Which Orange came first, the color or the fruit?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids"
Episode Title: Which Orange Came First, the Color or the Fruit?
Release Date: January 22, 2025

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Introduction to the Episode

[00:00 - 01:09]
The episode kicks off with the Narrator setting a playful tone by discussing desserts, cleverly distinguishing between "dessert" and "desert" with a mnemonic:

"The way I remember to spell a dessert and not desert is that dessert is so scrumptious and satisfying. You need two S's. Yay."
This segues into the main topic—oranges—highlighting them as both a delicious fruit and a color, thereby raising the central question: Did the fruit or the color come first?

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The Arrival of Detective Orange

[01:09 - 02:22]
Introduced as a recurring character from the "bananas" episode, Detective Orange makes a humorous intrusion:

"Detective Orange, the funny banana investigator from our bananas episode, the one and the same."
His unexpected visit aims to challenge the Narrator's choice of having an orange for dessert, humorously insisting that oranges are strictly a breakfast food and teasing the idea that eating them for dessert should be illegal.

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Exploring the Origin of Oranges

[02:22 - 07:13]
The Narrator delves into the fascinating history of oranges:

"Scientists believe the most popular orange in the world never existed in the wild."
Detective Orange elaborates that the sweet orange is a hybrid created by ancient farmers who combined Mandarin pollen with pomelo to craft what we now recognize as the sweet orange. The origins trace back to Asia, specifically China and India, before spreading to ancient Rome via Arab trade routes. By the 1500s, Spanish explorers introduced oranges to the Americas, with Brazil emerging as the world's leading orange producer, contributing over a quarter of global orange cultivation.

Notable Quote:

Detective Orange at [05:15]:
"The sweet orange was created by mixing the pollen of the Mandarin with the pomelo, resulting in the hybrid fruit we love today."

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The Rise of Orange Juice Concentrate

[07:13 - 14:02]
The conversation shifts to orange juice (OJ) and its evolution:

"Orange juice concentrate was introduced in the 1940s for soldiers serving in World War II."
This innovation allowed for longer shelf life and easier transportation, contributing to the widespread popularity of OJ. The Narrator also touches on historical factors, such as a flu pandemic, which boosted orange consumption as a health measure.

Notable Quote:

Narrator at [07:46]:
"Concentrate was introduced in the 1940s for soldiers serving in World War II. By then, orange juice was already popular."

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Health Benefits of Oranges

[14:02 - 16:51]
The episode emphasizes the nutritional advantages of oranges:

"Oranges are healthy. They were used to treat a deadly illness called scurvy back in the 1700s."
Both whole oranges and OJ are rich in vitamin C, essential for immune function, iron absorption, and tissue repair. However, there are distinctions in their health profiles:

• Whole Oranges: Higher in fiber, lower in calories and sugar.
• Orange Juice: Lower in fiber, nearly double the calories and sugar compared to whole oranges. Health experts recommend limiting OJ intake to one glass per day and choosing 100% pure OJ without added sugars.

Notable Quote:

Narrator at [08:58]:
"Oranges also have a massive amount of a certain essential vitamin that helps your body fight disease, absorb iron, and grow and repair organ tissue."

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Variety and Classification of Oranges

[16:12 - 17:21]
The Narrator introduces the diversity within the orange category:

"Believe it or not, there's over 400 different varieties of oranges."
This includes the popular navel oranges and others, each adapted to different climates. Interestingly, the color of oranges can vary based on their growing region:

• Subtropical Regions (e.g., Florida): Oranges typically develop the classic orange hue.
• Tropical Regions: Oranges may remain green due to chlorophyll conservation despite ripeness.

Notable Quote:

Narrator at [15:33]:
"True or false, smarty pants? All oranges are orange. The answer is surprisingly false."

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The Etymology Debate: Fruit vs. Color

[15:58 - 16:51]
Addressing the episode's central question, the Narrator explains that the fruit predates the color in naming:

"Historians say the name of the color orange is only about 500 years old, which means the color was likely named after the fruit."
Prior to this, the color was often referred to as "yellow-red," underscoring the fruit's influence on the language and color terminology.

Notable Quote:

Narrator at [16:12]:
"If you said the color came first, then you are wrong. Oranges go back thousands of years to ancient times."

