Citrus Fruits

Now is the time to grab a juicy orange or grapefruit for a refreshing snack or meal side. Many citrus fruits are the sweetest and juiciest in the winter months. That means you can choose from a variety of oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, or tangerines at your local grocer or online. 

Selecting and Storing Citrus

When shopping for citrus, look for a fruit free of brown marks and bruises. Select a fruit that is heavy for its size and gives slightly when squeezed– that means it is juicy. Citrus will stay fresh and juicy at room temperature for a few days. If you want to extend the shelf life go ahead and put the fruit in the produce drawer of your fridge where it will last for a few weeks.

Nutrition

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C. An average orange can provide up to 90% of your daily vitamin C need. What’s so great about vitamin C? Well, vitamin C is a powerful health promoting antioxidant that is used in immune functions and prevention of some chronic diseases. Vitamin C is needed for collagen production which is important in wound healing and keeping skin elastic. And vitamin C helps your body absorb the mineral iron – used in the body’s oxygen transport system. But wait…citrus fruits have more nutrition benefits than just vitamin C. Oranges are a good source of folate which is important during pregnancy to promote cell division. Deeper colored fruits such as grapefruit and blood oranges add a good dose of vitamin A. And citrus fruits contain fiber which promotes a healthy gut and heart.

Recipe Ideas

Citrus is a great grab and go food, throw an orange in your work bag for a quick snack or take a sack of clementines to your kid’s soccer game for a post workout treat. The versatile flavor profiles means citrus can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Make a lemon and garlic marinade for beef, chicken or pork. Add orange segments and toasted cashews to tossed greens and top with poppyseed dressing for a quick salad. Or top a soft sugar cookie with a grapefruit glaze.
 
One of my favorite citrus recipes is really no recipe at all. I love to make a winter citrus salad. All you do is segment your favorite citrus – I like navel oranges, grapefruit, and blood oranges, then toss in some shredded sweetened coconut. Let the salad sit for about 30 minutes until the juices from the oranges and grapefruit mix with the coconut to make the most delicious, sweet, citrus, syrup.