Cold winter weather got you down? Perhaps, you need a little taste of sunshine. There's nothing like the flavor of citrus to conjure up a sun-drenched beach. Oranges, grapefruits—to name the most popular ones —are not only incredibly refreshing, but very healthy. Luckily they're in season now, so get in the grove!
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and potassium, contain good amounts of vitamin A and fiber and are also a source of some important cancer-fighting compounds. Remember, all that vitamin C can help your body ward off illness during the winter cold and flu season.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit actually originated in the West Indies and were so-named because the fruit grows in clusters like grapes. It's a bit of a misnomer considering the fruit is about 10 times the size of its namesake. Initially, grapefruit was just a novelty in the United States, but it gradually became a beloved part of the winter breakfast.
Look for smooth, brightly colored fruit that feel heavy for their size. Grapefruits with pink flesh are usually sweeter than white ones and contain more vitamin A. Grapefruit are delicious eaten fresh, partner well with fish and are perfect for jazzing up salads.
Oranges
The orange is definitely the darling of the citrus family. Sweet and succulent, it's a favorite fruit for all ages. Interestingly, according to the "Food Lover's Companion", oranges were not named for their color. Instead, the word "orange" originally meant fragrant. No surprise for anyone who has ever passed by an orange grove.
Loose-skinned oranges like tangerines and clementines are especially popular with kids because they're often seedless and are easy to peel. Sweet oranges like navels, Valencia oranges, and blood oranges (named for their red flesh) are good for juicing and eating. Bitter oranges like the Seville are the right stuff for marmalade. Other refreshing members of the citrus family are lemons and limes, plus the lesser known tangelos and kumquats.
Cooking with Citrus
Cooking with citrus is a total pleasure. The fruits are fragrant, fat-free, flavor-enhancers. The zest—the outermost peel—contains aromatic oils that add tang to everything from stews to baked goods. A splash of fresh lemon, lime or orange juice can bring a salad dressing to life or draw out the flavor in other fresh fruits.Across-the-board, citrus fruits will keep for at least two weeks and in some cases up to six weeks in the refrigerator. Alas, once they've been squeezed or cut, the vitamin content in many citrus fruits begins to wane.
There are so many tasty dishes you can make with citrus fruits. Here's just a sampling of what FoodFit has to offer. Use our recipe search to find more.
— Leila Corcoran
Get a taste of the sun with these citrusy recipes:
Grilled Pork Chops with Orange-Rosemary Relish
Grilled Turkey Cutlets with Raspberry Lime Glaze
Lemon-Basil Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Salmon with White Grapefruit Sauce
