15, and the width is 5-8 cm. Lemon flowers, single or paired, axillary, no more than 3 cm in diameter, white or creamy on the inside, and pinkish or purple on the outside, also emit a delicate aroma. The fruit is a light yellow, narrowed to both ends oval or ovoid hesperidium up to 6 in diameter and up to 9 cm long. At the top of the fruit, the nipple, tuberculate or pitted crust is separated with great difficulty and contains many glands with essential oil. The fruit is divided into 9-10 spongy nests with overgrown endocarp cells - hairs filled with juice. The pulp of the fruit is yellow, greenish-yellow and sour in taste, also contains white or yellow-green seeds with a single embryo. Lemon blossoms in spring and bears fruit in autumn.

Lemon pulp contains citric and malic organic acids, pectins, sugars, phytoncides, carotene, vitamins (thiamine, ascorbic acid, riboflavin), flavonoids, rutin, galacturonic acid, coumarin derivatives and other valuable substances. Lemon seeds, leaves and branches also contain fatty oil, in addition, citronine glycoside was found in the lemon bark, and the bitter substance limonin and ascorbic acid were found in the leaves. The characteristic aroma of lemon is due to the presence of lemon essential oil in its various organs.

Lemon is eaten fresh, used for the manufacture of confectionery and various drinks, including alcoholic ones. It is a raw material for the perfume and cosmetic industries. For therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, lemon is used for beriberi, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, urolithiasis, scurvy, gout, tonsillitis, hypertension and mineral metabolism disorders.

In the middle lane, lemon is a houseplant, but this does not mean that its fruits do not correspond in composition to those grown in hot countries. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Pavlovsky lemon has been known in room culture - with proper care, 10-30 fruits per season can be harvested from each tree of this variety, although there have been cases when the harvest reached 200 fruits. In addition to Pavlovsky lemon, Ponderosa (or Skiernevitsky), Lisbon, Meyer, Genoa, Chinese dwarf, Lunario, Maikopsky, Novogruzinsky and others have proven themselves well in room culture. Lemons are propagated by grafting and cuttings, but if desired, you can grow a tree even from a lemon seed.

Orange.

Orange (lat. Citrus sinensis)- a species of the genus Citrus, a fruit tree, as well as the fruit of this tree. It is the most common citrus crop in the tropics and subtropics. There is an assumption that the orange is a hybrid of mandarin and pomelo. Orange has been cultivated as far back as 2500 BC. in China, and the Portuguese navigators brought it to Europe, where they began to cultivate it in special facilities - greenhouses (remember what the Europeans called the orange?). Today, orange trees grow throughout the Mediterranean, and in Central America they can be seen everywhere.

The orange tree is quite tall. Its leaves are whole, connected by a wide articulation with winged petioles. The flowers of the orange are white, collected six in a racemose inflorescence. The fruit is a multi-seeded and multi-celled hesperidium, covered with a thick two-layer peel. The pulp consists of many spindle-shaped sacs with juice. The outer layer of the fruit (flavedo) contains large translucent spherical glands containing essential oil. The inner white spongy layer (albedo) has a loose structure, so the peel is separated from the pulp much easier than that of a lemon. The most valuable in terms of taste are large, full-bodied, thin-skinned and juicy Maltese, Malaga, Sicilian (or Messinian) oranges. An orange tree lives for a long time - up to 100-150 years.

The composition of orange fruits includes monosaccharides, dietary fiber, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, saturated , fatty acids - monosaturated and polyunsaturated, as well as cholesterol. Due to the presence of so many valuable biological substances in oranges, they are a very popular product. They are recommended in the treatment of hypovitaminosis, scurvy, diseases of the liver, blood vessels and heart. Eating oranges improves digestion, enhances the motor function of the large intestine and suppresses putrefactive processes in it. Candied fruits, infusions, jams and liqueurs are made from the peel of oranges, and the most valuable orange oil is also extracted.

The leaders in growing oranges are countries such as Brazil, China, USA, India, Mexico, Iran, Egypt, Spain, Italy, Indonesia, Turkey and South Africa.

Despite the fact that orange trees can survive frosts down to -50 ºC, in the middle lane they are grown either in greenhouses or in room culture. You should also know that, unlike lemons, which give fragrant and healthy fruits even at home, an orange tree can only decorate your home, and nothing more - it is very difficult to achieve real fruiting in a cool climate. The best varieties of oranges are Washington Neville, Valencia, Trovita, Pavlovsky, Korolek, Gamlin, Parson Brown and others.

