Jaffa Orange

🍊 Jaffa Orange: Description and Farming

🟠 Description of Jaffa Orange:

Jaffa Orange (also known as Shamouti Orange) is a famous sweet orange variety developed in the 19th century in Jaffa (now part of Tel Aviv, Israel). It gained popularity due to its excellent flavor, long shelf life, and easy handling for export.

🔹 Key Characteristics:

• Shape: Oval to slightly oblong
• Color: Bright orange with a smooth, thick rind
• Size & Weight: Medium to large-sized fruit, typically 180–250 grams
• Peel: Thick but relatively easy to peel
• Taste: Sweet, mildly tangy with rich orange flavor
• Sweetness (Brix): Moderate to high, usually around 10–13° Brix
• Texture: Juicy, soft pulp with very few seeds
• Aroma: Pleasant citrus fragrance
• Shelf Life: Excellent for shipping and storage, stays fresh for several weeks

🌱 Farming and Cultivation of Jaffa Orange:

🔹 Climate Requirements:

• Temperature: Grows well in Mediterranean and subtropical climates
• Frost Sensitivity: Moderate – protection needed in colder regions
• Rainfall: Requires moderate rainfall or irrigation
• Sunlight: Full sun exposure is ideal for sweetness development

🔹 Soil Requirements:

• Type: Well-drained, fertile loamy or sandy loam soils
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5
• Drainage: Must be good to avoid root rot

🔹 Propagation:

• Usually propagated by budding or grafting onto vigorous rootstocks like Sour Orange, Carrizo Citrange, or Trifoliate Orange

🔹 Planting:

• Spacing: 5–6 meters between trees
• Best Time: During spring or post-monsoon season

🔹 Irrigation:

• Regular watering during dry months, especially at flowering and fruiting stages
• Avoid waterlogging

🔹 Fertilization:

• Apply NPK fertilizer and micronutrients like magnesium and zinc
• Organic compost improves soil health and fruit quality

🔹 Pruning:

• Light pruning to remove dead or diseased branches
• Helps in better light penetration and air circulation

🔹 Flowering and Fruiting:

• Flowering Time: Late winter to early spring
• Harvest Time: 7–9 months later, typically December to March

🔹 Pest and Disease Control:

• Common issues: Citrus psylla, aphids, citrus canker
• Use neem-based sprays and follow integrated pest management (IPM)

🔹 Post-Harvest:

• Carefully handled to prevent skin damage
• Stored in cool conditions for extended shelf life
• Ideal for both fresh market and juice processing

✅ Summary Highlights:

• Export-quality orange with thick rind and long shelf life
• Mildly sweet, juicy, and aromatic
• Highly valued in the juice industry and for fresh consumption

Would you like a short description with TSS/Brix data too?