Sweet, brightly colored citrus fruits bring a burst of sunshine into winter days. Citrus fruits grow on flowering trees and shrubs. They are characterized by a leathery rind and white pith that encases juicy segments. They’re native to Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and possibly Southeast Asia.
Nowadays, they are cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world. Major production hubs include Spain, Brazil, China, the US, Mexico and India. Interestingly, nearly a third of all citrus fruits are used to make juice. You can find all kinds of citrus fruits year-round. The peak season for oranges and grapefruits in the Northern Hemisphere is between mid-December and April. Here are some popular varieties of citrus fruits:
1. Tangelo
Tangelo is an evergreen tree with dense foliage that was first cultivated in Florida and southern California in 1897 as a cross between the Mandarin orange or a tangerine and either the pomelo or the grapefruit. Nowadays, it’s cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates. The fruit is deep orange in color, with juicy and aromatic pulp that’s subacid to sweet in flavor. When ripe, fresh tangelo is usually eaten out of hand or used in fruit salads. It can also be used to make marmalades, desserts, juices, and sauces.
2. Neretvanska mandarina
Neretvanska mandarina is a citrus fruit similar to a tangerine. It is a segmented fruit with a rind that is easily peeled. The meat of this fruit is very sweet and aromatic, and orange in color due to high carotenoid content. The segments of fruit are easily divided. The ratio of sugar to acid in the fruit must be higher than 7:1, which is important because this determines the taste and balance of sweetness, tartness and freshness. Every phase of production must take place in the area of the Neretva River Valley.
3. Cítricos Valencianos
Cítricos Valencianos are oranges, mandarins, and lemons grown in the provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. These regions are recognized worldwide for their century-long tradition of cultivation of citrus. Citruses grown in Valencia have well-balanced acidity and sweetness due to warm Mediterranean climate. The soil characteristics combined with the technical skills of Valencian growers help produce more flavorful fruit with and intense color and fragrance. Citruses cultivated in this region are of exceptional quality, and each fruit is inspected for even the tiniest imperfections thus ensuring a premium product.
Citrus fruits come in a variety of sizes, vibrant colors, and incredible scents. They are high in phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These nutrients are types of antioxidants and give the fruits their bright colors and strong scents. They can also help protect your body and prevent many health issues.
1. Boost Your Immune System
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, a nutrient known to help give your immune system a boost. It encourages your immune system to produce white blood cells, which are necessary to fight infections. Contrary to a popular belief, the vitamin C in citrus fruits can’t prevent colds. However, research suggests it may help shorten a cold’s length and severity.
2. Lower Your Risk of Kidney Stones
A 2014 study found that people with low amounts of citrate in their urine are more likely to develop kidney stones. Citrus fruits can increase citrate levels, which may help to reduce your risk. Citrus fruits are high in phytonutrients, including flavonoids. According to several studies, flavonoids may help prevent the development of certain types of cancer.
3. Improve Heart Health
Citrus fruits contain many compounds that can help keep your heart healthy. Their soluble fiber and flavonoids may help raise healthy HDL cholesterol and lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The fruits may lower high blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease. They’re also rich in potassium, which can help reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.
4. Boost Skin Health
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the production of collagen, one of the most common proteins in your body. It’s one of the main building blocks of your joints and muscles. It also provides support for your skin, to help keep it from sagging. A single lemon has about half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, while an orange has more than 100%. Eating more vitamin C may help improve skin health and reduce skin aging.
5. Protect Your Brain
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, may help fight the chronic inflammation partly responsible for the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Some studies also suggest that citrus juice may help improve cognitive function.
