Orange tree
The orange tree leaf is a plant that Pagès has chosen to incorporate into its creations. Its soothing properties and sweet taste are ideal for infusion drinking.
The Orange tree, a shrub with a rich history, which is now very present and popular in Europe.
Origins of the orange tree
The word "Orange" comes from Sanskrit, it means "ju" in Chinese.
It is thought that Orange appeared several million years ago, about 20 million years ago. It is said that citrus fruits of this shape appeared in the Malaysian Archipelago at a time when these South Pacific islands were still part of a large area of land encompassing both Australia and Asia.
The Orange tree was introduced to Europe in the 11th century. It is at this time that the Mediterranean route began to be used, at the time of the Crusades, to introduce other civilizations to the Orange tree. Oranges pass by the silk road to Europe, via the Middle East and the Near East. It is in Sicily that the Orange tree will prove its worth in Europe. It will soon be acclaimed by the other countries in the south of the continent. Some time later, the Orange tree arrived in Spain and was named "naranj". It is said that it was the Hindu people who chose this name, which, taken up by the Arab people, was adopted and then slightly modified by the Spanish people. Indeed, "naranja" now means "Orange" in Spanish.
Four hundred years later, the Sweet Orange tree quickly replaced it. At the beginning of the 15th century, Oranges spread to almost all of southern Europe. Until the 20th century, Orange remained a rare fruit that was generally offered to children at Christmas. For a long time, it was considered a luxury product. Orange is now one of the most cultivated fruits in the world. It is now the second most consumed fruit in France.
Characteristics of the orange tree
Name: Citrus aurantium
Family: Rutaceae
Species: Fruit shrub
The Orange tree is a shrub about 15 meters high. Native to Southeast Asia, from India to southern China, this shrub is generally cultivated throughout Europe. It is found mainly in the Mediterranean area in France, mainly in the Côte d'Azur, and much less frequently than the Sweet Orange tree.
It is planted in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its thorny shoots have tough, persistent, bright dark green leaves with a winged petiole. The leaves are very aromatic when crumpled.
Uses of the orange tree
The Orange tree, and each of its components, is used in several forms. The fruit of the Orange tree can be eaten pure, it can also be combined with other fruits in the preparation of cakes or fruit salads. Its zest is used to make syrups but also for dyeing or alcoholic drinks. Orange syrup is popular for its tonic properties, it is usually prepared with a few pieces of orange zest cut into pieces, which are left to macerate for half a day with alcohol. It will then be necessary to filter the preparation and add enough water and sugar to make it taste like syrup.
Orange, and especially Bitter Orange, is also used to prepare the famous drink called Curaçao. Grown in Barbados and Curaçao, this species of Orange, the fruit of which always remains green, produces the bark used to make the curaçao of the islands or the curaçao of Holland.
Benefits of the orange tree
The Bitter Orange leaf is often used for its sedative properties, it is said to be able to calm nervous people and can help them to sleep.
It is also recommended against quintessential coughs and is apparently sudorific in case of colds.
The fruit, Orange, has very positive vibes. It is recommended to eat Orange often for the vitamins it brings to the body. This is a way to mix pleasure and wellness, its taste is indeed slightly acidulous and its aspect tenderly juicy are a delight for the mouth. Orange fruit is well known for its capacity to whet the appetite.
