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There Is No Blue Without Yellow, And Without Orange
- 22 ene
- 3 Min. de lectura
Actualizado: 7 feb
I like Vincent Van Gogh’s quote because it reminds us that everything can benefit through its relationships and contrasts with other components (teamwork).
Such is the perfect combination of Valencia’s particular orange trees and the sunny weather! They are quite gorgeous, especially when viewed against a blue sky. You find them growing everywhere, on the sidewalks, parks, government institutions, etc., but don’t eat their oranges because they are still from the bitter type.
There is a unique history behind how they became an iconic representative of Valencia, which led to their inclusion in our logo.
Sweet oranges are native to southern China and possibly to areas as far south as Indonesia (Webber et al., 1967). The orange may have followed a similar route to that of the citron and was likely introduced to Europe by the Romans. The first introductions of oranges were lost after the fall of the Roman Empire, but they were reintroduced around 1425 through Genoese trade routes (Webber et al., 1967).
They were introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs in the 10th century, although its first plantations in Valencia were for ornamental purposes due to its bitter taste, advanced irrigation and cultivation techniques were established in the region. The commercial cultivation of sweet oranges in Valencia began in the 18th century, with the parish priest Vicente Monzó Vidal in Carcaixent, who achieved a sweeter type of orange through grafts. This event consolidated the region as a centre of production of high-quality citrus fruits with a unique flavour, boosting its economy internationally. It's not clear how he came up with the grafts, but I asked an elderly man whose family were the initial settlers in the Kingdom of Valencia, and he believes it was a breed from the Navel Washington, brought to California from Brazil. The same orange that made Florida famous for its incredible taste.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Valencian oranges were already being exported to other countries, especially France and the United Kingdom, having a significant impact on the local and regional economy.
The orange has become a symbol of Valencian identity and tradition, forming part of the region's landscape and architecture, as seen on the façade of the Estación del Norte, with numerous relief ceramic applications, including the orange blossom and the orange leaf. It is remarkable, and photos don’t do it justice since the design is so meticulous and unique that you must see it in person to truly admire it.
The reality is that, without pollinators, such as bees, oranges would not be as established in Valencia.
The pollination of citrus fruits, including the Valencia orange, is primarily entomophilous, carried out by bees (Apis mellifera), as the pollen is heavy and sticky, making wind pollination of little importance. Orange tree pollen is viscous and heavy, which limits wind pollination and increases dependence on insects. Targeted pollination with bees improves the development, physical appearance, and nutritional quality of the fruit, increasing productivity.
Bees are the most important pollinators, ensuring the fertilisation of orange blossoms, and the presence of beehives in Valencia orange groves, a practice known as targeted pollination, results in higher quality and larger fruits.
Navel and Valencia varieties are the predominant types in Spain and Greece, and these varieties also predominate in Morocco and Egypt, as well as in South Africa, for the fresh fruit market. In Italy, blood oranges account for more than 70% of annual production.
Its moderate frost resistance, adaptability to a wide range of climatic conditions, and the diversity of existing cultivars make it highly adaptable to many regions. Right now (during winter), you can witness how beautiful the trees and oranges are, which speaks highly of how resilient they are.
Harvesting is done manually and must be carried out without pulling the fruit. It accounts for 25% of the total production costs and employs more than 50% of the labour required for cultivation. Spain is the leading producer of citrus fruits in Europe, followed by Italy and Greece. Oranges are the most widely produced item within the sector, and when you see all around, it makes complete sense.
What impresses me the most? The smell of the orange tree flowers! I had never been introduced to such a special scent, wow. While walking on the street, when they are in bloom, it transports you to your idea of heaven! I wish I could put it in a bottle and hide it under my pillow, but for now I will plant it everywhere I can for our survival!
