A GUIDE TO WINTER CITRUS
The tropical hues of winter citrus probably won’t transport you to balmy beaches or seaside sunsets, but they just might inject an energy of cheerful optimism. Bursting with vitamins, minerals and refreshing flavors, these glorious globes of goodness will boost your immune system, improve your heart health and sharpen your brain. Come to think of it, all of that vitamin C will do wonders for your skin. Be warned: major glow-up ahead.
A GUIDE TO WINTER CITRUS
GRAPEFRUIT: It’s true. Grapefruits have a tight, heavy peel with a thick layer of bitter pith causing you to wonder, “Will I ever get to the fruit?” Remember this: good things come to those who wait. Once you’ve peeled your way to the center of this semi sweet citrus, you’ll hit a goldmine of health benefits: a higher functioning immune system, brighter skin, good digestion, better blood pressure and a healthier heart. And should we mention this pomelo-orange hybrid is a weight control fanatic? Good things, indeed.
BLOOD ORANGES. Spectacularly striking in their simplicity, these rose-colored beauties are quite the natural phenomenon. But don’t be fooled by their looks. These lovers of the Mediterranean climate contain polyphenol compounds giving them nine times the antioxidants and twice the amount of Vitamin A as navel oranges. Notorious for their raspberry infused flavor and deep crimson flesh, they’re beautifully paired with kale, fennel or rosemary.
POMELOS: You could use them as bowling balls. But don’t. These oversized citrus spheres are sweet tasting, multitasking gems that make killer cocktails (think Paloma), delicious marinades and punchy marmalades. Full of fiber and rich in antioxidants, these hard-to-find, teardropped shaped fruits pack a week’s worth of Vitamin C. Now that’s a lot of packing. Insider tip: check your local Asian market for the freshest pick.
BUDDHA’S HAND: An unexpected departure from the norm, Buddha’s Hand is a fragrant citron that strikes a similar resemblance to ‘the’ Buddha’s hand. Best used as a substitute for lemon rind, it’s an exquisite addition to desserts, salad dressings and marinades. Keep in mind, this aromatic, finger-linked fruit has no pulp or juice so it’s relatively mess-free. Should we thank Buddha himself?
To use: break off a finger and zest the bright outer layer. On the off chance, you’re feeling adventurous, thinly slice the pithy fingers and toss with salad.
CLEMENTINE: Don’t be fooled by their size – the tiny clementine packs a powerful punch. Rich in inflammation reducing antioxidants, this wonder fruit promotes healthy cell growth, increases iron absorption and fights against heart disease. Eat one of these easy peelers and you’ll get 60% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Not bad Clementine, not bad.