A national project is underway by the Malta Tourism Observatory to revive the forgotten Maltese orange (Il-larinġa ta’ Malta) and give the island a new tourism attraction.
The Maltese orange, believed to have been cultivated in Malta during the period of Arab rule, was once a renowned citrus variety across the region and fondly referred to as the ‘Queen of Oranges’.
It was celebrated in European cuisine, including the French Sauce Maltaise, a citrusy variation of Hollandaise sauce.
However, its cultivation in Malta declined over the years and the only trees on the island that now exist are very old ones in private gardens, with the vast majority of production now occurring in Tunisia.
“For an orange to make it into the oeuvre of French cuisine is significant,” Leslie Vella, Managing Director of the MTO told WhosWho.mt.
He said that the MTO is working to revive the Queen of Oranges by establishing a dedicated orchard, starting with the grafting of some 300 rootstock saplings sourced for their hardiness and suitability.
Besides the fresh fruit itself, the MTO has already identified several products that could be derived from the Maltese orange, including jams, marmalades, candied peel, chocolate, liqueurs, essential oils, juices, desserts, and honey.
New experiences, such as an annual harvest festival are also on their agenda.
Mr Vella believes that the Maltese orange could serve as a new, authentic tourism attraction.
“Nowadays, tourists increasingly seek uniqueness, things they can find in a place that they cannot find elsewhere,” he explained.
“The very notion that a small island has its own type of orange that is internationally famous gives another dimension to the uniqueness of Malta as a destination through its national heritage.”
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