35 Juicy Citrus Consumption Statistics for Everyday Health

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Apple is not the only fruit that can keep the doctor away! Lemons, oranges, mandarins, limes, and other citrus fruits are just as potent health boosters, with many different benefits.

Citrus fruits are ideal for anyone looking to improve their diet, body weight, and overall well-being.

The citrus consumption statistics listed in this article follow the latest information on the global citrus fruits market, industry, and consumer demand.

We also compiled a few interesting facts that explore the health benefits that make these fruits an ideal dietary choice.

Top 10 Stats and Facts About Citrus Fruits

Approximately one-third of the overall citrus crop is industrially processed.
The global citrus production was 157.9 million tonnes in 2019.
In the US, the consumption of citrus fruits was at around 25.45 pounds per capita in 2019.
China was the world’s leading citrus producer in 2019.
Women make up 59.2% of Italian citrus consumers.
Citrus fruits are a great low-calorie option for those who want to eat healthily and maintain a healthy weight.
Lemon can help improve your heart and kidney health.
Citrus peel has 9% of the RDI of vitamin C.
Global orange production could increase by 2.5 million tons in 2020/2021.
Orange production in Brazil in 2020/2021 could increase to 15.9 million tons.

Essential Facts About Citrus

It’s common knowledge that citruses are rich sources of vitamin C and other valuable nutrients. But did you know that this zesty fruit can be classified as berries or the exact number of citrus varieties?

Read on to find out more about these and other facts about citrus fruit.

1. Citrus fruit is a modified berry called a hesperidium.

(ScienceDirect)

Here’s one of the many exciting citrus facts: The fruit itself consists of around 8–16 carpels that form its core.

Also, carpels can form the segments containing the fruit seeds and juice. The outer hard rind is also a well-known characteristic of citrus fruits.

2. There are over 100 different types of citrus fruits around the world.

(Leafy Place)

Mainly every citrus fruit we grow at home or buy in stores is a variant (hybrid) of three natural citrus fruits—mandarin orange, citron, and pomelo.

Citrus is the botanical name for the genus of all fruits that are referred to as citrus fruits. However, oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits belong to the Rutaceae family.

3. There are around 600 different orange varieties worldwide.

(OutspanFlavours, AgriOrbit)

When it comes to this citrus fruit, facts show that the orange is one of the most popular fruits globally, with global consumption reaching around 75 million tons in 2017.

4. Approximately one-third of the overall citrus crop is industrially processed.

(ScienceDirect)

They’re mainly processed to get juices.

5. Almost all parts of citrus fruit can be processed.

(AgriOrbit)

Citrus usage statistics show that nothing is a waste when it comes to citrus fruits, as almost 100% of the fruit can be processed:

The flesh can be frozen, canned, or juiced.
Skin can be sugared, dried, or used in oil production.
White membranes can be used in pectin production.
Orange juice can be fermented into wine.

6. There are around 15 different types of limes.

(Leafy Place)

The most popular varieties are Mexican lime, Key lime, Tahiti lime, and Bearss lime.

7. A single lemon tree can produce up to 600 pounds of fruit per year.

(OutspanFlavours)

Their lifespan is around 50 years, but they can also live for over 100 years. Also, these trees are evergreen, which means that they can produce fruit all year round.

8. Brazil, the US, and China are among the largest citrus fruit producers in the world.

(USDA)

According to the USDA’s citrus industry market report and the forecast charts from recent and upcoming years, the most prominent citrus producers are Mexico, the European Union, and Egypt.

Citrus Consumption Statistics

We know that the global citrus consumption figures are high. The following section presents the most recent citrus consumptions rates around the world.

Sit tight as we take you through these mouthwatering figures.

9. The global citrus production was 157.9 million tonnes in 2019.

(Knoema)

Credible citrus statistics show that citrus production grew substantially between 1970 and 2019, from 39.6 million to 157.9 million tonnes.

The annual growth rate reached its maximum in 1980 (10.47%) and decreased to 3.59% by 2019.

10. In regards to consumption, oranges are the most popular citrus fruit around the globe.

(Statista)

According to data gathered by Statista, oranges are the most popular and widely used citrus fruits in the world, with an annual production volume of 75.54 million metric tons.

11. In the US, the consumption of citrus fruits was at around 25.45 pounds per capita in 2019.

(Statista)

These statistics refer to the annual consumption of fresh citrus fruits from the period between 2000–2019.

According to their data, the lowest consumption amount was around 17.94 pounds in 2007, while the US citrus consumption figures were the highest in 2016, with an average of 24.07 pounds.

