Citrus aurantium L.

ORIGIN DATA:

It is a selection derived from the sour oranges that the Spaniards brought to the island of Curaçao, in the former Dutch Antilles, at the beginning of the 16th century. The different environment, warmer and drier, possibly helped the development and selection of some clones that were generically named Laraha, derived from laranja, orange in Portuguese.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

The tree is similar to the typical Seville sour orange. The fruits are small-medium sized, somewhat flattened. The rind is semi-rough and bright orange. The albedo is spongy and a little separated from the pulp at maturity. The pulp is juicy, with little acid and somewhat bitter, with a hollow central axis. Seeds are present.

USES:

The dried green rind is used as a pharmaceutical product. The rind is also used to make alcoholic beverages such as Curaçao, Triple Sec and Grand Marnier. The fruit is not consumed fresh, but it is used in pastries.