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Fun Fact: California's Bathtub Orange Law

[17:19 - 18:31]
In a humorous twist, Detective Orange reveals an obscure law:

"A California law from the 1920s forbids anyone from eating an orange in a bathtub."
This law was purportedly established out of safety concerns about citric acid reacting with bathwater oils, though such reactions are scientifically unfounded today. Despite its oddity, the law reportedly still exists, though its enforcement is dubious.

Notable Quote:

Detective Orange at [17:44]:
"The law was meant for protection. People thought citric acid in oranges could react with bathwater oils, causing an explosion."

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Conclusion and Final Thoughts

[18:31 - End]
The Narrator wraps up the episode by reiterating the nutritional benefits of oranges and clarifying misconceptions about their consumption times. The playful banter between the Narrator and Detective Orange underscores the episode's blend of education and humor, making complex topics accessible and entertaining for young listeners.

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Production Credits

The episode was written by Dave Blood Orange Beaudry and featured voice actors Jonathan Don't Eat the Rind Regier, Adam Clementine Davis, and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design were handled by Josh Hard to Peel Hahn, with production by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert under Atomic Entertainment.

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Key Takeaways

• Oranges are a versatile fruit with a rich history, primarily originating from Asia.
• The sweet orange is a hybrid of mandarins and pomelos.
• Brazil stands as the leading global producer of oranges.
• Orange juice concentrate revolutionized OJ consumption during WWII.
• Whole oranges are generally healthier than orange juice due to higher fiber and lower sugar content.
• The color orange was named after the fruit, not vice versa.
• There exists a peculiar law in California prohibiting eating oranges in bathtubs, highlighting the podcast's fun and engaging approach to education.

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This episode of "Who Smarted?" masterfully combines historical facts, scientific insights, and playful interactions to educate and entertain its young audience. By addressing common questions and misconceptions about oranges, it fosters curiosity and a love for learning in an engaging manner.

Transcript

[Narrator]

And now it's time for who Smarted? Ah, that sure was a tasty meal. Oh, hey, smarty pants. I just finished dinner and now it's time for dessert. Pro tip. The way I remember to spell a dessert and not desert is that dessert is so scrumptious and satisfying. You need two S's. Yay. Anywho, what's your favorite dessert, Smarty pants? Go ahead, shout out some after dinner treats. Mmm. I'm your ice cream cake, cookies, pastries, pie, and dessert pizza. Whoops. That last one was me. Look, the truth is, when it comes to dessert, there's really no wrong answer. But that being said, I want to talk about a particular dessert that might be a little underrated. It's a fruit, which makes a great dessert choice. And this one also happens to be a color. Have you figured it out why I'm talking about a good old fashioned orange. What? Are oranges not on your typical dessert menu? Well, they should be. They're sweet, delicious, and for many years, people.

[Detective Orange]

Knock, knock.

[Narrator]

Uh, as I was saying, smarty pants, having an orange for dessert is.

[Detective Orange]

Knock, knock.

[Narrator]

Um, hey, smarty pants, I should probably go see who's at the door. Hold on for just a sec.

[Detective Orange]

Knock, knock.

[Narrator]

Who's there?

[Detective Orange]

Orange.

[Narrator]

Hmm, that voice is familiar. Orange who?

[Detective Orange]

Detective Orange. FBI. Open up.

[Narrator]

Detective Orange, the funny banana investigator from our bananas episode, the one and the same.

[Detective Orange]

I see you're still the trusty narrator. I never forget a face.

[Narrator]

But this is a podcast. You can't see my face.

[Detective Orange]

You trying to be funny narrator?

[Narrator]

Yes, but not now. So why are you here, Detective Orange? I know you like to investigate bananas, but we have no bananas today. We have no bananas today.

[Detective Orange]

I'm here on personal business. I take exception to the way you're eating that orange.

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah? Do you find it unappealing? That was me trying to be funny.

[Detective Orange]

Noted. Anyway, I just came to say you shouldn't have oranges for dessert. Everyone knows oranges are breakfast food. What you're doing isn't, but should be illegal.

[Narrator]

Wow, that's a strong opinion. Fortunately, eating an orange for dessert is definitely not illegal. But, smarty pants, did you know there is a way to break the law while eating an orange? Also, how did ancient science change the orange forever and which came first, Orange the fruit or orange the color? It's time for a freshly squeezed whiff of science and history on who's smarted, who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smarted? Hey, smarty families. In particular, the parents and adults listening. If there's one thing we all have in common, it's navigating the world of money. I hate to say it, but money is the number one thing that people in relationships argue over. Yet money is also something most people have a hard time communicating about. Which is why I'm so happy to recommend the Money for Couples podcast hosted by Ramit Sethi. In each episode, Ramit helps couples stop fighting over money, improve communication, simplify budgeting, manage debt, and start building a shared financial future. Money for Couples offers real, actionable advice with stories from real couples facing the same financial challenges you might be dealing with. Like a recent episode, I heard about a couple that was constantly in debt because one of them couldn't stop spending money and and avoided talking about it. Ramit approaches each situation without judgment, but rather with good, solid advice on how to educate yourself about money and build better financial habits. Oh, and Ramit even offers amazing tips on how to educate your kids about healthy money habits. So search for Money for couples wherever you're listening to who Smarted and start building your rich life today. So, smarty pants, here I am just trying to eat an orange for dessert when.

[Detective Orange]

Gimme that.

[Narrator]

Hey, that's my orange.

[Detective Orange]

I'll just hold onto this until breakfast.

[Narrator]

What? I know my rights. You can't do this. Come on, Detective. Give it back.

[Detective Orange]

You want the fruit?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Detective Orange]

You really want the fruit?

[Narrator]

Yes, I really, really want the fruit.

[Detective Orange]

Well, you can't handle the fruit. Tell me, narrator, do you know where oranges come from?

[Narrator]

In fact, I do.

[Detective Orange]

How about the specific type of orange you were about to eat? It's the most common. A sweet orange, officially known as the sweet orange or the common orange. But its origin is anything but common or sweet.

[Narrator]

I hate to say it, but he's got a point. Smartypants. Where do you think the first sweet oranges were found? Was it A, China, B, Brazil, C, the North Pole, or D, nowhere?

[Detective Orange]

If you guessed A china, you're onto something. But unfortunately, you've picked the wrong orange answer.

[Narrator]

Yep, that's because the answer is D. Nowhere. Believe it or not, scientists believe the most popular orange in the world is never existed in the wild.

[Detective Orange]

I know that fact is a bitter pill to swallow. Or bitter orange that's tough to swallow too. Did you know the so called bitter orange is the type that did grow in the wild thousands of years ago? But it's no sweet treat. More like a Sour, disgusting fruit.

[Narrator]

Okay, but what about the sweet orange?

[Detective Orange]

As the story goes, ancient farmers mixed the pollen of the orange's relative, the Mandarin, with the largest citrus fruit in the world, the melon sized pomelo, to create a hybrid fruit we know and love today, the sweet orange Smartypants.

[Narrator]

Any idea where mandarins and pomelos originally came from? Is it A, Europe, B Asia, or C South America?

[Detective Orange]

The answer is B, Asia. Researchers believe this ancient scientific experiment happened in China, though the sweet orange was also grown in India. From there it moved westward through Arab trade routes and ended up in ancient Rome. As the Roman Empire conquered more territory, so did oranges.

[Narrator]

I love the smell of oranges in the morning. It smells like citrusy.

[Detective Orange]

Orange trees grow well in warm places that get a light frost in the winter. Spain has this climate and so they soon became a big produce producer. In the 1500s, Spanish explorers brought oranges with them to the Americas, which today is where most oranges are.

[Narrator]

Smarty pants, do you know what country produces the most oranges? Is it A Brazil, B the United States or C Mexico?

[Detective Orange]

Now you might be thinking of Florida when you think about oranges, which means you probably picked B the usa. Well, I'm here to tell you you're wrong. Brazil is actually the orange capital of the world by far. Brazil grows about a quarter or more of the planet's oranges. They also make the most orange juice, as well as a little something called orange juice concentrate.

[Narrator]

Concentrate. I was trying to concentrate on having an orange for dessert when I was rudely interup.

[Detective Orange]

Hey, don't interrupt me.

[Narrator]

What?

[Detective Orange]

As I was saying, you make orange juice concentrate by removing water from orange juice. The concentrate lasts longer than regular juice and all you need to do is add water back to the concentrate to drink it. Concentrate was introduced in the 1940s for soldiers serving in World War II. By then, Orange juice was already popular. In the early 1900s, there were too many oranges on the market and instead of throwing out extras, sellers got people to drink them instead for breakfast. And then this long lasting concentrate juiced up orange juice, making it even more appealing. Besides the delicious taste, do you know why people started eating and drinking oranges like crazy?

[Narrator]

Smartypants. Why should you eat oranges and other fruits?

