A little citrus history on your Portugal cycling holiday.
The orange originated in China and was a bitter and sour fruit. During the crusades from the 11th to the 13th century, the orange travelled along the Mediterranean route and was given to the Arabs by the Persians and then ended up in Sicily. From here, it spread to the rest of Europe. On their first major stopover in Europe, heading west towards India, the Hindus gave the oranges the name “naranj” – and this is how they became known along the Mediterranean.
During the early 15th century, oranges were found in Spain. It is thought that they came from the Middle East along the silk route and were able to adapt to the climate. From Spain, the fruit the spread to the South of Europe.
A cycling holiday in the Algarve – home of the Portuguese orange
The Algarve was the starting bloc for the Great Portuguese Discoveries with sailing ships setting off on their expeditions to far away continents. In 1520, the Portuguese navigators brought back trees of sweet oranges from their stops in Ceylon and Chinese trading posts. So popular were they for their sweet and succulent juice that they soon ousted the bitter orange.
In addition to being excellent sailors, the Portuguese are also formidable agronomists. The Romans and then the Arabs introduced the plants and farming techniques that are now ingrained in Portuguese tradition. Thanks to intensive selection work and the development of new cultivation methods, the Portuguese orange has become the standard of quality and reference throughout Europe. Such is its popularity that in the Arabic countries they are no longer referred to as “narandj” but colloquially as “bortugual”!
A colourful and fragrant cycling trip in Portugal.
The Great Maritime Discoveries and the exchanging of trade gave Portugal the tropical touch that we love! On your Portugal cycling holiday, you are sure to visit a local market as even the smallest villages in the Algarve have a daily one (except Sundays) and they adorn and embellish everyday life with colour and aromas. Stalls and large wicker baskets are overflowing with oranges, figs, almonds, pomegranates and lemons. Today the Algarve produces 72% of Portugal’s citrus fruits.
Did you know?
The winters in the Algarve are incredibly mild. At this time of year, in December, whilst a large part of Europe is wrapped up warm against the elements, the trees in the Algarve are full of the ripe orange fruit, a stunning contrast against the bright blue sky. The orange is actually the origin of the Christmas bauble and up until the 19th century, was considered a real luxury, given to children as a present in their stocking.
