Oranges come in many different varieties, but the most common is the sweet orange, which has a familiar bright orange rind. However, some people claim that oranges used to be a different color in the past. Is this true? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
The History and Origins of Oranges
Oranges originated in Southeast Asia, most likely in Southern China, Northeast India, and perhaps Myanmar. Citrus sinensis is the scientific name for the common sweet orange. It has been cultivated for thousands of years. Early forms were likely hybrids of pomelos and tangerines.
From Asia, oranges spread slowly west through India and the Middle East. They arrived in Europe during the 1500s. Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced sweet oranges into the Americas during the late 1500s and early 1600s. So oranges have been around for a long time.
Orange Color Genetics
The familiar orange color of oranges comes from carotenoid pigments, especially beta-carotene. Carotenoids are produced in the chloroplasts of fruit cells and accumulate in the rind and pulp as the fruit ripens.
The amount and types of carotenoids depends on the variety. Sweet oranges contain beta-carotene, which produces the typical orange hue. Some other carotenoids like violaxanthin and lutein are also present in smaller amounts.
The genetics and biochemistry behind orange pigmentation are complex but well-understood by modern science. There is no evidence that oranges fundamentally differed in color genetics in the past.
Historical Descriptions and Art
Looking at historical texts and art can provide clues into what oranges looked like in earlier eras. However, these accounts are subjective and open to interpretation.
Some key examples include:
- A 12th century text from China refers to oranges as being reddish-orange in color.
- A 1178 Chinese text mentions both yellow and reddish orange varieties.
- Some 16th century European paintings depict golden-yellow oranges rather than bright orange.
- However, other medieval European art shows orange-colored oranges.
Overall, textual and artistic sources suggest that orange coloration existed but was somewhat more variable than today. However, they do not conclusively demonstrate fundamentally different colors.
Early Orange Varieties
Many early orange varieties, like the Seville orange, were more bitter and acidic. They were used more for cooking than eating fresh. Sweet oranges arose later as mutations from these sour varieties.
Some older orange varieties may have differed slightly in hue from modern sweet oranges. But again, this natural variation does not mean oranges underwent major color changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no solid historical or scientific evidence that oranges changed color from some other hue like yellow or red. Oranges cultivated thousands of years ago likely exhibited some natural variation in shades. But the basic orange pigmentation produced by carotenoids appears to have always been present.
The popular notion that oranges used to be a radically different color is likely an urban legend based on misinterpretation of historical sources. Oranges today look much like they did centuries ago, even if new sweeter varieties have been bred.
