Leonard Cohen's 1967 debut single, "Suzanne," references oranges from China, accurately pointing to the country as the origin of the sweet orange, distinct from its bitter counterpart, and dating back at least 2,500 years. However, the citrus fruit's history is complex, being a hybrid of the wild mandarin from southern China and the pomelo from Indochina, as explained by David Mabberley, an adjunct professor at Macquarie University and author of 'Citrus: A World History', on ABC Radio National's Blueprint for Living.
The citrus genus, which includes oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, has a rich history that spans ancient Rome, the Renaissance, naval exploration, and more. These fruits are hybrids of three main species: mandarin oranges, pomelos, and citrons. Australia contributes to this diversity with native species like the desert lime, Kakadu lime, and finger lime, showcasing the country's unique citrus variety.
Citrus has also played a significant role in art, religion, and medicine throughout history. In the Mediterranean, the citron and lemon were the first citrus varieties introduced from Asia, valued by ancient Romans and later by Muslim traders who brought sour oranges, pomelos, and limes. Citrus holds symbolic significance in various religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and in Chinese culture. Renaissance art frequently featured citrus fruits, symbolizing wealth and power, especially among the nobility like the House of Medici.
During the Age of Exploration, citrus fruits became crucial for treating scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency that plagued sailors. The Royal Navy's adoption of lemon juice in the 18th century as a preventive measure against scurvy significantly reduced mortality rates. Citrus has also been valued for its medicinal properties, including its use as a contraceptive, as noted by Giacomo Casanova.
Today, the global citrus industry faces challenges from citrus greening disease, which has significantly impacted orange production in regions like Florida. The disease threatens the industry, but there is hope in breeding programs that integrate disease-resistant genes from native species into commercial cultivars to ensure the future availability of citrus fruits.
Source: ABC News