Did You Know Oranges Weren’t Always Orange?

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as biting into a juicy orange—a bite of summer, sweet and sticky, with its cheerful, vibrant hue. But here’s a plot twist: oranges weren’t always orange! Hard to believe, right? This humble fruit has a surprisingly colorful history, and it’s time to peel back the layers.

A Rainbow of Origins

Oranges as we know them trace their beginnings back to the foothills of the Himalayas some 8 million years ago. From there, they journeyed through the Indian subcontinent and China. But those ancient oranges didn’t look like the neatly packaged citrus we toss into our grocery carts today.

As History Facts explains, early oranges came in a variety of shapes and colors. Think smooth-skinned yellow fruits resembling lemons or pomelos, a far cry from the bright orange orbs we now recognize. And here’s the kicker: “All the oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits we eat today are descendants of just a handful of ancient species, namely citrons, pomelos, and mandarins, all native to South Asia and East Asia.”

From Exotic Treats to Everyday Snacks

Oranges didn’t land in the U.S. until the 1500s, when Spanish settlers planted seeds in Florida. Long before that, though, they had already captured hearts. As Clarissa Hyman wrote in Oranges: A Global History, “Citrus held a special place in the Islamic soul, being loved for its graceful form, the intensity of its evergreen leaves, and its hedonistic blossom. The flowers, fruit, and leaves were also used in medicine, gastronomy, and the cosmetic arts.” Even the wood was used for elegant furniture, and twigs became disposable toothbrushes!

So, when did oranges become, well, orange? That transformation came through centuries of selective breeding, starting around the 16th century. Farmers cultivated the fruit for a sweeter taste and a more standardized appearance. Interestingly, the fruit got its name before the color did. According to Word Smarts, the word “orange” stems from the Sanskrit nāranga, which traveled through Persian, Arabic, and French before becoming English. The color only started being called “orange” in the 1500s, well after the fruit’s debut.

Green Oranges Are Still a Thing

Here’s another fun fact: oranges actually turn orange when exposed to cold weather. In warmer climates, they often stay green, even when ripe. To meet expectations, some oranges are treated to achieve their signature hue.

So, next time you bite into a sweet orange slice, pause and appreciate its colorful history. Not only is it a refreshing snack, but it’s also a conversation starter that goes back millennia.