Need a little sunshine this winter? Hit the produce department right now—it’s the best time of year to buy oranges, with all the winter citrus is at its peak.
Citrus fruits brighten up your winter salads, soups, alcohol-free beverages, and pretty much whatever you’re making. Plus, citrus packs powerful health benefits, beyond its well-known boatload of vitamin C.
Studies show citrus protects our cells against damage and inflammation, which means they can help prevent and fight diabetes, atherosclerosis, and even cancer.
It’s also a great source of fiber, which helps support gut health, manage cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight. Plus, citrus delivers a slew of other vitamins and nutrients, like potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.
Types Of Citrus (get ready–it’s a big family.)
Citrus fruits come in a wide variety of types, each offering a unique flavor and health benefits.
There are the top three we all know and love:
Oranges—like Navel, Cara Cara, and Blood Oranges
Grapefruits—pink, yellow, red—pick your favorite
Lemons—from flavorful thicker skinned lemons, to juicy Meyer lemons
All three are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
But if you’re game for some citrus adventure, there are so many options for you to play with in our citrus section!
Try the less common varieties, like finger lime, or sumo citrus orange, for distinct tastes and textures. Whether you’re making a light, refreshing citrus salad, a tangy vinaigrette, or a sweet citrus curd, these less-common fruits are very versatile in your kitchen, and useful in your diet—bringing tons of health benefits by boosting your immune system.
Sumo Mandarin Oranges (aka Shiranui)
Whether you call them Sumo, Shiranui, or Dekopan mandarins, they come from very patient growers—in fact it takes four years before a Sumo citrus tree bears fruit. But then, the big, sweet, seedless fruit is a total knockout, with skin that peels off as easily as a wrestler’s robe.
Go for the MeloGold Grapefruit
What do you get when you cross a low-acid pomelo with a white grapefruit? You get this hybrid beauty, named Melo for its sweet, mellow flavor, and Gold for the deep yellow color of its skin when they fully turn color. If you like a lower-acid grapefruit, this juicy, sweet-tart is your new best friend.
Melogold is a great choice to support your immune system. Try it in a juice, salad, or try this Crab, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad (chef’s kiss goes here).
Love for the Valentine Pomelo
Looking like an oversized, thick-skinned grapefruit, the Valentine Pomelo ripens around Valentine's Day, and if you cut it crosswise, you’ll usually see a section of red pulp in the shape of a heart.
Eat them the same way you would a grapefruit—sliced-in-half and scooped, sectioned, juiced or chopped. Toss segments with other tropical fruits like mango and coconut, and herbs such as cilantro and mint. Freeze it into a refreshing sorbet or mix it into a cocktail. Choose one that feels heavy, smells a bit floral, and has no blemishes, and you’ll be smitten.
It's “Juicy Crunch” Tangerine Time
40 years in the making and worth every moment of that R and D, Juicy Crunch Tangerines are about the sweetest citrus fruits we know of. Like off-the-charts sweet, with just the perfect acid level to even the whole thing out—and virtually seedless, too.
Need help picking fruit?
Wondering about lemons vs Meyer lemons? Pondering how to pick a Cara Cara orange? Our produce people are always happy to answer your questions and give you tastes. Just ask!
Citrus Recipes: How to Add These Fruits to Your Meals
Brighten up your winter meals with the fresh flavors and health benefits of our favorite superfood - citrus fruits! After testing out the various types of citrus fruits to pick your preference on the flavor profile – you’ll be ready to start adding them to your diet.
You can easily incorporate oranges into your meals this winter with our recipes like our Burrata Beet and Citrus salad. The contrast of the zesty oranges, creamy burrata, and earthy beets is sure to make this a crowd favorite.
Another favorite recipe of ours, using oranges, is our Carrot Ginger Citrus dressing- perfect for salads or even roasted vegetables! It’s bright, tangy flavor adds a delicious kick to any dish.
Lemons are another versatile fruit that can bring a burst of citrusy freshness to any dish. We love using them in our Skillet Lemon Chicken recipe and Lemon Ginger Detox salad!
Embrace the power of citrus and add a little extra brightness to your winter!