According to Dr. Nguyen Van Hai from the Institute of Traditional Military Medicine, sour oranges have a sour taste, a cool nature, and affect three important meridians in the body: the spleen, stomach, and liver. Sour oranges offer a plethora of benefits, including cooling and detoxifying properties, as well as aiding in reducing phlegm, cough, and inflammation, and promoting diuresis.
Sour oranges are typically harvested between September and November annually. When ripe, they have thin skins, are juicy, and have pinkish pulp, hence their name.
This fruit is packed with vitamins A, B1, and B2, and is especially rich in vitamin C. Notably, sour oranges also contain citric acid (comprising about 8% of the weight of the dried fruit), which helps treat coughs and sore throats, and aids in fat reduction and weight loss.
Health Benefits of Sour Oranges
Boosting Immunity
With their abundant vitamin C content, sour oranges play a crucial role in strengthening the immune system, helping the body fight off infections. Additionally, the high level of antioxidants in sour oranges, combined with honey, efficiently supports immune function. Especially during cold winter days, enjoying a glass of sour orange juice with honey every morning will not only warm your body but also make it easier to withstand the cold weather.
Aiding Digestion
Sour oranges are rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion, prevent constipation, and reduce intestinal disorders. The vitamins in sour oranges also encourage the liver to produce bile, thereby maintaining efficient digestive function and supporting the removal of toxins left in the stomach from previous meals.
Weight Loss
The antioxidants in sour oranges play a significant role in burning excess fat, reducing appetite, and aiding weight loss effectively.
Skin Care
Sour oranges offer numerous benefits for the skin. Due to their vitamin C content, they not only help brighten and fade dark spots but also stimulate collagen production, making the skin firmer and more youthful. Consuming sour orange juice infused with honey regularly is an effective way to detoxify the body and promote collagen formation. As a result, your skin will become smoother, brighter, and more youthful.
Freshening Breath
Regularly consuming sour orange juice is a simple way to improve bad breath. The acid in sour oranges helps eliminate bacteria that cause halitosis, reducing cough and phlegm, and leaving your breath fresher.
Cancer Prevention
Sour oranges are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells and reduce the risk of various cancers.
Different Methods of Preparing Sour Oranges
Salted Sour Oranges
This method helps reduce the sourness and enhances the unique flavor of sour oranges. Salted sour oranges can be used for cooking or enjoyed directly.
Sour Orange Liquor
This variation produces a fruity liquor that is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering multiple health benefits.
Dried Sour Oranges
Dried sour oranges can be used to make tea, as a seasoning, or as a tasty snack.
Sour Orange Marmalade
Combine sour oranges with sugar and other fruits to create delicious and appealing jars of marmalade.
Sour Oranges in Cooking
Sour oranges can be used as a wonderful seasoning for dishes such as salads, seafood, grilled meat, adding a distinctive flavor to your meals.
Precautions When Using Sour Oranges
If you experience symptoms such as diarrhea or bloating, it is advisable to avoid consuming sour oranges. Oranges can stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids, potentially aggravating abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, overconsumption of sour orange juice infused with honey to treat coughs can also harm the digestive system.
When choosing sour oranges to infuse with honey for treating respiratory ailments, select fresh, ripe oranges with smooth skins, and pinkish pulp when cut open. Approximately 20 oranges per kilogram is a reasonable choice. Note that you should not pick overly large oranges, as the essential oil content in the peel and seeds is the most valuable component for treating respiratory ailments.
Although sour orange juice infused with honey offers numerous health benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone to consume regularly. The following groups should refrain from frequent consumption of sour orange juice with honey:
– People with medical conditions: Individuals with stomach ulcers or acid reflux should avoid consuming sour oranges.
– Pregnant women: Before consuming sour oranges, pregnant women should consult their doctors.
– Infants under one year old: The digestive system of infants under one year of age is still immature, so it is not advisable to introduce sour orange juice with honey too early.