12. China was the world’s leading citrus producer in 2019.

(Knoema)

China‘s citrus production accounted for 27.93% (44.1 million tonnes) of the global citrus production in 2019.

According to citrus statistics, the top five major citrus producers (China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and the US) accounted for 59.13% of the world‘s citrus production in 2019.

13. In 2020, global orange production declined by 7.8 million tons compared to the previous year.

(USDA)

When looking at statistics regarding orange consumption by country, the latest data suggests that in Brazil—one of the world’s largest citrus fruit producers—fresh orange consumption declined to 4.9 million tons.

In Mexico, fresh orange production is expected to drop by one-third in the foreseeable future as well.

14. In 2016, global citrus production was estimated at 124,246 thousand tons.

(FAO)

Looking at citrus production by country, China was the most prominent player globally, with 32,705.9 thousand tons.

15. In 2018, Spanish households consumed around 2.4 billion pounds of oranges, lemons, and mandarins.

(Statista)

The citrus consumption statistics for 2011–2018 reveal that citrus consumption was the lowest in 2018 and the highest in 2013 (2.8 billion pounds).

16. Brazil is the world’s largest producer of oranges, with 20.16 million metric tons produced in the 2018/2019 season.

(Statista)

Other heavy-hitters include China, the United States, and Mexico.

Citrus Consumption Demographics

Citrus consumption, especially the consumption of processed citruses, experienced fast growth in the past 2–3 decades. One of the reasons could be the improved technology that allowed easier packaging and transportation processes, making it more available to the masses.

Does gender or where you come from play a role in how much citrus you consume?

Sit tight as we take you through the citrus consumptions rates among different groups.

17. Women make up 59.2% of Italian citrus consumers.

(MDPI)

Based on a survey of 346 people, the latest citrus consumption facts reveal that women are the dominant gender when it comes to citrus consumption in Italy.

18. Middle-aged citizens buy the most citrus fruits in Italy.

(MDPI)

According to a report published in March 2020, the largest group that regularly shops for citrus fruits is the 46–60 age group (38.7%).

Following them are those aged between 30–45, with 30.1%. Around 21.1% of buyers are aged between 28–30, while seniors over 60 make up only 10.1% of the buyers.

19. In Italy, 31.2% of the families who regularly shop for citrus fruits have four members.

(MDPI)

Italy’s citrus fruit consumption statistics state that the average monthly income of citrus fruit buyers falls between $2350–$4700 (24,3%), and most of the shoppers have a masters’ degree (47.1%).

20. Citrus fruits are an essential part of children’s diets in the US.

(AAP)

The 2011 National Health and Nutrition Survey includes data gathered from 3129 children aged 2–19. It found that nearly 90% of the total intake of fruits comes from fresh fruits and fruit juices—53% and 34%, respectively.

Citrus juice, apple juice, bananas, and apples were the most popular food items, making up almost half of the total food consumption.

Citrus Fruit Nutritional Facts

Although native to the Australian region, New Caledonia, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia, citruses are now being cultivated worldwide because of their nutritional value and overall importance to healthy living.

Their benefits range from anti-inflammatory to antioxidant properties, making you healthier and more energized with every bite.

Sit back and enjoy the most exciting citrus fruits nutrition facts.

21. Citrus fruits contain a myriad of healthy nutrients and compounds.

(FAO)

On average, citrus fruits contain lots of fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, niacin, thiamin, phosphorus, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and several phytochemicals.

22. Oranges are excellent sources of different minerals and vitamins.

(Healthline)

When it comes to the orange, nutrition facts reveal it has plenty of different compounds that significantly benefit your health and improve your quality of life.

For instance, one larger orange can provide a grown adult with 100% of the recommended intake of vitamin C.

Oranges also make a good potassium source. A higher intake of this compound can reduce the risk of heart disease and help those who struggle with high blood pressure.

Nutrition information for a single medium-sized orange (100 g)

Calories	60
Fat	N/A
Sodium	N/A
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	12 g
Protein	1 g
Vitamin A	14 mcg
Vitamin C	70 mcg

23. Citrus fruits are a great low-calorie option for those who want to eat healthily and maintain a healthy weight.

(National Agricultural Library, Hale Groves)

Citrus fruit is low in calories, with less than 100 kcal per fruit. For example, an average navel orange will have around 87 calories.

All citrus fruits are excellent sources of fiber and carbs. Not to mention, they are low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat as well.

24. Lemon can help improve your heart and kidney health.

(Healthline)

According to well-known lemon nutrition facts, this citrus variety is a rich source of vitamin C and citrus fibers, the nutrients that can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, citric acid from lemons increases urine volume and pH, creating a less favorable environment for kidney stone formation. You can keep kidney stones away by consuming just a 1/2 cup of lemon juice a day.

