Oranges

Oranges are native to China and they were grown in that country as early as 2,500 BC. The Romans imported oranges but after the fall of Rome they were forgotten in Western Europe. When the Arabs conquered Spain in the 8th century they introduced oranges and Seville oranges were born. Later they were introduced into Italy and oranges were recorded as growing in Sicily in 1002AD. In the 16th century Spaniards took oranges to the Americas. In the 17th century rich Englishmen began growing oranges: indeed, many stately homes had orangeries built onto them for this very purpose. By the 18th century, oranges were well-established throughout the world. It is probably, along with the apple, one of the most popular fruits to this day.