Basic Introduction to Nangshan Navel Orange
Nangshan Navel Orange is a specialty of Xinning County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province. Nangfeng Navel Oranges are globular or ovoid in shape with a fruit shape index of 0.99-1.05 and weigh between 220-296 grams, with orange-yellow or orange-red color and medium-sized oil glands, mostly closed navels. Newhall Navel Oranges are elliptical to long-elliptical in shape, relatively large, weighing between 220-305 grams, with smooth skin, orange-red color, and mostly closed navels. Navelina fruits are elliptical or long-ovoid in shape, relatively large, weighing between 200-230 grams, with a rounded top and narrower base often marked by small grooves, orange-red or deep orange color, relatively smooth skin, and thinner rind.
The area suitable for growing Nangshan Navel Oranges has a subtropical monsoon humid climate with mountainous climate characteristics, with an annual average temperature of 17.6-18.0°C. Nangfeng Navel Oranges are globular or ovoid in shape, with a fruit shape index of 0.99-1.05, weighing between 220-296 grams, with orange-yellow or orange-red color and medium-sized oil glands, mostly closed navels. Newhall Navel Oranges are elliptical to long-elliptical in shape, relatively large, weighing between 220-305 grams, with smooth skin, orange-red color, and mostly closed navels. Navelina fruits are elliptical or long-ovoid in shape, relatively large, weighing between 200-230 grams, with a rounded top and narrower base often marked by small grooves, orange-red or deep orange color, relatively smooth skin, and thinner rind.
The geographical range of Nangshan Navel Orange covers the following areas within Xinning County: Shuimiao Town, Feixianqiao Township, Nanshan Town, Jinshi Town, Wantang Township, Baisha Town, Huanglong Town, Qingjiangqiao Township, Gaoqiao Town, Anshan Township, Matouqiao Township, Fudong Township, Huilong Town, Xuntian Township, Yidushui Township, Jingwei Township, located at longitudes from 110°28'53” to 111°18'34” east, latitudes from 26°13'06” to 26°55'21” north, and altitudes ranging from 230 to 550 meters. The production area spans 16,660 hectares, with an annual output of 150,000 tons and annual sales revenue of 300 million yuan.
Nutritional Value
The juice of Navel Orange contains 11-15% soluble solids. In every 100 milliliters of juice, there are 11.0-13.0 grams of sugar, 0.80-0.95 grams of citric acid, and 55-75 milligrams of vitamin C. Additionally, it contains abundant amounts of vitamins B1, B2, P, carotene, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, (R)-limonene, coumarin, flavonoids, limonin analogs, carotenoids, glycosphingolipids, pyridoxine, pectin, and other cancer-preventing substances.
Product Characteristics
Nangfeng Navel Oranges are globular or ovoid in shape, with a fruit shape index of 0.99-1.05, weighing between 220-296 grams, with orange-yellow or orange-red color and medium-sized oil glands, mostly closed navels. Newhall Navel Oranges are elliptical to long-elliptical in shape, relatively large, weighing between 220-305 grams, with smooth skin, orange-red color, and mostly closed navels. Navelina fruits are elliptical or long-ovoid in shape, relatively large, weighing between 200-230 grams, with a rounded top and narrower base often marked by small grooves, orange-red or deep orange color, relatively smooth skin, and thinner rind.
Nangfeng Navel Orange segments are kidney-shaped, with 10-12 segments, a medium to large size core that is half-filled. The edible portion makes up 71.0-77.8%. The flesh is tender and crisp, with soluble solids content of 11.5-13.5%, a strong flavor, sweet and sour taste, fragrant aroma, and superior quality. The fruit has good storage properties and can be stored until March-April of the following year without losing its flavor under normal conditions. Newhall Navel Orange flesh is tender and crisp, easily melts in the mouth, juicy, with an edible rate of 73%-75%, juice rate of about 49%, and soluble solids content of 12%-13.5%; every 100 milliliters contain 8.5-10.5 grams of sugar, 0.6-0.9 grams of acid, and 50.3 milligrams of vitamin C, with superior quality. Navelina Navel Orange flesh is tender and crisp, with a richly sweet flavor, an edible rate of 78%-80%, juice rate of 51%, and soluble solids content of 11%-13%; every 100 milliliters contain 8-9 grams of sugar, 0.6-0.7 grams of acid, and 48 milligrams of vitamin C. The fruits mature in mid to late November and have good storage properties.
Historical and Folklore
The Wanli edition of the “Xinning County Gazetteer” from the Ming Dynasty records the cultivation of citrus in Xinning County. In 1976, wild Yichang orange stands covering more than 40 mu were discovered in areas such as Shuimiao Village in Shuimiao Town, Changping Village in Gaoqiao Town, and Longkouli in Huilong Town, proving the long history of citrus cultivation in Xinning. In 1943 (the 32nd year of the Republic of China), Douguang Agricultural School began introducing navel oranges and Wenzhou honey tangerines. From 1965 to 1966, the Wenzhou honey tangerine experienced significant development, with an area of 11,130 mu and an annual citrus production of 723 tons. The second major period of development was from 1978 to 1989, when the area reached 100,000 mu, with an annual citrus production of 40,000 tons, including 10,000 tons of navel oranges.
In November 1978, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives jointly approved Xinning County as one of the 100 national citrus production base counties.
In October 1979, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture jointly approved Xinning as one of the four national navel orange export base counties.
In 2002, the Ministry of Agriculture approved Xinning as a key county for navel orange production in the southern Jiangxi – southern Hunan – northern Guangxi citrus advantageous region.
Differentiating Genuine Nangshan Navel Oranges
1. Observe: Natural navel oranges may not have uniform colors, especially if they are overly shiny or excessively yellow or even red. The stem end should appear slightly yellow or dull yellow, and the peel should be orange-yellow, rarely uniformly yellow. If the fruit appears to be waxed or otherwise treated, particularly if you notice reddish spots or redness at the stem end, cut marks, or cut surfaces, be cautious.
2. Touch: The surface of a navel orange should not be overly smooth, and the peel should have some texture or unevenness. If the surface feels unnaturally smooth, it might be treated. Test: Although wax is used for preservation, if you're still unsure after observing and touching the fruit, use a damp cloth or tissue to rub the peel. If you find any red stains, suspect possible dyeing.
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