Bitter orange
370312
224981504
2008-07-11T08:32:33Z
Cuaxdon
6807998
/* External links */
:''For the fruit known as "Chinese Bitter Orange," see [[Trifoliate orange]]''.
{{Taxobox
| name = ''Citrus aurantium''
| image = Koeh-042.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| subclassis = [[Rosidae]]
| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
| familia = [[Rutaceae]]
| genus = [[Citrus]]
| species = '''''C. aurantium'''''
| binomial = ''Citrus aurantium''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?10684
|title=Citrus aurantium information from NPGS/GRIN
|publisher=www.ars-grin.gov
|accessdate=2008-03-17
|last=
|first=
}}
</ref>
}}
The name "'''bitter orange'''" refers to a [[citrus]] tree ('''''Citrus aurantium''''') and its fruit. Many varieties of bitter oranges are used for their [[essential oil]], which is used in [[perfume]] and as a [[flavoring]]. They are also used in [[herbal medicine]]. Other names include '''sour orange''', '''bigarade orange''' and '''Seville orange'''.
===Varieties===
*''Citrus aurantium'' subsp. ''amara'' is a spiny evergreen tree native to southern [[Vietnam]], but widely cultivated. It is used as [[grafting]] stock for citrus trees, in [[marmalade]], and in the [[liqueur]]s [[Triple sec]], [[Grand Marnier]] and [[Curaçao liqueur|Curaçao]]. It is also cultivated for the essential oil expressed from the fruit, and for [[neroli oil]] and orange [[hydrosol|flower water]], which are [[distillation|distilled]] from the flowers.
*'''Seville orange''' (or ''bigarade'') is a widely-known, particularly tart orange which is now grown throughout the Mediterranean region. It has a thick, dimpled skin and is prized for making [[marmalade]], being higher in [[pectin]] than the [[orange (fruit)|sweet orange]], and therefore giving a better set and a higher yield. It is also used in [[compote]]s and for orange-flavored liqueurs.
*[[Bergamot orange]], ''C. aurantium'' subsp. ''bergamia'' is cultivated in [[Italy]] for the production of bergamot oil, a component of many brands of perfume and tea.
*[[Chinotto]], from the [[myrtle-leaved orange]] tree, ''C. aurantium'' var. ''myrtifolia'', native to Italy
*[[Daidai]], ''C. aurantium'' var. ''daidai'', used in [[Traditional Chinese medicine|Chinese medicine]] and [[Japanese New Year]] celebrations.
== Uses in cooking ==
The unripe fruit called "narthangai" is commonly used in Southern Indian food, especially in [[Tamil cuisine]]. The unripe fruit is pickled by cutting it into spirals and stuffing it with salt. The pickle is usually consumed with [[thayir sadam]]. The fresh fruit is also used frequently in [[pachadi]]s.
The juice from the ripe fruit is also used as a marinade in meat in Cuban cooking.
The peel can also become an ingredient in bitters.
The Belgian [[Witbier]] (white beer) is a beer made from wheat which is spiced with the peel of the bitter orange.
The Finnish use bitter orange peel in gingerbread, also in [[mämmi]].
== Health supplement status ==
The [[solvent extraction|extract]] of bitter orange (and bitter orange peel) has been used in [[dietary supplements]] as an aid to [[Weight loss|fat loss]] and as an [[appetite suppressant]], although in [[traditional Chinese medicine]] it is always prescribed in concert with other support herbs, not in isolation. Bitter orange contains [[synephrine]], a drug similar to [[ephedrine]], acting as a stimulant ([[Adrenergic receptor#.CE.B2-Adrenergic receptors|β<sub>2</sub> agonist]]) with a possible risk of [[ischemic stroke]] and heart problems.
== See also ==
* [[Neroli]]
* [[Orange flower water]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons|Citrus aurantium}}
*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/HI00053 Medications, supplements and illicit drugs that can raise your blood pressure]
*[http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=276 Bitter Orange List of Chemicals (Dr. Duke's Databases)]
*[http://www.drugs.com/npp/bitter-orange.html Complete Bitter Orange Information (www.drugs.com)]
*[http://www.sacredlotus.com/herbs/herb.cfm/hid/390 Herb: Zhi Shi (Immature Fruit of the Bitter Orange), Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii]
[[Category:Citrus]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[ar:نارنج]]
[[bg:Бергамот]]
[[ca:Taronger agre]]
[[ch:Kahet]]
[[da:Pomerans]]
[[de:Bitterorange]]
[[et:Pomerantsipuu]]
[[el:Νεραντζιά]]
[[es:Citrus × aurantium]]
[[eo:Bigaradujo]]
[[fa:نارنج]]
[[fr:Bigaradier]]
[[it:Citrus × aurantium]]
[[he:חושחש]]
[[lt:Karčiavaisis citrinmedis]]
[[nl:Zure sinaasappel]]
[[no:Pomerans]]
[[pl:Pomarańcza gorzka]]
[[ru:Померанец]]
[[fi:Pomeranssi]]
[[sv:Pomerans]]
[[to:Kola]]
[[tr:Turunç]]
[[zh:苦橙]]