Why does oranges turn orange?

Oranges are not born orange. They start off as small, green fruits. As they mature, they gradually change color to orange due to the accumulation of a pigment called carotenoid. Carotenoids are responsible for the orange, yellow, and red colors found in many fruits and vegetables.

The process of color change in oranges is triggered by sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, the orange tree produces more carotenoids. These carotenoids accumulate in the fruit's skin, giving it the orange color. The longer the orange is exposed to sunlight, the more carotenoids it will produce, and the more intense the orange color will become.

In addition to sunlight, other factors such as temperature, water availability, and soil type can also affect the color of oranges. Oranges grown in warm climates with plenty of sunlight and water will typically be more orange in color than those grown in cooler climates or with less sunlight.

Some orange varieties are naturally more orange in color than others. For example, the Valencia orange is known for its deep orange color, while the Navel orange is typically a lighter orange.