Citrus fruits rank first in global fruit production and are in high season, especially in winter. This may be due to the health-promoting effect of citrus fruits, which is based on the interaction of several ingredients. The high content of vitamin C is particularly popular. But also worth mentioning is hesperidin, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. It belongs to the so-called secondary plant substances, which serve, among other things, to protect plants from predators and pathogens. But perhaps the popularity of citrus fruits in the winter months can also be explained by the fact that these colorful fruits make us dream of southern, sunny countries - the countries where they are native and cultivated. Citrus species need sunny locations for healthy development and good production, which in Europe are given mainly in the Mediterranean region.
The association with warm, distant lands was probably also the reason that citrus plants arrived in Europe in tubs for ornamental purposes in the 15th century. Citrus plants are small trees or shrubs with somewhat leathery leaves that are pretty to look at and, depending on the species, very intensely fragrant. Especially in castles of the Baroque era, it was chic to grow and nurture citrus fruits in greenhouses called orangeries.
Strictly speaking, citrus fruits are berries of a special kind, also known as endocarp berries. What is special about them is that the endocarp, which is much smaller in other berry fruits, forms the edible pulp in citrus fruits and in this way encloses the seeds. Thus, as the ovary develops from the endocarp (the innermost layer of the pericarp), numerous sap tubes grow into the cavities. These bulging sap tubes fill and push against each other. This creates the classic pattern that we know roughly from an orange slice.
As is well known, sour makes merry! In this sense, you all a healthy and happy year 2022!
Source: Lieberei, R.; Reisdorff, C. (2012): Nutzpflanzen. 8th ed. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag, pp. 158-164.
Especially in the cold season, people like to make themselves comfortable with a hot cup of tea. Tea in the narrower sense is prepared from the leaves and leaf buds, sometimes also the stems or even roots of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), by pouring hot water over them. Similar to coffee, tea has a stimulating effect. This is due to the caffeine contained in the tea plant.
Have we piqued your interest? Then grab a tea of your choice and read on. We have compiled information about the tea plant for you here: