According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, more than 140 countries produce citrus fruits. About 70 percent of the world’s total citrus produce is grown in the northern hemisphere.

Brazil, China and the United States are the top total citrus fruit producers, growing grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges and tangerines.

In the United States, citrus fruits grown for consumption as fresh fruits are mainly grown in California, Arizona and Texas. Florida grows oranges primarily for juice. Ninety percent of Florida’s orange production is consumed in the United States.

What’s the technical name for a citrus peel?

A citrus peel for an orange, lemon and lime is actually called a pericarp, which has three layers:

• the exocarp, which is used for zest,
• the mesocarp, the white, stringy material on the inside of the exocarp, and
• the endocarp, the white, stringy material that sticks to the fruit after removing the peel.

Sources: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Capay Valley Farm