Orange

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/orange

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the botanical classification?Hybrid of Citrus maxima (pomelo) and Citrus reticulata (mandarin)
2. What is the primary geographic origin?Southeastern Asia, likely China
3. Why do oranges have a bright orange color?The bright orange color comes from special pigments called carotenoids inside the fruit. These pigments give oranges their sunny, eye‑catching hue.
4. How do oranges help keep us healthy?Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which helps our immune system and keeps our skin healthy. They also contain fiber and flavonoids that support digestion and heart health.

Hybridization: The process of creating a new organism by combining the qualities of two different parent organisms.
Phytochemicals: Naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants that can have beneficial effects on human health.
Anthocyanins: Pigments that give red, purple, and blue colors to fruits and vegetables, acting as antioxidants.
Volatile Oils: Aromatic compounds that easily evaporate at room temperature, contributing to scent and flavor.