Untreated Oranges: How to Recognize Them and Where to Buy Them
Untreated and organic oranges: why buy them
The eye, as in many situations, wants its part, and certainly a beautiful shiny orange with a perfect shape is inviting to the sight: however, this is not always an indicator of genuineness. Very often we find ourselves faced with citrus fruits treated with pesticides and chemical agents used to increase the productivity of the plants and improve the aesthetic appearance of the fruit, but not the quality of the product. Consequently, treated oranges cannot be used in any way in the kitchen, as they have an inedible peel, therefore not usable in the preparation of some desserts, jams or savoury dishes. You must therefore be very careful and, in the case in which you want to use orange peels in the kitchen, you must check carefully that they are untreated oranges from organic farming. Let's try to clarify and understand how to recognize organic and untreated oranges and how to buy them.
Untreated Oranges: What They Look Like
As we have already said, treated oranges have a peel free of imperfections due to the use of pesticides that prevent insects from causing damage to the fruit. The greatest risks are especially if they come from non-European countries, where substances that could be harmful to our health are not prohibited. Furthermore, the peel of treated oranges often appears shiny and smooth, obtained with a treatment based on waxes and with the application of other chemical products. In this way, fungal proliferations are contained and the product will last longer since many weeks can pass from the harvest of the oranges to their arrival in the shops.
Untreated and organic oranges can be recognized by their appearance: the peel is not always perfect, it has spots, the surface is not regular and in some cases there are leaves attached. Of course, it is possible that untreated oranges come across that are very beautiful to look at, but it is difficult for them to be all the same and with perfect peel. If you buy organic oranges, then check the appearance of the peel and the presence of the organic certification is an extra reason for peace of mind if you do not know the producer. It is also important to make a distinction between "organic" and not "natural": only organic farming in fact does not use chemical synthesis products to improve the fertilization of the fields or fight harmful insects and diseases.
Untreated Oranges for Sale: Where to Find Them
In recent times the trade in organic products has increased, but we do not always find what we want in the shops we usually go to. It is therefore necessary to rely on organic food retailers, always paying attention that the oranges have not been subjected, subsequently, to anti-mold treatments or waxing. A safe way is to buy directly from the producing company and obtain all the information relating to the cultivation methods.
On this site you can buy untreated organic oranges that will be shipped to your home within a few hours of picking the fruit.