Portugal’s southern coast is famous for its idyllic beaches and picturesque villages, yet beyond the allure of its coastline lies another defining feature, just as prevalent: the ever-present groves of citrus trees, laden with the region’s signature golden fruit.
The orange, more than just a crop, is deeply embedded in the Algarve’s history, economy, and identity. Its cultivation represents a centuries-old saga of agricultural change and ingenuity. But, the history of the Iberian orange, dating back to the 8th century, doesn’t have Portuguese or Spanish roots, but rather Moorish.
It was the Moors who introduced citrus fruits, including the bitter orange (also known as the Seville orange), to the Iberian Peninsula. Oranges were initially valued for medicinal properties, fragrant blossoms, and decorative beauty rather than as a staple food source. The sophisticated irrigation systems developed by the Moors, many of which still influence agricultural practices today, were crucial for large-scale cultivation that would follow centuries later. Their innovative approach to water management transformed arid lands into lush gardens, creating the perfect conditions for citrus to thrive.
The sweet orange
The sweet orange, which we primarily consume today, arrived in Europe much later, around the 15th century, brought back by Portuguese explorers from their voyages to Asia. However, it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that orange production in the Algarve began its significant ascent, with a more commercially oriented approach. A veritable boom occurred in the 19th century when landowners decided to invest heavily in planting new groves and expanding cultivation further inland from the coastal strips. It was then that the British merchants recognised the potential of the Algarve’s sweet oranges, perfectly ripened under the Atlantic sun, and established trade routes that would carry the fruit from the sun-drenched groves of southern Portugal to the demanding markets of northern Europe, particularly Britain itself.
The 20th century brought both opportunities and challenges. While orange production remained a cornerstone of the Algarve’s economy, it also faced periods of volatility due to market fluctuations, wars, pest outbreaks, and increasing global competition. However, the industry adapted, adopting modern agricultural practices, improving packaging, and investing in research to develop more resilient varieties and efficient irrigation systems.
A symbol of the Algarve
Today, the orange remains an iconic symbol of the Algarve, tracing its historical journey from a Moorish introduction to a global commodity that reflects a fascinating narrative of agricultural innovation, trade, and the enduring resilience of a region deeply connected to its golden fruit.
The sweet aroma that pervades the Algarve’s air during the blossoming season is not just a pleasant scent; it is the fragrant echo of centuries of cultivation, a testament to the golden legacy that continues to define this sun-kissed corner of Portugal. The enduring connection to citrus is evident in local cuisine, festivals celebrating the harvest, and the very landscape itself, where groves stretch as far as the eye can see, a vibrant testament to a fruit that is both a daily pleasure and a symbol of the region’s rich past.
So, maybe when you see a roadside stall selling the sweet manna of the Algarve, stop and pick some up. While you’re enjoying its flavour, think about its past.
