China is claiming that citrus fruit originated in China, and there is some scientific evidence to support this claim. A 2018 study published in the journal Nature Genetics found that the first citrus fruits likely evolved in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the area of Assam (India), western Yunnan (China), and northern Myanmar.
The study also found that the three ancestral (sometimes characterized as “original” or “fundamental”) species in the genus Citrus associated with modern Citrus cultivars are the mandarin orange, pomelo, and citron. All three of these species are native to China.
However, it is important to note that citrus fruits have been cultivated and traded all over the world for centuries, and it is difficult to say definitively where they originated. Citrus fruits are now grown in over 100 countries, and there are thousands of different varieties.
China is the world’s largest producer of citrus fruits, accounting for over half of the global production. China is also home to a wide variety of citrus fruits, including mandarins, oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
Citrus fruits are a popular food in China, and they are also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C, and they have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
The Chinese government’s claim that citrus fruit originated in China is likely motivated by a desire to promote Chinese culture and heritage. Citrus fruits are an important part of Chinese cuisine and culture, and the Chinese government is proud of its long history of citrus cultivation.
However, it is important to remember that citrus fruits are a global food, and they have been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. The origins of citrus fruit are complex, and it is difficult to say definitively where they came from.
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