Fruit facts: Not just orange – why oranges can actually have different colors

25.12.2023 22:10
Updated: 13.05.2024 21:21

From all fruits, oranges are always associated with their beautiful golden color - but are they always orange?

In fact, these delicious fruits can be yellowing or even green, and it's not a rare thing.

Let's find out more about the situations when oranges aren't actually orange.

Unripe Oranges

When oranges are still growing on the tree, they start off green in color. 

As they continue to grow and develop, they go through a process called ripening. 

Photo:Pixabay

During ripening, the oranges gradually change color from green to orange. 

This is a natural transformation that occurs as the fruit matures.

Varieties of Oranges

Different varieties of oranges have different color characteristics. 

Some oranges, like the Valencia orange, may have a slightly greener hue even when they are fully ripe. 

This variation in color is due to the specific pigments present in the fruit, which can vary from one variety to another.

Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions can also affect the color of oranges. 

For example, if oranges are exposed to cooler temperatures during their growth, they may retain a greener color. 

In some cases, oranges that are grown in specific regions or climates may have a naturally greener appearance, even when fully ripe.

Artificial Ripening

Occasionally, oranges are picked when they are still green and then subjected to artificial ripening processes. 

These processes involve exposure to ethylene gas or other chemicals to accelerate the ripening and color change. 

Oranges treated in this way may appear to be green when they reach the market.

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Author: Kate Yakimchuk Editor internet resource

Content
  1. Unripe Oranges
  2. Varieties of Oranges
  3. Environmental Factors
  4. Artificial Ripening