Gosset Sweet Orange

Gosset Sweet Orange

(Citrus sinensis 'Gosset')

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

Gosset sweet orange (Citrus sinensis 'Gosset') is a French sweet orange selection identified by the nurseryman Gosset in the 20th century for its adaptation to the French climate and its flavor quality. Its hardiness reaches 12°F (−11°C) on the tree, making it suitable for in-ground planting in USDA zone 8a. The vigorous tree reaches 10 to 16 ft (3 to 5 m) with a rounded habit, glossy evergreen foliage and highly fragrant white flowers in spring. Its bright orange fruit, medium to large, 7.1 to 9.9 oz (200 to 280 g), with thin skin that is moderately easy to peel, ripens in January to March with very juicy, sweet, delicately fragrant flesh. Excellent fresh, as freshly squeezed juice, and in fruit salad. A variety recommended for ornamental gardens in the southwest and Atlantic regions of France. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata; plant against a south-facing wall in well-drained soil.

Identity

OriginFrance

Genetic originSelection of Citrus sinensis

USDA zone8a

Cold hardiness12°F (−11°C)

Fruit cold hardiness27°F (−3°C)

GrowthVigorous

Height16 ft (5 m)

HarvestJanuary, November, December

SeedsFew

UsesFresh eating, Juice

FlavorsVery sweet, Acidless, Vanilla notes

History & Description

Origin

Gosset sweet orange is a particular selection, probably French in origin, recognized and distributed by specialist nurseries for its atypical flavor qualities. It belongs to the group of so-called "sugar" or "sweet" oranges.

Tree description

The tree shows good vigor and quick fruiting. It is productive and has good cold resistance, which makes it a choice variety for acclimatization in a temperate zone.

Fruit quality

It produces oranges of good size, round, with classic orange skin. Its distinctive feature is its blond, very juicy and tender pulp.

Flavor and ornamental interest

It is an "acidless" orange. Its flavor is extremely mild, even cloying, with pronounced vanilla notes at full ripeness. Ideal for those who cannot tolerate the acidity of conventional citrus, or for mild juices for children.