[Detective Orange]

That's right, oranges are healthy. No real surprise there. Oranges were used to treat a deadly illness called scurvy back in the 1700s. Arrrgha. Scurvy pirate. Here, have an orange. You know how I said orange juice was starting to become popular in the early 1900s? Well, there was a flu pandemic at the time. Kinda like Covid, but without the zoom classes. People drank lots of OJ to keep from getting sick.

[Narrator]

Oranges also have a massive amount of a certain essential vitamin that helps your body fight disease, absorb iron, and grow and repair organ tissue.

[Detective Orange]

Smartypants, do you know what vitamin we're talking about? Is it A, C, B, A, C, D, or D, B?

[Narrator]

Oh, hey, you can't ask them a question like that.

[Detective Orange]

Don't like my questioning? Narrator? You got something to hide? Are you feeling the squeeze?

[Narrator]

No, I just meant it's a trick question. No matter what answer they give, you'll say it's wrong.

[Detective Orange]

Oh, yeah? Try me.

[Narrator]

The answer is C. Wrong. It's a vitamin C. That's what I said.

[Detective Orange]

Whatever. No wonder you eat oranges at the wrong time of day.

[Narrator]

But orange you glad I'm having them?

[Detective Orange]

Yes and no. Centuries of orange perfection turned oranges into the perfect breakfast food. Like I said, it should be illegal to have them for dessert.

[Narrator]

Well, it's not. But there is an illegal way to eat an orange. We'll tell you that. And whether the fruit or the color came first after this quick break and a word from our sponsors. Hi, guys. It's trusty. Today's episode is brought to you by Squarespace. And I need to tell you about their new design intelligence feature because it's a game changer for anyone who's been putting off creating a website. Look, I know how intimidating tech can feel, but Squarespace's AI powered design system literally transforms your basic ideas into a beautiful professional website. We've used Squarespace to build websites here at Atomic, and what I love is that it combines AI tech with their decades of design expertise. You answer a few simple questions and it creates a fully customized site that actually looks good. No more staring at a blank screen wondering where to start. And no need to spend thousands of dollars getting a site designed for a passion project or experimental idea. Plus, their payment system makes it super easy to get paid for your services. Whether you're selling courses, booking consulting sessions, or offering downloads, they've got all the popular payment options like Apple Pay and Klarna built right in. Head to squarespace.com smarted for a free trial and use code smarted to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Today's episode is brought to you by IXL Learning. You know how every child learns differently. That's exactly what makes IXL special for every family. IXL is an incredibly flexible online learning program that enriches your child's classroom or homeschool curriculum with math, language arts, science and social studies. What I love most is how it adapts to each child's level. If your child races ahead in math but needs extra practice in reading comprehension, IXL adjusts perfectly to both situations. And here's what's really cool. Kids can explore any topic at any grade level so they're never stuck in a one size fits all program. Plus, they get instant feedback as they learn, which makes it fun. That's why parents of kids in traditional schools and homeschools have fallen in love with ixl. With IXL you will make a real research backed difference in your child's learning journey. Our listeners can get an exclusive 20% off their IXL membership when you sign up today at ixl.com smarted visit ixl.com smarted to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Parents, let's be real. The post holiday sugar crash is no joke. Christmas cookies had my family's kids bouncing off the walls one moment, crashing the next. We needed a reset. But finding healthy snacks kids love? That is a struggle. So I shared one of my favorite new who Smarted sponsors Thrive Market. Thrive's Healthy Swap scanner is a lifesaver. Just scanning scan the package of your kids favorite snacks like sugary cookies or salty chips and the scanner suggests cleaner, healthier options instantly. Now, instead of sugar bombs, my extended family is loving simple mills crackers, chomps, beef sticks and lesser evil popcorn. The kids are thrilled and the adults love that they're off the sugar roller coaster. Whether it's low sugar, organic snacks for lunchboxes or or after school bites, Thrive has us covered. Plus everything gets delivered right to your door. That is why I am so happy that Thrive sponsors who Smarted, helping us keep making the show that you love. Ready to reset with healthy snacks? Go to thrivemarket.com smarted for 30% off and a free 60 gift. That's thrivemarket.com smart/smarted now back to who's smarted. So smarty pants, we mentioned earlier that oranges and orange juice can fight diseases and repair your body. But which is technically healthier? Whole oranges or the juice?

[Detective Orange]

A whole orange can hurt you, especially if it falls out of a tree and lands on your head.