Lime.

Lime (lat. Citrus aurantiifolia)- a type of citrus plant originating from the island of Malacca and genetically close to lemon. Actually, lime is a hybrid of lemon and citron.

In Mediterranean culture, lime appeared a thousand years BC, but on an industrial scale it began to be grown in the Antilles in the 70s of the XIX century. Lime can grow in any area with a warm climate, even where lemons cannot grow due to high humidity. In Australia, such types of limes as finger, round and desert grow. But at temperatures below 0 ºC lime dies. Today, the largest lime importers are Egypt, Cuba, India, Mexico and the Antilles.

Lime is an evergreen tree or shrub from 1.5 to 5 m high with a dense crown and branches covered with thorns. Lime inflorescences are axillary, consisting of 1-7 flowers, blooming remontantly throughout the year, but lime blooms most intensively during the rainy season - in May-June. The fruits also ripen remontantly. The ovoid lime fruits, 3.5 to 6 cm in diameter, have greenish, juicy and very acidic flesh. Lime peel is thin, green or yellowish-green.

Lime fruits contain ascorbic acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, pectins, riboflavin, vitamin A and B vitamins. Lime consumption protects teeth from caries, prevents bleeding gums, helps eliminate toxic substances from the body and has a calming effect on the nervous system . Lime treats herpes, fever, reduces warts and papillomas. Juice is used as a wound healing and antiviral agent. Lime essential oil increases appetite and normalizes the digestion process. For the most part, limes are used fresh in juice, salads, and as an ingredient in cocktails. Citric acid is obtained from lime juice, and soft drinks are flavored with oil.

Lime is unpretentious to the composition of the soil - it grows even on stony soils, but light, well-drained loams are most suitable for the plant. However, lime is much more sensitive to adverse conditions than other citrus fruits. Low temperatures are especially detrimental to him. The most popular are the Mexican lime, Limetta, Rangpur and Sweet lime varieties.

Mandarin.

Mandarin (lat. Citrus reticulata)- an evergreen plant, a species of the genus Citrus. The name "tangerine" comes from Spanish and contains an indication that the fruit is easily peeled (se mondar - "easy to peel"). The plant comes from southern China, and it came to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century. In India, China, South Korea, Japan and the countries of Indochina, mandarin is the most common citrus fruit. Mandarin is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, as well as in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Abkhazia, Brazil, Argentina and the USA.

Usually a mandarin does not exceed 4 m in height, but if the tree is older than 30 years, then it can be higher. Young shoots of mandarin are dark green in color, the leaves are small, elliptical or ovate, on winged petioles. Matte white flowers are arranged in the axils one or two. The fruits, like those of other citrus fruits, are multi-celled and multi-seeded, slightly flattened, 4-6 cm in diameter. They have a thin skin that separates easily from the yellow-orange flesh, which consists of many spindle-shaped sacs, which are hairs filled with juice. Mandarin pulp is sweeter than orange pulp. It is divided into 10-12 segments-nests, in each of which 1-2 seeds ripen. Mandarins ripen in November or December.

Mandarin fruits contain organic acids, sugars, vitamins A, D, K, B4, as well as riboflavin, thiamine, ascorbic acid, phytoncides, rutin, potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. The use of tangerine juice strengthens the body, stimulates the digestive processes. Juice is shown for dysentery and heavy menopausal bleeding. In folk medicine, alcohol tincture of tangerine skins in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract thins sputum. Infusions and decoctions of tangerine peel are used as an antipyretic, antiemetic and fixing agent.

In the middle lane, tangerines, like other citrus fruits, are grown in greenhouses or in room culture. All types of tangerines are divided into three groups:

• - noble tangerines - large fruits with a bumpy skin of light shades, growing on trees with large leaves;
• - tangerines, or Italian tangerines - varieties with medium-sized oval-shaped fruits with a pungent odor and a reddish or bright orange peel;
• - satsum, or unshiu - a group of Japanese winter-hardy varieties with thin light orange skin, sometimes with green spots. These varieties contain almost no seeds and are able to tolerate frosts down to -7 ºC, therefore they are popular on the Black Sea coast. The compact size of plants (up to 1.5 m in height) allows them to be kept indoors.

