A blood orange cultivated in the hills of Uttarkhand in India, where it is used to make squash, sweets and other products, has the name Malta.

An article published in Dhaka Tribune shows the fruit has several healing properties and is a high value crop. As a result, initiatives have been taken to help farmers plant the variety for improved earnings.

The fruit is enriched with vitamin C and is suggested as a substitute for other citrus fruits.

The peel is used for facemasks to reduce skin ailments and acne, and the seeds are used to produce high protein cattle feed and also used in fertilisers.

The fruit Malta is also said to boost the immune system and to be effective for treating pneumonia, blood pressure, stomach and intestinal problems and diseases related to vitamin C deficiency.