25. Grapefruit may promote appetite control, grapefruit nutrition facts reveal.

(Healthline)

One-half of a medium-sized grapefruit contains around two grams of fiber. Studies have shown that high-fiber diets can induce a feeling of fullness because they increase digestion time.

Higher amounts of fiber may help you consume fewer calories and still keep you satiated.

The grapefruit benefits us in more ways than one. Namely, because it’s rich in vitamin C, consuming the fruit regularly may also be highly beneficial for your immune system.

Vitamin C is renowned for its antioxidant properties that can protect the body’s cells from harmful viruses and bacteria.

Nutrition information for a single large grapefruit (500 grams)

Calories	106
Fat	0.3 grams
Sodium	N/A
Fiber	3.7 grams
Sugar	26.8 grams
Protein	2.1 gram
Vitamin A	3071 micrograms
Vitamin C	114 milligrams

26. Including clementines in your diet may boost skin health.

(Healthline)

Clementine enhances nutrition and diet in a variety of ways. Clementines are low in calories (a single average clementine packs only 35 calories), and they provide you with 40% of the daily recommended vitamin C intake.

The high vitamin C content can be held responsible for clementine’s skin health-boosting properties as well.

As the human skin naturally contains high levels of the vitamin (used for collagen production), fueling your body with enough vitamin C can ensure optimal collagen production.

27. Citrus peel has 9% of the RDI of vitamin C.

(Healthline)

Citrus peel nutrition facts are pretty promising for people who want to lead a healthier life. For instance, one tablespoon of lemon peel only has 3 calories, 1 gram of fiber, and 9% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake.

28. Oranges can lower cholesterol, prevent skin damage, and keep blood pressure in check.

(VeryWellFit, Times of India)

Oranges are known to alkalize the body. Even though they are somewhat acidic, oranges contain a fair amount of alkaline minerals that support digestion.

The number of calories in an orange serving is also pretty low, with an average-sized orange packing only 62 calories. This makes them the ideal healthy food for most.

29. Oranges contain a compound called D-limonene that may help prevent lung, breast, and skin cancer.

(Times of India)

The fibers and high vitamin C content found in oranges are also known to help boost the body’s immunity and thus help fight or even prevent cancer.

The benefits of oranges don’t stop here.

Namely, they’re a great source of carotenoids and vitamin A, which play a prominent role in keeping your eyes healthy and preventing macular degeneration.

Citrus Fruit Consumption: Statistics on the State of the Industry

Though citrus production is restricted mainly to coastal areas, the entire world enjoys snacking on these beneficial fruits.

This section will take you through the most important citrus fruit consumption figures, such as the current citrus industry value, future consumption and production statistics, etc.

30. Global orange production could increase by 2.5 million tons in 2020/2021.

(USDA)

Global orange statistics suggest that the world orange production could reach 48.6 million tons in 2020/202.

Favorable weather conditions in Brazil and Mexico are the driving factors for the growth, leading to an increase in production of 7% in Brazil and a whopping 60% in Mexico.

31. America, Russia, and Europe were the largest lemon importers in the world in 2016.

(FoodDive)

In 2016, the overall global import totaled around 3,101 thousand tons, translating to a total value of $3.730 million.

When looking at lemon consumption by country, the largest importers were the US, with 654 thousand tons, the Netherlands, with 198 thousand tons, and Russia, with 192 thousand tons.

32. Orange production in Brazil in 2020/2021 could increase to 15.9 million tons.

(USDA)

Citrus market analysis for 2020 and 2021 shows Brazil could currently be the leading global orange producer. But Brazil isn’t the only country to face increased production.

Statistics on citrus production by state show that Chinese, the EU, Mexican, South African, and Moroccan production will also increase to 7.5, 6.5, 4, 1.7, and 1.1 million tons, respectively.

33. California was the largest citrus-producing state in the 2017/2018 season, accounting for nearly 51% of the US production volume.

(US Department of Agriculture)

In that season, utilized citrus production was up by 31%, totaling 7.94 million tons.

When it comes to citrus production by state, Florida was the second-largest producer, with 44%, while Texas and Arizona share the remaining 5% of the total production volume.

34. Global mandarin and tangerine production in 2020/2021 could rise to 33.3 million tons.

(USDA)

China will likely remain the leading producer in this market, producing 23 million tons of these citrus varieties.

Statistics on citrus consumption in 2020 and 2021 indicate that China also tops consumption lists with 21.8 million metric tons of mandarins and tangerines consumed that season.

