Oranges. References: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products, USDA.

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1 are one of the most ubiquitous crops in the world, grown throughout Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and both South and North America. The United States and Brazil are the world s leading producers; most U.S. grown fruit is consumed within the country, while the bulk of Brazil s output is exported. In the United States, top orange growing states are Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona. Florida continues to lead the charge, despite major losses due to citrus greening in recent years. Sunshine State production is divided between Valencia and Navel varieties. are believed to have originated from a wild variety in the Southern China/Northern India region, although these cultivars can no longer be found. Originally valued for medicinal purposes, oranges were brought to the Mediterranean region by Italian traders in the 1400s, then were introduced around the globe by Portuguese explorers. The Spanish brought oranges to South America and to missions in Arizona and California, and the French brought oranges to what is now Louisiana. In the 1800s, orange groves were planted in Florida to much success. References: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products, USDA. TYPES, VARIETIES & CUTS The bulk of U.S. orange crops consist of three main varieties: the Washington Navel, the Valencia, and the Hamlin, complimented by several other varieties such as the Pineapple, Homosassa, and Queen. The Washington Navel has a thick, easy-to-peel rind and is easy to segment, making it one of the most popular eating oranges. However, it is not a good variety for processing into juice, as a higher limonene content makes it bitter. Valencia oranges are smaller and juicier than Washingtons, with a thinner rind, and are popular for juice with few seeds. Valencias can also produce two overlapping crop yields each year. The Hamlin is similar to the Valencia juicy and flavorful, but with a lighter color fruit and juice. It is a seedless variety and also a popular choice for orange juice. Pineapple oranges are a seedy, mid-season variety with rich color and flavor, and Queens are similar, but hardier, able to withstand cooler and drier temperatures.

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3 TYPES, VARIETIES & CUTS CONTINUED A popular specialty variety is the Blood Orange, so named because of its red flesh color and strong flavor. Blood oranges are grown selectively in Florida, but most are produced in the Mediterranean region. References: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products, University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. SEASONAL AVAILABILITY ARIZONA CALIFORNIA FLORIDA TEXAS AUSTRALIA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ISRAEL ITALY MEXICO MOROCCO SOUTH AFRICA VENEZUELA References: Produce Marketing Association, Purdue University, University of Arizona Extension. PESTS & DISEASE are subject to several molds and rots, particularly after harvest, including green mold, blue mold, stem end rot, brown rot, and sour rot. Prevention includes proper handling to avoid physically damaging fruit, treatment with fungicides, rapid postharvest cooling, and proper storage temperatures. A serious challenge to orange growers is Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. Bacteria-based, it causes bitter and malformed fruit and eventually kills trees. Citrus greening has been especially devastating in Florida, but has wiped out acres of trees in California and other states as well. To address the problem, the USDA has been working with commodity groups and growers in an emergency response group, earmarking millions of dollars to find solutions. Citrus canker, another bacterial disease, was brought to Florida on hurricane winds in the 1980s and 1990s. It causes early fruit and leaf drop, as well as lesions on the fruit. References: Agricultural Marketing Resource Center; UC Davis Postharvest Technology website. CULTIVATION, STORAGE & PACKAGING Orange trees need well-drained, looser soils. Clay and tight soil can lead to root rot and will shorten the life of the tree. Many varieties are grafted onto other tree stock; newly planted trees can bear fruit in about three years.

4 CULTIVATION, STORAGE & PACKAGING CONTINUED Preharvest: are still largely harvested by hand, although some mechanical harvesting is used (mostly for juicing varieties). The challenge is getting the fruit to fall without damaging the tree, as oranges are firmly fixed to their branches. Some tests have been done using abscission compounds that weaken the stem connection and allow the fruit to fall easier, although these chemicals have yet to be approved for use. Postharvest: Chilling injury can occur during storage at low temperatures where fruit can become pitted, stained, or suffer decay. Waxing or film-wrapping to maintain water content reduces chilling injury. Rind staining occurs when mature fruit is harvested late and can be controlled by a preharvest application of gibberellic acid. References: Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, UC Davis Postharvest Technology website. GOOD ARRIVAL GUIDELINES Generally speaking, the percentage of defects shown on a timely government inspection certificate should not exceed the percentage of allowable defects, provided: (1) transportation conditions were normal; (2) the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspection was timely; and (3) the entire lot was inspected. ARIZONA & CALIFORNIA FLORIDA 12 (7) [8 VSD] [8 VSD] [7 VSD] [7 VSD] [7 VSD]-3 TEXAS & OTHER STATES (see standards) 5 15-[8 VSD] [8 VSD]-5 13-[7 VSD] [6 VSD] [5 VSD]-3 There are no good arrival guidelines for this commodity specific to Canada; U.S. guidelines apply to shipments unless otherwise agreed by contract. References: DRC, PACA, USDA.

5 ORANGES: WEEKLY MOVEMENTS & PRICES, USA US $ / Kg Metric tons /7/2012 2/4/2012 3/3/2012 3/31/2012 4/28/2012 5/26/2012 6/23/2012 7/21/2012 8/18/2012 9/15/ /13/ /10/ /8/2012 1/5/2013 2/2/2013 3/2/2013 3/30/2013 4/27/2013 5/25/2013 6/22/2013 7/20/2013 8/17/2013 9/14/ /12/ /9/ /7/2013 1/4/2014 2/1/2014 3/1/2014 3/29/2014 4/26/2014 5/24/2014 6/21/2014 7/19/2014 8/16/2014 9/13/ /11/ /8/ /6/2014 1/3/2015 1/31/2015 2/28/2015 3/28/2015 4/25/2015 5/23/ CALIFORNIA-CENTRAL FLORIDA OTHERS Terminal Market Price Shipping Point Price References: Zamorano University (EAP) Agribusiness Administrative Department, USDA. INSPECTOR S INSIGHTS Skin breakdown, usually a sunken pitted area found around the stem end, is scored as a defect when affecting an area greater than a quarter-inch on California oranges, and affecting an area greater than half an inch on Florida oranges Smooth scars, affecting more than a third of the surface are scored as Excessive Discoloration on Florida oranges Dryness or mushy condition from freezing injury is scored as a defect when affecting all segments more than quarter-inch at the stem end, or the equivalent by volume. Source: Tom Yawman, International Produce Training, HEALTH & NUTRITION A medium-sized orange has 80 calories, no fat, and is an excellent source of Vitamin C. The fruit also includes potassium, calcium, fiber, and Vitamin A.