The most popular varieties of red tangerines are Tangor, Ellendale, Clementine, Minneola, Sunburst, Temple and Robinson. Of the yellow-fruited tangerines, Moroccan, Chinese, Israeli and Turkish varieties are in demand, as well as varieties of Honey, Batangas and Densi. And for growing at home, the Japanese dwarf varieties Unshiu, Emperor, Kovane-wasse, Imperial, Calamondin and Shiva-mikan are more suitable.

Pomelo.

Pomelo (lat. Citrus maxima), or shaddock, or sheddock- a species of the genus Citrus native to Southeast Asia, Malaysia, from the islands of Fiji and Tonga. In China, this fruit was cultivated a century before the beginning of our era, and the pomelo came to Europe in the 14th century with sailors. The name "sheddock" was given to the plant in honor of the captain who brought pomelo seeds to the West Indies in the 17th century.

Pomelo is an evergreen tree up to 15 m high, with a spherical crown, large leaves and white flowers 3-7 cm in diameter, single or collected in an inflorescence. The large fruit of the plant, divided into slices and covered with a thick peel, can reach a diameter of 30 cm, and in weight - 10 kg. Inside each lobule, separated from the others by a rigid partition, there are seeds. The color of the fruits is from light green to yellow, they are larger than grapefruit, their fibers are more rigid and elastic. Pomelo pulp is not as juicy as other citrus fruits. The fruits of the plant contain potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins C, F, B1, B2, B5, fiber, organic acids and essential oils. The use of pomelo fruits in food is recommended for lowering blood pressure, preventing blood clots, fighting bacteria and viruses in the autumn-spring period. Cosmetic masks containing pomelo fruit pulp moisturize and nourish the skin. In Thai cuisine, pomelo is an additive to many dishes, and in China, on New Year's Eve, people give each other a pomelo fruit as a wish for well-being and prosperity.

In the modern world, pomelo is cultivated in the south of China and Japan, in Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, India, Israel and Tahiti. The best plant varieties are Khao Horn, Khao namfang, Khao fuang and Tongdi.

Grapefruit.

Grapefruit (lat. Citrus paradisi)- an evergreen plant from the subtropics, an accidental hybrid between a pomelo and an orange. The world first heard about the grapefruit in 1750 - it was then that the Welsh priest-botanist Griffiths Hughes called the grapefruit the “forbidden fruit”. Then it was called a small sheddok, because it looked like a medium-sized pomelo fruit, and in 1814 merchants in Jamaica gave it its current name - grapefruit. From the end of the 19th century, grapefruit began to be grown on an industrial scale, first in the United States, and then in Brazil, the Caribbean, Israel and South Africa, and in the 20th century this fruit took one of the leading places on the world market. Today, the leaders in the cultivation of grapefruit are such countries as China, the USA, Mexico, South Africa and Israel.

The grapefruit tree grows to a height of 5-6 m, but may be higher. Its leaves are thin and long, dark green in color. Flowers with 4-5 white petals reach a diameter of 5 cm. The grapefruit fruit looks like very large orange fruits: up to 15 cm in diameter, with sour ruby-red or yellow flesh, divided into slices. The peel of the fruit is yellow, while in varieties with red flesh it is reddish.

The fruit pulp is rich in vitamins A, PP, C, D, B1, B2, B9, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iodine, fluorine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, fiber, antioxidants and carotenoids. Grapefruit is a dietary product that is indicated for obesity. It normalizes the level of cholesterol in the blood, speeds up the process of digestion, increases the acidity of gastric juice, lowers blood pressure, normalizes sleep, reduces headaches, relieves swelling and is used to prevent atherosclerosis. Grapefruit seed extract has strong antifungal and antimicrobial activity. In cosmetology, grapefruit is used to prepare cleansing and whitening masks.

Grapefruit varieties, of which there are about 20, are divided into white (yellow) and red. The red varieties are sweeter than the white ones. The first red variety of the Ruby grapefruit was patented in 1952, from which all red varieties originate. Of the white varieties, the most famous are Duncan, Marsh, White, and of the red ones - Ruby, Red, Flame and others.

Citron.

Citron, or cedrat (lat. Citrus medica) is a species of perennial plants of the genus Citrus. In ancient times, citron was cultivated in Western Asia, Western India and the Mediterranean. Citron was the first citrus plant that came to Europe long before the beginning of our era. Now it grows in many countries with a warm climate, although it occupies very small areas.

