It’s National Citrus Month! With a myriad of varieties and an unbelievably long list of health benefits, this is the perfect time of year to get serious about citrus. The Chico Certified Farmers Market has got you covered – we have oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, mandarins, tangerines, pomelos, and kumquats. Not only that, we have more than one kind of many of these delectable fruits! There is truly a citrus fruit for every person, meal, and occasion. Read on for health benefits, spotlights on special varieties of citrus, and out-of-the-box recipes for you to try with the haul you’ll bring home from your next market visit.

Health Benefits 🍋⚕️🍊

1. Immune System Boost: Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant known for its immune-boosting properties. Consuming citrus regularly can help your body defend itself against illnesses and infections, keeping you in top form throughout the school year.
2. Healthy Skin Glow: Vitamin C isn’t just a friend to your immune system; it’s also a skincare superhero! Collagen, a protein essential for maintaining skin elasticity, relies on vitamin C for its production. Including citrus fruits in your diet can contribute to a healthy and radiant complexion, leaving you ready to face each day with confidence.
3. Energy Kick: Feeling a bit sluggish? Grab an orange! Citrus fruits are a natural source of carbohydrates, which your body converts into energy. Whether you’re gearing up for a sports event or need a pick-me-up during study sessions, citrus fruits can provide that quick and delicious energy boost.
4. Heart Health: Citrus fruits are heart-friendly too! They contain compounds like flavonoids that may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. By incorporating citrus into your diet, you’re not just pleasing your taste buds – you’re also taking steps toward a healthier heart.
5. Hydration Support: Staying hydrated is essential for overall well-being, and citrus fruits can be your hydration allies. Oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins have high water content, helping you stay refreshed and quench your thirst, especially during those long school days.
Quick Tip: Start your day with a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or add citrus slices to your water for a burst of flavor and health benefits!

Spotlight: Persian Limes 🍋💚

Persian limes, also known as Tahiti limes or seedless limes, are a variety of citrus fruits renowned for their distinct flavor and versatility. These limes are medium to large, typically round to oval, and boast a glossy, bright green skin that transitions into a vibrant yellow as they ripen. Unlike their more common counterpart, the Mexican or Key lime, Persian limes are seedless, making them convenient for culinary use.

The flavor profile of Persian limes is a delightful combination of tartness and sweetness, with a slightly less intense acidity compared to other lime varieties. This makes them a favorite choice for a wide range of culinary applications, from enhancing the flavors of savory dishes to being a key ingredient in refreshing beverages and desserts.

Persian limes are a kitchen staple, adding a zesty kick to marinades, dressings, and sauces. Their juice is commonly used in cocktails, salsas, and desserts, bringing a burst of citrusy freshness to each bite or sip. The versatility of Persian limes extends beyond the kitchen, as their aromatic zest can be used to infuse oils, create flavorful rubs, or garnish dishes for a visually appealing touch.

In addition to their culinary appeal, Persian limes are a fantastic source of vitamin C, offering a boost to the immune system and contributing to overall well-being. Their juicy, succulent texture and vibrant taste make Persian limes a delightful addition to your culinary adventures, whether you’re whipping up a savory masterpiece or crafting a refreshing beverage on a warm day.

Spotlight: Tangelos 🍊🧡

Tangelos, the enticing offspring of a tangerine and a grapefruit or pomelo, present a captivating citrus experience. With their round to slightly oval shape and thin, smooth, vibrant orange skin, tangelos are visually appealing, often featuring a charming knob at the top reminiscent of their tangerine parent. What truly distinguishes tangelos is their exquisite flavor, a delightful marriage of tangerine sweetness with a subtle tartness reminiscent of grapefruit or pomelo. This harmonious blend creates a taste sensation perfect for those seeking a citrusy treat without the intensity of sour notes found in other varieties.

Tangelos offer juicy and tender flesh, effortlessly separable into segments, with many varieties being seedless or containing very few seeds. The texture strikes a balance between firmness and succulence, ensuring a satisfying bite. Unlocking a fragrant and enticing aroma, tangelos release sweet and citrusy scents reminiscent of tangerines, combined with the more complex notes found in grapefruit or pomelo. This aroma serves as a prelude to the explosion of flavors that awaits anyone indulging in this delightful fruit.

Much like their citrus counterparts, tangelos are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with immune-supporting vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and well-being. Whether savored on its own, incorporated into salads, or featured in various culinary creations, tangelos bring a unique and delectable twist to the citrus family, standing out with their inviting appearance, captivating flavor, and healthful benefits.

Recipes 🧑‍🍳

Here are some creative and outside-the-box recipes that showcase the vibrant flavors of citrus fruits:

1. Citrus Avocado Salsa:
   • Ingredients: Diced oranges, grapefruit segments, chopped avocado, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, salt.
   • Directions: Combine all ingredients for a refreshing salsa that pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or as a unique topping for tacos.
2. Citrus Infused Quinoa Salad:
   • Ingredients: Cooked quinoa, orange segments, pomegranate arils, chopped mint, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice.
   • Directions: Toss together these ingredients for a light and flavorful quinoa salad, perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.
3. Lemon Herb Grilled Zucchini Ribbons:
   • Ingredients: Zucchini, lemon zest, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Directions: Marinate zucchini ribbons in a mixture of lemon zest, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until tender for a unique and zesty vegetable side.
4. Ginger Citrus Glazed Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Chicken thighs, orange juice, lime juice, grated ginger, honey, soy sauce.
   • Directions: Create a glaze with orange juice, lime juice, ginger, honey, and soy sauce. Baste chicken thighs with the glaze while grilling or baking for a flavorful and tangy dish.
5. Citrus Basil Sorbet:
   • Ingredients: Orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, fresh basil leaves, sugar.
   • Directions: Blend citrus juices with fresh basil and sugar, then freeze for a delightful sorbet with a hint of herbal freshness.
6. Grapefruit Rosemary Infused Water:
   • Ingredients: Grapefruit slices, rosemary sprigs, water, ice.
   • Directions: Infuse water with grapefruit slices and rosemary for a refreshing and aromatic beverage, perfect for staying hydrated with a twist.
7. Tangerine Teriyaki Salmon:
   • Ingredients: Salmon fillets, tangerine juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar.
   • Directions: Make a tangy teriyaki sauce with tangerine juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Brush on salmon before baking or grilling for a flavorful seafood dish.
8. Lime Coconut Energy Bites:
   • Ingredients: Dates, cashews, shredded coconut, lime zest, vanilla extract.
   • Directions: Blend dates, cashews, shredded coconut, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Roll into bite-sized balls for a citrus-infused, no-bake energy snack.

Feel free to get creative and adjust these recipes to your taste preferences. Enjoy the citrusy goodness in unexpected and delicious ways!