Citrus is a classic winter fruit found in many winter traditions from Christmas to the Chinese New Year. Their variety and versatility make them excellent to keep in the kitchen, to use in cooking, cleaning, crafting, or just to snack on. Every year at this time the Chico Certified Farmer’s Market is abundant with citrus fruits of all shapes and sizes, from lemons to limes to oranges to mandarins. Read on to learn more about why citrus should be celebrated, and stop by the Chico Certified Farmer’s Market to purchase the best!

Nutrition

Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines, are nutritional powerhouses packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports immune health, promotes collagen production, and helps combat oxidative stress. Citrus fruits also provide dietary fiber, particularly in the pulp, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. They are rich in potassium, which supports heart health by helping regulate blood pressure, and contain flavonoids that may have anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. Low in calories but high in hydration due to their high water content, citrus fruits are ideal for weight management and keeping the body well-hydrated. Regularly incorporating citrus fruits into your diet can contribute to overall health, from glowing skin to improved immunity and better heart function.

Uses

Citrus fruits are incredibly versatile and find their way into a variety of culinary, medicinal, and household uses. Oranges are enjoyed fresh, juiced, or as zesty additions to desserts and salads, while lemons and limes are beloved for their tangy flavor, perfect for marinades, beverages, and baked goods. Grapefruits make a refreshing breakfast or snack and add a sweet-tart element to savory dishes. Tangerines and mandarins are ideal for snacking and are often included in salads and desserts for their sweetness. Beyond the kitchen, citrus fruits are used for their aromatic peels, which can be candied, infused into oils, or dried for potpourri. Their natural acidity makes them effective natural cleaners for cutting grease, polishing metals, or freshening up spaces. Citrus fruits also have medicinal uses, such as soothing sore throats or enhancing hydration in wellness tonics. Whether for flavor, fragrance, or function, citrus fruits are a staple in homes worldwide.

Recipes

Citrus Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• Grapefruit segments (for topping)
• Granola (for topping)
• Shredded coconut (for topping)

1. Instructions:
2. Blend orange juice, frozen banana, and mango chunks until smooth.
3. Pour into a bowl.
4. Top with grapefruit segments, granola, and shredded coconut.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• Butter or oil for cooking

1. Instructions:
2. In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, milk, eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and sugar. Combine with wet ingredients.
4. Heat a pan over medium heat and grease lightly with butter or oil.
5. Pour batter in small portions and cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.

Citrus Avocado Salad

• Mixed greens (2 cups)
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons toasted almonds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Arrange greens on a plate. Top with orange, grapefruit, and avocado slices.
2. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
3. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad.

Orange Glazed Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced

1. Instructions:
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Mix orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a bowl.
4. Place salmon in a baking dish and pour the glaze over.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, basting occasionally, until cooked through.

Key Lime Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 3 egg yolks

1. Instructions:
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar; press into a pie dish.
3. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes and let cool.
4. In a bowl, whisk condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks. Pour into crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then chill for 2 hours before serving.