Scientists have uncovered the origins and flavour secrets of citrus. 

Citrus fruits, known for their zesty goodness, have had their genetic mysteries unpeeled by a collaborative effort involving Chinese, US, and Australian scientists. 

They successfully decoded the entire genetic makeup of 12 diverse citrus species and scrutinised the DNA of 312 more, offering new insights into the fruit's origins.

The research, featured in the journal Nature Genetics, focuses on the orange subfamily, which encompasses popular fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, many of which are staples in human diets. 

Until now, questions regarding the subfamily's origin and the genetic basis of their distinct flavours remained unanswered.

Led by Qiang Xu and his team, the scientists examined 314 members of the orange subfamily and meticulously pieced together the genomes of a dozen species. 

Their findings suggest that the roots of the citrus family trace back to the ancient Indian Plate, with the Citrus genus likely originating in South Central China.

But it is not just about ancestry - the study delved into the genetic mechanisms behind the tangy taste associated with citrus fruits. 

Here, they pinpointed a gene called PH4 as the culprit responsible for the accumulation of citric acid, the source of that delightful zing.

The research is also expected to provide valuable genomic resources for future investigations in the realm of citrus fruits.