{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Orange or Malta: How to identify the imported fruit selling as oranges in the market",
  "summary": "The fruits currently sold as oranges in the market are actually imported Malta, as it is not the current season for oranges. According to the Patna Fruit and Vegetable Association, consumers can differentiate between the two by checking their skin, juice content, and price.",
  "content": "Shashikant Prasad, President of the Patna Fruit and Vegetable Association, has clarified that the current market period is not the season for oranges. The fruit that consumers are finding in the markets, which bears a striking resemblance to an orange, is actually Malta imported from abroad. Malta is a sweet and tangy citrus fruit that looks almost identical to an orange, which frequently leads to confusion among shoppers who struggle to tell them apart.\n\nUnderstanding the Malta vs. Orange Confusion\nA common misconception among the general public is that Malta is a crossbreed resulting from a mixture of orange and sweet lime (mosambi). It typically offers a flavor profile that sits between that of an orange and a sweet lime. This fruit has been appearing in the Patna market for roughly two decades now. It is known for its attractive appearance, sweet taste, and nutritional health benefits.\n\nKey Differences for Identification\nWhile both oranges and Malta belong to the same citrus family, they possess distinct physical and culinary differences that can help consumers identify them:\n\n• Flavor: Oranges are typically sweeter, whereas Malta tends to have a slightly tangier or more sour note with less overall sweetness.\n• Juice Content: Malta is exceptionally juicy, making it a preferred choice for preparing fresh juice.\n• Peel and Texture: Malta typically features a thicker, tougher skin compared to the thinner skin of an orange. Furthermore, while the segments of an orange separate with ease, the pulp of a Malta is often firmer and more resistant.\n• Appearance: Oranges often display a mix of green and orange hues, while a ripe Malta is usually a uniform orange color.\n\nMarket Availability and Pricing\nShashikant Prasad emphasized that oranges are primarily a winter fruit; therefore, they are currently out of season. The Malta currently flooding the markets in Patna is primarily imported from Egypt and South Africa. This difference in origin and season directly impacts the cost. In the wholesale market, Malta is priced between 80 to 120 rupees per kilogram, while oranges generally cost between 40 to 60 rupees per kilogram.\n\nGlobal Fruits in Local Markets\nThe market committee in Patna is a hub where high-quality fruits arrive from various corners of the globe. Consignments arrive regularly from countries like New Zealand, the USA, Egypt, Australia, and Brazil. Customers show a strong preference for these imported varieties. However, this influx has created a scenario where many people are purchasing Malta under the impression that they are buying oranges.\n\nWhat this means for you\nAcross India: Understanding the seasonality and physical characteristics of imported fruits ensures you pay fair prices and receive the quality you expect.\n\nIn Patna: Given the high volume of imported fruits at the local market committee, consumers should distinguish between Malta and oranges to avoid overpaying for the wrong variety.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What is the main difference between an orange and a Malta?\nOranges are typically sweeter with thin skin, while Malta is tangier, juicier, and has a thicker, tougher peel.\n\n2. Why is Malta more expensive than oranges?\nMalta is an imported fruit, which drives its wholesale price between 80 to 120 rupees per kilogram, whereas oranges generally cost between 40 to 60 rupees per kilogram.\n\n3. Is Malta a mix of orange and sweet lime?\nIt is commonly perceived as a crossbreed of orange and sweet lime, though it is technically a distinct fruit within the citrus family.\n\n4. Where is the Malta in the market coming from?\nThe Malta sold in Patna markets is currently being imported primarily from countries like South Africa and Egypt.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/lifestyle/sntara-aura-malta-men-pharka-kahin-apa-dhokhe-men-to-nahin-kharida-rahe-videshi-malta-5540",
  "category": "Lifestyle",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-07",
  "tags": [
    "fruits",
    "health",
    "market",
    "Patna",
    "Malta",
    "orange"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}