Citron is a small tree up to 3 m high or a shrub with single axillary spines on the branches. Its leaves are oblong-oval, dense, large, on short winged petioles: the upper ones are purple on young shoots, and dark green on mature shoots. Single or collected in inflorescences, large white citron flowers have a reddish tint. The fruits of the citron are the largest of all citrus crops - from 12 to 40 cm in length and from 8 to 28 cm in diameter. They have an oblong-rounded shape and a very thick yellow or orange peel. The pulp of the citron is low-juicy, so it is not used fresh.

The citron pulp contains phosphorus, calcium and iron, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B5, phytoncides, glycosides, flavonoids, and the peel contains coumarins and essential oils. Since ancient times, citron has been taken as a medicine for colds, indigestion, lung diseases, nausea and motion sickness, constipation and other bowel diseases. It was used as an antidote for the bite of poisonous insects and snakes. In Africa, citron was used to treat rheumatism, and in China it was used as an expectorant and bactericidal agent.

In the middle lane, citron, like other citrus fruits, is grown in room culture. Of the subspecies of citron, the most famous are finger (Buddha's hand) and Etrog (Greek), which do not have varieties, as well as a polymorphic variety of common citron, the best varieties of which are Pavlovsky, Mir, Bicolor and others.

In addition to the citrus plants described in more or less detail by us, the following are grown in the culture:

• - agli - a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit;
• - Gayanima - Indian citrus, the peel of which smells like eucalyptus and ginger at the same time;
• - karna - this species is grown for rootstocks;
• - calamondin, or citrofortunella - an ornamental plant;
• - natsudaidai - a Japanese hybrid of pomelo and sour orange (orange);
• - oranzhelo, or chironha - a hybrid of sweet orange and grapefruit from Puerto Rico;
• - orange - a fruit similar to an orange, the fruit of which is inedible;
• - sweetie, or oroblanco - a hybrid of white grapefruit and pomelo with sweet pulp;
• - pike perch - a citrus plant with inedible fruits that are used instead of vinegar;
• - tangelo - a hybrid plant with a sour taste;
• Hussaku is a Japanese hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit.

Properties of citrus plants

All citrus plants are evergreen - their leaves are a storehouse of nutrients for plants during the winter dormancy. Therefore, a true indicator of the health of a citrus is a large number of fresh leaves. The change of leaves on citrus fruits occurs gradually. As for the roots, they lack the suction root hairs that most plants have. Instead of hairs at the ends of their thin roots, mycorrhiza are formed - thickenings from the threads of soil fungi, which transfer nutrients to the plant from the soil. But in conditions of poor water and air permeability, as well as at temperatures below -5 and above 50 ºC, mycorrhiza die. Citrus flower buds are formed throughout the year, but the most active flowering period, as usual, is in the spring. Citrus flowers have a delicate aroma, reminiscent of the smell of jasmine or white acacia.

Citrus plants - growing features

When growing citrus fruits, the composition of the soil is not as important as the conditions for keeping plants - lighting, temperature and air humidity. There are several important rules that must be observed in order for citrus fruits to be comfortable in your apartment:

• - the flowerpot should not be too large. Excess soil, not occupied by roots, often rots and turns sour, causing the plant to shed its leaves and begin to wither. In addition, citrus trees require good drainage. When choosing a flowerpot, you should be aware that ceramic containers let air through, but quickly release moisture, plastic flowerpots retain moisture longer, but do not let air through. Wooden containers in this respect are better than all others, but, unfortunately, they are short-lived;
• - Excessive watering is detrimental to citrus plants. Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings. It is better to moisten young plants by the method of bottom watering, immersing the flowerpot with the plant in a container of water. When watering large plants, you need to pour water under the walls of the flowerpot to saturate the peripheral roots with moisture. Excess water must be poured out of the pan. But it is better to moisten a large plant by pouring water into the pan until the plant absorbs it. As soon as the citrus has stopped absorbing water, pour the rest of it out of the pan;
• - citrus fruits at home need daily spraying. But even if you have chronically violated this rule, and the plant has dropped all the leaves, do not rush to get rid of it: put a transparent plastic bag on it, sprinkled with water from the inside, and very soon you will see young leaves on your citrus;
• - when choosing a place for citrus, remember that it needs light and warmth, but in winter it is advisable to cover the batteries with something, otherwise they will dry out the air a lot. If you have the opportunity, buy a humidifier. At an air temperature within 22-24 ºC, the humidity should be at the level of 60-70%, and in winter, at a temperature of 8-10 ºC, the required air humidity is 40-50%.

