General Information
Seville oranges are small, round citrus fruits that average 7 to 8 centimeters in diameter, and have a dark orange, bumpy rind. The rind is covered in deep oil glands that release aromatic volatile oils with bitter and floral notes. The thin rind clings to the thick pith and flesh. When ripe, Seville oranges have deep-orange juicy flesh, laden with seeds. The flavor is sour, acidic, and somewhat bitter.
History
Bitter oranges came to the Mediterranean via trade routes from China, where they originated sometime during the 10th century. They were first recorded in Sicily just after the turn of the 11th century, and for the next 500 years, they were the only orange variety grown in Europe. Bitter oranges were first cultivated in the 12th century in Seville, Spain, where they gained the name Seville oranges. From Spain, the Seville oranges were spread by Spanish explorers to Brazil, Mexico and England during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Seville oranges are still primarily grown in Spain, though they are not as widely consumed there as they are in Britain. Much of the commercial crop in Spain is sent to England for marmalade production. In the United States, Seville oranges are grown on a limited scale by small farmers, and available through specialty markets.
