In the 1960s, Coorg orange was grown in land of 24,000 hectare area. In recent years the cultivation area has come down to less than 2,000 hectares.[1] Coorg orange was mainly cultivated in the districts of Kodagu, Hassan and Chikmagalur as a secondary crop in coffee plantations for more than 150 years.[2][1]
Coorg oranges are regarded as man-made hybrids of mandarins (Citrus reticulata).[3] Greenish-yellow in colour, they have a tight skin and a sweet-sour taste, unlike Nagpur oranges which are known to have loose skin and sweet taste.[1] Coorg oranges are said to have longer shelf life compared to other varieties.[4] The hilly terrain with well-drained soil and heavy rainfall in the region of cultivation are regarded as the reasons for the unique characteristics of this variety.[5]
Coorg orange cultivation has decreased in recent years due to diseases, emergence of Nagpur orange, among other factors.[6] The yield of each plant has come down to around 10kg which was once more than 50kg.[1] The average production of the fruit is over 45,000 tonnes.[7]