What are the most famous citrus fruits? The list of most Europeans is limited to orange, tangerine, lemon and grapefruit. However, in total there are more than 60 species. Most of them appeared due to the crossing of different varieties and hybridization. However, not all of them are edible. Some, such as bergamot, are used as a flavoring agent. But still, many citrus fruits can enrich the usual diet and benefit.

Orange

Despite the fact that today the orange is one of the most common citrus fruits, it did not originally exist in nature. It is believed that 2500 years BC. e. it was obtained by crossing a mandarin and a pomelo in China. From here, already in the 15th century, the first orange trees were brought to Europe, and it even became fashionable to grow them in special greenhouses. They quickly took root on the southern coast of Spain, France, and later in the United States.

Oranges are those citrus fruits that doctors recommend eating daily. They have a general strengthening effect on the body, improve mood and contribute to the normalization of digestion. A glass of orange juice with breakfast will give you energy for the whole day and improve your appetite. In addition, it is recommended for diabetes, fever (as a source of fluid) and beriberi.

In addition to the classic ones, blood oranges, or blood oranges, are still common in Europe. They are distinguished from ordinary ones by bright red flesh and a sweeter taste. Otherwise, they are similar to traditional ones and may well replace them. In total, there are more than 30 varieties of oranges that differ from each other in appearance and taste.

Lemon

The main competitor of the orange in terms of popularity among Europeans can safely be called a lemon. He is even more often remembered when asked to name citrus fruits. But lemon is also not found in the wild. However, it is not known exactly when it was cultivated. The birthplace of the lemon is considered Southeast Asia. Most likely, the first hybrids appeared in India and from there were brought to Europe in the 12th century.

Lemons, despite the high content of acid, are recommended to normalize digestion in case of high acidity. Eating them regularly will strengthen the immune system due to the high content of vitamin C. Due to their taste properties, lemons are often used in cooking. Based on it, lemonade, popular all over the world, is prepared. Also, pieces of fresh fruit are added to strong tea. He is known all over the world as "Russian".

Mandarin

These very common citrus fruits originally from southern China did not appear in Europe until the end of the 19th century. But thanks to the fact that they were easy to peel (hence their name) and had a sweetish pulp, tangerines quickly gained popularity. As a result, different varieties appeared - from pale yellow to bright orange. And on their basis, many hybrids have been created: tangerine and orange - natsumikan, tangerine and grapefruit - tangelo, tangerine and kumquat - calamondin, as well as some others.

Perhaps the main useful property of all tangerines and hybrids based on them is that they contribute to the restoration of strength in the long winter period. They will help to cope with the blues and strengthen the immune system. They are also recommended for eating cores, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic bronchitis. True, they should be eaten with caution, since an excess of fruit can cause severe allergies.

Grapefruit

This hybrid of orange and pomelo has been common in Europe for a long time. And this is despite its specific bitter taste. And the fact is that the daily use of grapefruit contributes to weight loss even while maintaining the usual diet. Based on it, a special diet has been developed, where it is proposed to complete each meal with half of this fruit.

But not only grapefruit is useful for this. He, like many other citrus fruits, is a real storehouse of organic acids, vitamins (C, P, D and B1) and naringin, which is useful for the heart muscle. In addition, grapefruit juice is believed to improve mood and is an excellent antidepressant. With caution, it should be used only when taking contraceptives and drugs to reduce pressure, as well as ulcers, allergies and with increased acidity of the stomach.

pomelo

For most, the named 4 species are all citrus fruits. What other fruits are included? First of all, it is worth mentioning the pomelo. After all, this is one of the few wild citrus fruits cultivated by man. Also, many hybrids have been created on its basis (for example, orange and grapefruit). It differs from its counterparts in its coarser skin, impressive size and fibrous pulp. However, it is much sweeter than the same oranges and lemons.

In China, pomelo is considered a symbol of prosperity and is often presented as a gift on major holidays. And it is no coincidence. It normalizes metabolism, helping to cleanse the body and reduce weight. It is also suitable as a prophylactic for hypertension, heart disease and cancer. As well as other citrus fruits, the names of which have already been mentioned here, it is not recommended for those prone to allergic reactions.