Orange of the month – Salustiana orange

The fruit

The Salustiana orange is a variety of white orange. This is a classic orange that has been on the market for more than 50 years and satisfies the taste buds of most orange juice consumers. It originated from a natural spontaneous mutation of oranges of the Comuna variety. This mutation occurred in the late 1940s in Enova, province of Valencia. The possible cause of this event was changes in climate and cultivation conditions. The harvest season lasts between December and April, peaking in winter. The Salustiana orange tree develops well and is medium to large in size with very strong branches. These are very sensitive to temperature changes and suffer especially in cold seasons. This is a round and slightly flattened orange, orange in color with no shine or reddish tones. This variety of orange has almost no seeds or pips and generally has a thin peel. The Salustiana is an orange with a lot of juice and a very sweet taste, making it suitable and recommended for both direct consumption and for use in juices.

Nutritional benefits

The most common benefits of this type of orange are:

• Hydration: it is a type of orange very rich in water and therefore has no high caloric content.
• Contains potassium necessary for nerve impulse transmission and normal muscle activity, magnesium that improves immunity and has a weak laxative effect, and calcium.
• Fiber; found in the white part of the peel and promotes intestinal transit.
• Orange acids; contains different acids with disinfectant actions, help in the production of red and white blood cells and the synthesis of genetic material, as well as improving the immune system.
• Vitamins: contains a large amount of vitamin A (beta-carotene) and antioxidants that together help maintain good vision, skin health, hair, mucous membranes, bones, and a well-functioning immune system. It also contains vitamin C, which helps in collagen formation, bone and teeth health, and iron absorption in the body.