Contents
Different plants from the genus Citrus quite easily interbreed with each other both during the experiments of breeders and “spontaneously”. Among the successful interspecific “mixtures” – a hybrid of orange and grapefruit. Like all citrus fruits, it is distinguished by its health benefits and bright taste. In Our Country, it is practically unknown, but in America it is actively cultivated on an industrial scale.
What is the name of a grapefruit crossed with an orange
The official name for an orange-grapefruit hybrid is orangelo. But at home, in South and Central America, it is more often found under the nickname chironja (“chironya”, “chironya” or “chironha”, depending on the local pronunciation). It directly points to the “pedigree” of the hybrid. In Puerto Rico, sweet oranges are called “china” (china), grapefruits in Spanish – “toronja” (toronja)
Description of a cross between an orange and a grapefruit with a photo
A hybrid of orange and grapefruit is an evergreen, powerful, tall tree. The average is 10-15 m, the oldest specimens reach 20 m. The shoots are densely leafy, the leaf plates are rich green in color, almost indistinguishable from grapefruit, but slightly smaller.
In gardens and plantations, the height of a hybrid of grapefruit and orange is limited to 3-5 m for ease of care and harvesting
Since the birthplace of orange is subtropics, a hybrid of orange and grapefruit blooms late, the fruits ripen in the middle or at the end of autumn. The flowers are large, with five snow-white petals, spreading a pleasant aroma.
In conditions of an optimally suitable climate, trees can bloom almost all year round.
The fruits of orange are large, of different sizes (weight varies between 250-350 g, diameter – 10-15 cm). The shape can be almost spherical, and pear-shaped, and ovoid. From grapefruit, the hybrid “inherited” a rather pale yellow-orange peel, reddish-pink flesh and a large size. From the orange – the chemical composition, juiciness and sweetness of the pulp.
In the taste of the hybrid, bitterness typical of grapefruit is completely absent.
The history of the origin of citrus
Orangelo is a hybrid of orange and grapefruit, “bred” by nature itself. The result of spontaneous crossing was discovered in Puerto Rico, on one of the test plantations in the highlands, in 1956. An employee of the local state university, Carlos G. Moscoso, who worked in the agricultural extension department, found several trees among the citrus plantations, with fruits that differed from the majority in size, skin tone and taste.
New types of citrus fruits often appear due to cross-pollination, but not all of them are of value.
The “random” hybrid, after a series of studies, was recognized as promising for cultivation on an industrial scale. The version that orange and grapefruit are its “parents” was confirmed after the breeders conducted an experiment on controlled crossing of these citrus fruits. The resulting hybrid had the same characteristics as the previously discovered tree.
After work on the “fixing” of varietal characteristics and the selection of the best representatives of the new species, which lasted until the early 60s of the twentieth century, the “mixture” of grapefruit and orange, called “orangelo”, quickly spread throughout Central, South and North America. This citrus is also cultivated in the Mediterranean, although to a lesser extent.
Useful properties of the hybrid
Like any citrus, a hybrid of orange and grapefruit has a low (60-65 kcal per 100 g) calorie content with a rich chemical composition. It will be a valuable addition to any diet.
Like any citrus, orangelo is over 80% water, and is high in dietary fiber (4,5g per 100g)
Of the “common” vitamins, macro- and microelements vital to the body, the hybrid of orange and grapefruit contains:
- Vitamin C. This is the most important “catalyst” necessary to maintain immunity and activate any recovery processes in the body. It is especially needed by blood vessels, helping to strengthen their walls. Without vitamin C, the body cannot absorb iron.
- Almost all B vitamins. Each of them plays an important role in metabolism. Without vitamin B1, protein, lipid, carbohydrate metabolism is “lost”, the water-salt balance is disturbed. Vitamin B2 is involved in almost all oxidation and reduction reactions, B6 – in the synthesis of amino acids, B9 provides “transportation” to the cells of the carbon necessary for the production of hemoglobin.
- Vitamin E. The most powerful natural antioxidant contained in the hybrid of orange and grapefruit. It neutralizes the negative effects of free radicals on the body, slowing down the aging process. With its deficiency, the risk of developing cancer and thrombosis increases.
- Potassium. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, preventing the development of arrhythmias. It plays an important role in supplying the brain with oxygen, maintains a normal water-salt and acid-base balance.
- Calcium. This microelement contained in the hybrid of orange and grapefruit is the basic “building material” for bone, cartilage and connective tissue. It also participates in the processes of blood coagulation, lipid burning, insulin synthesis, activates metabolism.
- Magnesium. Without it, the normal functioning of muscle fibers and nerve cells, the removal of toxins from the body is impossible. This is a valuable “support” for the endocrine system. Magnesium deficiency increases the risk of developing gallstones and urolithiasis.
In terms of vitamin C, the hybrid of orange and grapefruit surpasses many other citrus fruits.
The rich chemical composition determines the “multifaceted” benefits of the hybrid of orange and grapefruit for the body:
- strengthening immunity;
- help in the fight against extra pounds;
- normalization of the stomach and intestines;
- lowering the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, dissolving “plaques”;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- beneficial effect on the brain and nervous system as a whole;
- “support” of reproductive function in men and women;
- reducing the severity of symptoms typical of toxicosis and menopause;
- anticonvulsant effect.
No new fundamentally useful properties have been found in the hybrid of orange and grapefruit in comparison with the “parents”
Harm and contraindications
Like any citrus, a hybrid of orange and grapefruit can cause allergies. The intensity of the reaction in case of individual intolerance varies from rash, redness, slight burning to severe itching, severe swelling, bouts of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and breathing problems.
The list of contraindications that prevent the inclusion of an orange-grapefruit hybrid in the diet is not limited to the presence of allergies:
- Age up to three years. It is in children that an allergic reaction to a hybrid of orange and grapefruit, other citrus fruits is most often and most intense. In addition, the stomach is still unable to produce enough enzymes to quickly digest the fiber-rich pulp – cramps or pain in the abdomen are very likely.
- Increased acidity of gastric juice. Orangelo further increases it, causing an attack of heartburn.
- Chronic gastritis, colitis, peptic ulcer. The pulp and juice of the hybrid of orange and grapefruit irritates the affected mucosa more strongly, which can lead to an exacerbation of the disease.
- Taking certain drugs, primarily oral contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants, analgesics, medications prescribed for patients with cancer, erectile dysfunction and chronic hypertension.
It is possible that an allergy to citrus, detected in a child at the age of 3-4, will “spontaneously” disappear by the age of 7-8, but it happens that it persists in adults.
Conclusion
A hybrid of orange and grapefruit, aka orange, is extremely rare in Our Country. The local climate also does not allow growing it in open ground. Like all citrus fruits, it is valued for its original, refreshing taste and rich chemical composition, which means significant benefits for the body. However, there are contraindications that must be taken into account before including it in the diet, so as not to cause harm to health.