Citrus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, native to South and South-East Asia, that includes some of the world’s most widely consumed fruits. The major citrus types — oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, mandarins, and their many hybrids — are defined by their segmented, juice-filled flesh and aromatic rind, both rich in citric acid and volatile oils.
Citrus fruits are fundamental to cuisines worldwide, used for their juice, zest, and aromatic oils in everything from beverages and dressings to marinades and desserts. The juice is also a major commodity product, with orange juice alone representing a multi-billion-dollar global industry.
Australia has a significant citrus industry concentrated in the Murray-Darling Basin, the Riverina, and parts of Queensland. Australian-grown oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are available year-round due to the range of climatic zones across the country. Citrus is also one of Australia’s notable horticultural exports.
How it's produced
Citrus trees are evergreen perennials that take 3–5 years to begin producing commercial quantities of fruit. They are typically propagated by grafting desired fruiting varieties onto disease-resistant rootstock. Orchards require well-drained soil, ample sunlight, regular irrigation, and protection from frost — young trees are especially cold-sensitive.
Fruit is harvested by hand or with mechanical aids, depending on the variety and intended use. Fresh-market fruit requires careful handling to avoid skin damage, while fruit destined for juicing can tolerate rougher treatment. In Australia, the main harvest runs from roughly May to November depending on the variety and region, with Valencia oranges, Navel oranges, and Imperial mandarins among the key commercial varieties. Pests such as citrus gall wasp and diseases like citrus canker are ongoing management challenges.
What it costs the planet (per kilo)
≈ Estimated from its category — typical for vegetables, not measured for this item yet. Sources & methods →
What comes from this
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