Orange Facts

Q: How should oranges be stored?

Oranges can be stored at room temperature.

Q: What nutrients are in oranges?

Oranges are a good source of vitamin C and also contain folate, fiber, and antioxidants.

Learn fun orange facts and general information about oranges, including different varieties such as mandarins and tangerines. This page includes how oranges grow, how to choose and store them, nutrition facts, and easy orange recipe ideas.

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Fun Orange Facts

Different orange varieties are available throughout the year.
Oranges grow on trees in warm weather climates.
Mandarins and tangerines are types of oranges.
Oranges can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in sauces and marinades.
Heavier oranges usually have more juice inside.

How Oranges Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Oranges Are Available

Different orange varieties are available throughout the year.

How Do Oranges Grow?

Oranges grow on trees in warm weather climates.

What to Look For When Buying Oranges

Pick oranges that are heavy for their size. Heavier oranges usually have more juice. The color can vary depending on the variety.

Orange Storage Tips

Store oranges at room temperature.

Kid Tip: If you want more juice, gently roll the orange on the counter before cutting or squeezing it.

How to Use Oranges

Peel and eat oranges as a snack.
Squeeze them to make fresh juice.
Use the juice in marinades, sauces, smoothies, and recipes.

Cooking Tip: Orange peel adds extra citrus flavor, so a little grated zest can brighten many recipes.

Orange Varieties

Navel oranges are popular for eating fresh.

Mandarins and tangerines are usually smaller and easier to peel.

Juicing oranges are often especially good for drinks and sauces.

Food Science: Sweet and Tangy Citrus

Why Do Oranges Taste Sweet and Tangy?

Oranges contain natural sugars that make them sweet and natural acids that give them their tangy taste.

As oranges ripen, they often taste sweeter, but they still keep some of their bright citrus flavor.

Mini Activity

Compare Orange Varieties

Look at two or more orange varieties.
Compare their size, peel texture, and color.
Talk about which one seems easiest to peel.
Taste and describe whether each one is sweeter or more tangy.

Orange Nutrition Facts

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C. They also contain folate, fiber, and antioxidants. One medium orange counts as one serving.

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C.
They also contain fiber.
They contain folate and antioxidants.
One medium orange is one serving.

More Food Fact Resources

Orange Recipes

Honey Orange Chicken

A baked chicken recipe with orange peel, orange juice, and honey for bright citrus flavor.

Category: Main Dish
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 60 minutes
Yield: Varies

Crumb Mixture

1 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Chicken and Sauce

Chicken breasts
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions

Combine bread crumbs, orange peel, salt, and pepper for the crumb mixture.
Dip chicken in orange juice and roll in the crumb mixture.
Place chicken in a greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Combine honey, chicken broth, butter, and cornstarch and heat until the butter melts.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake 15 more minutes.

Serving Tip: This orange chicken pairs well with rice or cooked vegetables.