Can you eat bitter oranges?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, if an orange tastes bitter, it may indicate spoilage, and continued consumption is usually not recommended. However, if the bitterness is inherent to the orange variety, it is typically safe to eat and will not adversely affect health. It is advisable to choose fresh oranges with good flavor, store them properly—such as refrigerating them—to extend shelf life, and avoid excessive consumption to prevent potential harm to the body.
Under normal circumstances, if an orange tastes bitter, it may indicate spoilage, and it is generally not recommended to continue consuming it.
Oranges contain nutrients such as hesperidin, citric acid, malic acid, and pectin, offering benefits including aiding digestion, relieving bloating, promoting saliva production, quenching thirst, lowering blood lipids, and cleansing the intestines. Normally, oranges should taste sweet and juicy. If an orange tastes bitter and is accompanied by unpleasant odors or softening, this may indicate that the pulp has spoiled, and consumption is typically not advised, as it could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or similar symptoms.
If the bitterness is inherent to the orange variety, and there are no abnormal changes in appearance with proper storage, it is usually safe to eat and will not negatively affect health. However, excessive consumption should be avoided, as it may cause indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, or other symptoms.
It is recommended to choose fresh oranges with good flavor and store them appropriately—such as refrigerating them—to extend their shelf life.
