Tag: Fruit characteristics

The number of fruit varieties available to consumers has increased dramatically, with one study documenting an increase from 133 to 340 options in some U.S. markets between 1981 and 1995, highlighting the importance of understanding the qualities of a fruit. Recognizing the characteristics of fresh, high-quality fruit is key to enjoying your food and ensuring repeat purchases.

While both are tree-borne fruits enjoyed worldwide, jujubes and apples are not botanical relatives. Despite a superficial resemblance in some varieties, the two fruits belong to entirely different scientific families, a fact that surprises many who compare their taste and texture.

While most people can easily identify a lemon or an orange, the defining scientific characteristics of a citrus fruit are less common knowledge. A fruit is qualified as citrus based on a specific set of botanical traits, chemical properties, and its membership in the plant genus *Citrus*. These factors combine to create the distinctive, flavorful fruits we know and love, from the juicy mandarin to the tart lime.