I Love Citrus

The weather is starting to look a lot more like spring and I love that, spring is my favorite season. It's just gorgeous outside with all of the bulbs starting to pop up and all of the blossoms opening on the trees. The one thing that does make me sad though is that we are nearing the end of citrus season. But don't worry, there is still time to enjoy all of the amazing citrus fruits! Here are some tips on how to buy, store and serve them. There are so many great types, try some new citrus out before the season ends!

Blood Orange

• Health Benefit: The bright red flesh signals the presence of disease-fighting anthocyanins.
• Tastes: Sweet and tart with a hint of raspberry.
• Storage Tip: Keep away from foods that absorb odors, such as eggs and cheese.

Clementine

• Health Benefit:At 35 calories each, these are a nutritional bargain.
• Tastes: Tangy-sweet.
• Buying Tip:Clementines are often sold in crates; look through the bottom slats to make sure there aren't any damaged or spoiled ones.

Grapefruit

• Health Benefit: Red grapefruit might help lower levels of LDL cholesterol, according to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. But beware; grapefruit juice should not be consumed with several prescription drugs, including cholesterol-lowering statins. 
• Tastes: Bittersweet.
• Buying Tip:Skin should feel springy yet firm.

Key Lime

• Health Benefit: This amazing citrus is bull of phytochemicals, such as hesperidin, which may protect against cancer.
• Tastes: Sweet-tart
• Storage Tip:Humidity keeps limes juicy; store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Kumquat

• Health Benefit: Four walnut-size kumquats offer 5g of heart-helping fiber-more than a fifth of the daily value.
• Tastes: Sweet peel and tart flesh, you eat the whole thing!
• Storage Tip:Wrap in a plastic bag and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Meyer Lemon

• Health Benefit: The zest is also a good source of limonene, an antioxidant compound that may help prevent cancer.
• Tastes: Sweet and tangerine-like, it is the best lemon for desserts!
• Serving Tip: Use this extra sweet lemon for pies, lemonade and other treats.

Navel Orange

• Health Benefit: This winter fruit is known for its high vitamin C content, one fruit gives you 110% of your daily value.
• Tastes: Sweet and  juicy.
• Buying Tip: Green skin isn't a sign that it is under ripe. You want fruit that feels heavy, that means it is full of juice.

Pomelo/Pummelo

• Health Benefit: A half pomelo is a good source of fiber, supplying 3g.
• Tastes: Varies from tangy-tart to spicy-sweet.
• Serving Tip: The pomelo is related to the grapefruit and can be substituted for it in recipes.

Tangelo

• Health Benefit: One fruit delivers 4% of the daily value of calcium.
• Tastes: Sweet-tart and juicy.
• Serving Tip: Pair with crisp fruits, such as apples and pears, in a salad for a megadose of vitamins.

 Tangerine

• Health Benefit: Supplies thiamin, a B vitamin your body needs to produce energy from carbohydrates.
• Tastes: Juicy and subtly tart.
• Serving Tip: Stir fruit into yogurt or use its juice in dressings or marinades.