I am reading a book about citrus fruits in Italy, and their effects on Italian history and culture, and it is endlessly fascinating.
Also now I am craving both an orange, and a vacation in Italy.
@TarkabarkaHolgy I was surprised in my researches that the Mediterranean for a long time only had the Etrog (aka Citron/Persian Apple).
Oranges, lemons and grapefruit are all various crosses between the Etrog and small Chinese Mandarin orange. Also strawberries small like Alpin till crossed with North American ones.
No Oranges and Lemons for ancient Romans. They did import Indian Long pepper (not a chilli) but not ginger.
@raymccarthy Yeah it kinda blew my mind the first time I learned oranges are a hybrid :D
@TarkabarkaHolgy I've been experimenting with Italian recipes before the tomato came.