35. The citrus industry contributes millions to state economies in the US.

(FL Citrus Mutual, Citrus Research)

In the season 2018/2019, Florida’s citrus production had an impact of around $8.5 billion on employment and taxes, thus providing about 45.000 full- and part-time citrus industry jobs.

Conversely, the Californian citrus industry had an economic impact of $7.21 billion in 2016, adding $1.695 billion to the state GDP.

The number of full-time jobs in the industry in the 2016/2017 season was 21,675, and the estimated wages that were paid in the same season reached a staggering $452 million.

Experts estimate that a 20% reduction in acreage in the state’s citrus plantations would cause losses of $127 million in income and around 7,350 jobs, and it would decrease the state’s GDP by around $501 million.

FAQs

How many calories are in an orange?

A medium orange has approximately 62 calories, 0.16 g of fat, no sodium, 3.1 g of fiber, 15.4 g of carbohydrates, 1.2 g of protein, 69.7 mg of vitamin C, and 12.2 g of sugars.

How many calories are in orange juice?

According to the USDA, a cup of orange juice has approximately 110 calories, no fat, 9.6 mg of sodium, 27 g of carbohydrates, 0.69 g of fiber, 20 g of sugars, and 2 g of protein.

Be aware that these are just approximate values and that different brands will probably have different amounts of the same nutrients.

How much citrus should you eat?

Generally speaking, the food pyramid recommends eating around three to four servings of fruits each day. However, that’s more of a guideline than a rule. Fruit intake generally varies based on the individual health goals and needs of consumers.

People primarily consume citrus fruits to boost their vitamin C intake. Although vitamin C has very low toxicity, it can cause indigestion problems, and it may even lead to iron poisoning and iron overload disorder in rare cases.

The US Academy of Sciences recommends adults take around 60–95 milligrams of vitamin C daily.

That being said, a single orange fruit contains about 45 milligrams of the vitamin, while a single grapefruit has around 33 milligrams. With the consumption of such citrus fruits as sources of vitamin C, one or two servings may be enough.

What happens if you eat too much citrus fruit?

While citrus fruits boast many health benefits, moderation is still the key in their consumption. For example, consuming too many oranges can have adverse side effects.

High amounts of fiber can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Moreover, excess orange consumption may contribute to weight gain (even though oranges are relatively low in calories).

Most of the unwanted side effects probably come from the large quantities of vitamin C found in the fruit. Taking more than 2,000 mg a day can lead to nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, insomnia, headaches, and cramps.

Which country produces the most citrus fruit?

In 2019, China was the largest producer of citrus fruits in the world. The country produced 44.1 million tonnes of citrus fruits in that year alone — a staggering 27.80% of global citrus fruit production.

How many oranges are consumed in the US each year?

Each American consumes around 13.6 pounds of oranges at home each year.

Conversely, orange juice consumption at home, on average, amounted to around 64.1 pounds.

Can you eat citrus fruit every day?

Doctors and dietitians agree that eating at least one serving of citrus fruit a day can benefit your health significantly. Oranges, mandarins, lemon, lime, and grapefruit are all great options.

However, for instance, grapefruit consumption can raise concerns if you are also taking medications like statins used to reduce the risk of heart disease.

In such cases, it’s best to read the leaflet given with the medication to see whether grapefruits get a green light or not.

Also, the excess amount of vitamin C from citrus fruit overconsumption can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

What is the most commonly used citrus fruit?

In 2018, oranges were the most widely produced of all citrus fruits, with an estimated 75.54 metric tons produced globally.

Tangerines, mandarins, clementines, and satsumas came second among citrus fruits, with an annual production of 34.39 metric tons.

According to the same citrus fruit consumption statistics, lemon and lime were the third in the same year, with a production volume of 19.39 metric tons.

Which country consumes the most oranges?

Brazil’s consumption volume was 17.8 million metric tons back in 2018, and the demand for fresh oranges is growing.

Domestic consumption became a significant driving force in Brazil’s orange production industry, with around 30% of the overall production volume consumed by the country’s population each year.

Conclusion

The citrus industry is a market segment that provides many jobs around the world and the opportunity for people worldwide to make healthier food choices.

Citrus fruits are low-calorie superfoods that help boost the immune system and protect from health problems and diseases. They are perfect for those who like delicious food but still want to keep their calorie intake low.

The industry itself faces an increased demand as the world’s population grows, and people are becoming more aware of the benefits of consuming citrus fruits.

These citrus consumption statistics can give you an idea of where the market is right now and where it’s headed in the foreseeable future.