Juicy Citrus — In Defense of Plants (2024)

Juicy Citrus — In Defense of Plants (1)

I was enjoying some citrus the other day when I got to thinking about these peculiar fruits. They are some of my favorites yet I know very little about their development. What is a citrus fruit exactly and why are they so juicy?

To start with, citrus fruits are produced by members of the citrus or rue family - Rutaceae. Not all members of this family produce them either. Technically speaking, the oranges, lemons, limes (etc.) we eat are specialized berries called "hesperidia." They are characterized by their tough rind and juicy interior.

Following fertilization, the ovary of each flower begins to swell. On the outside of the swelling fruit you find the rind or “pericarp.” The pericarp itself has a few layers associated with it but this is where the oil-filled pits are located. Anyone that has ever squeezed an orange peel has seen these pits spurt their contents.

Juicy Citrus — In Defense of Plants (2)

Inward from the pericarp are a series of segments, which are the carpels. The individual carpels are the reason why oranges can be so easily segmented. Inside each carpel is a locule. These are small cavities where the seeds are housed. Lining the walls of these loculi are tiny hairs that, as the fruit matures, gradually fill with juices.

These juice-filled hairs makeup the pulp of a citrus fruit. Look closely and you can see that they are indeed individual compartments. This not only provides some nutrients to the developing seeds, it also provides a meal for potential seed dispersers, thus increasing the chances of successful recruitment away from the parent tree.

From a quick snack I spiraled into a world of new information. It is amazing what you can learn from simple questions. As a botanically oriented person, every meal offers a sea of discovery!

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Juicy Citrus — In Defense of Plants (2024)

FAQs

What are citrus fruits used to prevent? ›

There are many reasons to eat citrus fruits. They're nutritious and contain plant compounds that can protect against a variety of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, brain dysfunction and kidney stones.

Why is citrus so juicy? ›

Inside each carpel is a locule. These are small cavities where the seeds are housed. Lining the walls of these loculi are tiny hairs that, as the fruit matures, gradually fill with juices. These juice-filled hairs makeup the pulp of a citrus fruit.

Why are citrus fruits so important? ›

Citrus fruits are rich in multiple nutrients such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber which confer vascular protection, reduce inflammation, improve gastrointestinal function and health, and play an important role in preventing conditions like diabetes, cancer, neurological disease.

Are there any health benefits to citrus juices? ›

Citrus fruits contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which provide great benefits. Soluble fiber can support your cardiovascular health by reducing your low-density lipoprotein, or LDL or "bad," cholesterol levels, in turn reducing your risk of heart disease.

What are oranges good for preventing? ›

Vitamin C, which is also vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system, is good for preventing colds and preventing recurrent ear infections. Anti-oxidants in oranges help protect skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

Why do plants have juicy fruits? ›

Many plants grow fruit to enclose and protect their seeds, which need to spread out to grow new plants. Animals love to eat sweet, juicy fruit.

Which fruit is more juicy? ›

Watermelon: As its name suggests, watermelon is composed mostly of water, which makes it a very juicy fruit. Watermelons also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer. Grapes: Grapes are also composed of many small juice-filled pockets called berries.

What is the healthiest citrus fruit? ›

With the most iron and copper, oranges and pummelos can be recommended for people with hemoglobin production disorders, and other conditions that stem from deficiencies of those minerals. Pummelos, with their rich iron content, could be recommended for patients with anemia, oxidative stress, and other conditions.

What is an interesting fact about citrus fruits? ›

Citrus fruits are actually a kind of berry with a tough, leathery rind, known as a hesperidium. A single citrus plant can have as many as 60,000 flowers, but only 1 per cent of those flowers will turn into fruit. Citrus fruits that are grown in tropical climates without a proper winter will stay green on the outside.

Can you eat too much citrus fruit? ›

Yes, too much citrus can be a bad thing and wreak havoc on your gums and teeth. Consuming citrus too often and not brushing and rinsing out your mouth after can cause serious irritation and erode your tooth enamel. The problem with citrus is its highly acidic properties, combined with significant sugar content.

What organs benefit from lemon juice? ›

Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits. In fact, lemons may support heart health, weight control, and digestive health.

Is it OK to eat citrus fruits everyday? ›

Eating citrus fruits regularly can be very beneficial to your health. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and tangerines, are rich in vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your body against damage caused by free radicals.

Is drinking 100% fruit juice the same as eating fruit? ›

Drinking 100 percent fruit juice may juice sound like a healthy option, but it's a far cry from eating the real deal—whole, fresh fruit. In fact, new research finds that drinking just one glass of 100 percent fruit juice every day leads to gaining close to half a pound over three years.

Are citrus fruits like oranges used to prevent scurvy? ›

Prevention. Scurvy can be prevented by a diet that includes uncooked vitamin C-rich foods such as amla, bell peppers (sweet peppers), blackcurrants, broccoli, chili peppers, guava, kiwifruit, and parsley. Other sources rich in vitamin C are fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, papaya, and strawberries.

Do citrus fruits prevent scurvy? ›

The British began storing citrus fruits on board all of its ships. The British Navy gave its sailors limes or lemon juice rations to ward off scurvy – earning them the nickname of "Limeys" among the American sailors who didn't know about or believe in the preventative treatment.

How are citrus fruits like oranges used to prevent fever? ›

You are better off avoiding sugar and carbs completely during a cold and adding vitamin C supplements. Orange is good source of Vit C. Vit C is one of the nutrients that are essential for strong immunity. Vit C is not a medicine for fever or cold.

Does citrus help prevent scurvy? ›

How can scurvy be prevented? Scurvy can be prevented by consuming enough vitamin C, either in the diet or as a vitamin supplement. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons, as well as kiwi fruit, strawberries, guava, papaya and blackcurrants, are excellent sources.

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