Are Oranges Supposed To Be Orange

So, have you ever stopped to think about oranges and why they're, well, orange? I mean, it's not like they're trying to blend in with their surroundings or anything. It's not like they're sitting there thinking, "You know what would be a great idea? If I were blue!"

But, believe it or not, oranges weren't always the lovely shade of orange we know and love today. In fact, they used to be more of a green or yellow color, which is kind of hard to imagine, right? I mean, can you picture yourself peeling a green orange and being all, "Mmm, this is delicious!"

A Brief History of Oranges

So, it turns out that oranges are native to Southeast Asia, where they've been cultivated for thousands of years. And, back in the day, they were more like mandarins or kumquats, which are those tiny, adorable citrus fruits that you can eat whole, skin and all. But, over time, farmers started selectively breeding them to be bigger and sweeter, and eventually, they turned into the oranges we know and love today.

Now, you might be wondering, what's the deal with the color? Well, it's actually pretty cool. You see, oranges get their color from a pigment called carotene, which is the same stuff that makes carrots orange (who knew?). And, it's also what makes tomatoes red, although that's a whole different story. But, basically, the more carotene an orange has, the more orange it will be.

But, here's the thing: not all oranges are created equal. Some varieties, like blood oranges, have a deep red or purple color, which is just plain cool. And, others, like navel oranges, are more of a light orange or yellow color, which is still pretty great. So, it's not like oranges are just one-size-fits-all or anything.

Why Is A Orange Called An Orange | Detroit Chinatown

The Great Orange Conspiracy

Now, I know what you're thinking: what about all those other colored oranges I've seen? You know, the purple ones, the pink ones, the blue ones (just kidding, there's no such thing as a blue orange... or is there?). But, seriously, some of those colors are just the result of clever marketing or food dye. I mean, who doesn't love a good orange you glad it's not blue joke, right?

But, in all seriousness, oranges are an amazing fruit, and their color is just one of the many things that makes them so awesome. So, next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to pick up a few oranges and appreciate their orange glory. And, who knows, maybe you'll even learn something new about these incredible little fruits.

Different types of orange oranges. : r/orange

So, there you have it: oranges are supposed to be orange, but not all of them are. And, even if they weren't, they'd still be pretty amazing. I mean, can you imagine a world without orange juice, orange marmalade, or orange creamsicles? It's a scary thought, my friends.

In conclusion, oranges are a fruit that's full of surprises, from their color to their history to their many uses. So, next time you bite into a juicy orange slice, remember all the cool things you learned about this incredible fruit. And, who knows, maybe you'll even start to appreciate oranges in a whole new way.