Citrus: Winter Fresh!

I’ve always wondered why citrus fruit season peaks in the middle of winter. It’s exactly what we need: juicy, tangy fruit packed with vitamins in the midst of cold, dreary weather. But it is interesting that citrus thrive when most other crops are dormant. It turns out that the relief in temperature in tropical climates is ideal for the citrus trees that grow there to produce these wonderful fruits. This post will explore some of the range of wonderful citrus fruits out there, the perfect treat for Northern Winter!

The Hunt

The inspiration for this hunt started with an exciting delivery I received from Miami Fruit (Miami Fruit is a small business in South Florida that grows and ships tropical fruit around the US). I love all the colors and tastes that come in the box. Then I checked out the Chicago International Produce Market, one of the largest produce wholesalers in America. Designed for retail buyers rather than end customers, I walked through and admired literal tons of traditional and exotic produce as carts whizzed by me. My next stop was a new specialty market, Agora Market in Chicago’s Logan Square, known for their extensive quality fresh produce. Finally, I stopped at Seafood City, a large Filipino specialty market, to check out some Calamansi limes.

Fine Foods

Sumo Citrus

• Taste: Sumo Citrus is the ultimate “easy peel” orange; it’s large, sweet, and juicy and really peels easily without mess.
• Story: The Dekopan orange was brought to the US from Japan in the 90’s, and it grew in popularity as customers enjoyed the great taste with the easy peel. The distinctive knob on top makes it easy to identify.
• Buy: Most supermarkets in winter months

Pink Lemon

• Taste: Like a lemon, but less sour and sweeter. Ideal for baking.
• Story: Discovered by a chance mutation on a lemon tree, pink lemons get their color and taste from the same pigment found in grapefruit.
• Buy: Miami Fruit

Key Lime

• Taste: Though they are small, key limes pack extra tart taste!
• Story: My favorite Key Lime memory was from the now closed Spanish Gardens Cafe in Islamorada, FL. Chef Jose made the best key lime pie I’ve ever tasted, complete with a decadent, crispy merengue on top. The picture below is my attempt to recreate his phenomenal dessert.
• Buy: Many supermarkets or Miami Fruit

Blood Orange

• Taste: Sweet and tart, mixing orange and raspberry flavors and colors
• Story: Blood oranges are a hybrid of orange that has reddish pigments, similar to those found in flowers, which grow in color and flavor during ripening. I love the distinct taste and color these bring to a fruit plate!
• Buy: Many supermarkets or Miami Fruit

Calamansi Lime

• Taste: Calamansi limes are a hybrid of kumquats and mandarin oranges, and they look like clementines (sometimes green outside though). But while they still have some orange taste, they are much more sour!
• Story: Calamansi juice is typically a mixer for flavor (marinades, juices, etc). I first learned about them from tasting the Sanzo Sparkling Water flavor. The juice is really distinctive and I’ve enjoyed having it as a drink mixer.
• Buy: Seafood City or similar Filipino markets

I know I’ve just scratched the surface of the citrus fruits out there. What are your favorites this time of year?