[Narrator]

Ow. Yeah, I'm talking about eating or drinking an orange. What do you think, smarty pants? Both oranges and orange juice are full of nutrients and the all important vitamin C. Both have been known to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. However, orange juice has a lot less healthy fiber and nearly twice the amount of calories and sugar found in whole oranges. Because of that, health experts say you shouldn't drink more than one glass of orange juice a day and try to get 100% pure OJ, not something with added sugars. As for whole oranges, they're the healthier choice, and you can have them for breakfast, lunch, and dessert.

[Detective Orange]

That's it. I've had enough of this dessert talk. You've been warned, Narrator. I'm throwing the book at you. Ow.

[Narrator]

That's not what throwing the book at someone means. And what is this, the Grapes of Wrath? I thought we were talking about oranges.

[Detective Orange]

It just so happens I carry a lot of fruit named books on me. I just grabbed the closest one. But you're right. I should have thrown a navel. Novel.

[Narrator]

Navel? As in your belly button?

[Detective Orange]

As in navel oranges. You usually find navels in the supermarket. They're a popular type of sweet orange. Do you even know how many types.

[Narrator]

Of oranges there are, smarty pants? Any guesses? 50? 100? 200? More?

[Detective Orange]

Believe it or not, there's over 400 different varieties of oranges. Whoa.

[Narrator]

True or false, smarty pants? All oranges are orange. The answer is surprisingly false. Oranges that grow in subtropical regions, in mostly temperate or warm, pleasant climates turn orange. Like in Florida. But in the tropics, which are regions near the equator and very hot, the oranges there preserve their chlorophyll and tend to remain green.

[Detective Orange]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

But wait a second, smarty pants. If an orange isn't orange, why would it be called an orange? Huh? So which is it? Are oranges the fruit named after orange? The color, or did the name of the color come after the name of the fruit?

[Detective Orange]

That's a great question.

[Narrator]

Orange. You glad I asked it. But seriously, which came first? Smarty pants, what do you think? If you said the color came first, then you are wrong. Remember we said oranges go back thousands of years to ancient times? Well, historians say the name of the color orange is only about 500 years old, which means the color was likely named after the fruit. Apparently, before then, people referred to that color as yellow red.

[Detective Orange]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

Now, if you don't mind, can you please give me my orange fruit back?

[Detective Orange]

Not until you promise you won't eat it for dessert.

[Narrator]

I am not going to promise that.

[Detective Orange]

But it's just wrong.

[Narrator]

But that's where you're wrong. Oranges were a dessert for centuries when oranges first came to Europe. Most orange trees were still in Asia, so the fruit was considered a rare delicacy. It was a sweet treat for the rich and powerful to enjoy after a big dinner. That's how oranges became a dessert. These days, they're more commonly eaten at breakfast, but you can really eat them at any time.

[Detective Orange]

Although maybe not anywhere.

[Narrator]

Smarty pants, where might it be illegal to eat an orange? Is it A, in your car, B, at an apple orchard, or C in your bathtub? The answer is C. A California law from the 1920s forbids anyone from from eating an orange in a bathtub. But why? It makes no sense.

[Detective Orange]

The law was meant for protection. Back then, people thought the citric acid in oranges could react strongly with natural oils found in bathwater, causing an explosion. These days, we know that's not the case. But according to some reports, the law still exists in California.

[Narrator]

Oh, boy. Smarty pants, please remember, if you live in or visit California and you decide to eat an orange in a bathtub, you might be breaking the law.

[Detective Orange]

But don't worry. Nobody's going to throw you in jail. In fact, nothing should really stop you from having an orange.

[Narrator]

In that case, can I have my orange back?

[Detective Orange]

Knock, knock.

[Narrator]

Who's there?

[Detective Orange]

Ach.

[Narrator]

Ach who?

[Detective Orange]

Here, have an orange. It'll help you stop sneezing.

[Narrator]

A big birthday shout out to ashwin in Washington D.C. thanks for letting us know that you love who's Smarted because we talk about everything from butts to animals and everything in between. And that you trust me, the trusty narrator to teach you cool, fun facts. I hope you had a great birthday and wishing you the best, smarty pants. This episode Oranges was written by Dave Blood Orange Beaudry and voiced by Jonathan Don't Eat the Rind Regier, Adam Clementine Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hard to Peel Hahn, who Smarted is recorded and mixed at the Relic Room studios. Our associate producer is Mander and Max Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Freshly Squeezed Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis, who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production. Who's Smarted.