Sunny Citrus Delights
Do you need something to brighten up your winter days? Citrus fruits are an inexpensive and natural way to revitalize your home and health. While these fruits are available for year-round enjoyment, they are in season from December through February with peak freshness in January. During this cold and flu season, grapefruit and oranges are some of the most common citrus fruits to boost your immunity! They also help lower cholesterol, maintain a healthier blood sugar, and aid in digestion.
To get you started, here are a few general rules of thumb for purchasing fruit:
- If the fruit feels heavy for its size it's probably very juicy
- You get more juice out of room temperature fruit
- Refrigerate fruit to extend its life by about two weeks
Keep reading to find a list of citrus fruits regularly found at Giant Eagle! Plus, learn unique ways to use these less common fruits to make you and your home healthier this winter!
Texas Red Grapefruit:
The Texas Red Grapefruit is the official state fruit of Texas and got its name because of its rich red core. While light pink grapefruit are most commonly chosen to eat, grapefruit can also be found with a creamy yellow or red center. The darker the middle, the sweeter tasting the grapefruit will be. Grapefruit's light and refreshing juice pairs nicely with fish, chicken, and pork.
Below are a few ways grapefruit goes beyond the breakfast table.
- Compost – Place grapefruit rinds within the soil of your garden or flower bed to improve the soil's nutrients and help the plants grow.
- Skin Care – Due to the antibacterial nature of citrus fruits, grapefruit can act as a fresh face and body exfoliant. Squeeze a cup of grapefruit juice into any type of container, then mix in olive oil and granulated sugar until your desired consistency of the scrub is met.
- Household Cleaner – Cut a grapefruit in half and sprinkle the inside with coarse salt. Use the fruit like a sponge to get rid of rust spots or limescale.
Navel Oranges:
Have you been feeling those winter blues this season? Pick up some oranges on your next Giant Eagle run to boost your mood with the help of their rich Vitamin C! The Navel Orange is easily distinguishable among other types of oranges due to its distinct human-like navel marking. This forms during initial blossom, as two “twin” fruits grow opposite of each other on the stem. These oranges have multiple health and practical home uses.
- Odor Reducer – Orange rinds are the perfect fresh scent to get rid of unwanted odors. Simply place a peel at the bottom of a trash can before putting the bag in or throw a few orange rinds soaked in vinegar down the disposal after each use.
- Festive Displays – Create a cost-effective holiday garland that will be sure to leave your guests inspired. Cut a navel orange into multiple ¼-inch thick slices. Place those slices on a lined baking sheet and bake them at 250°F for two and a half hours. Once the slices have cooled, poke a hole through the middle and weave twine through to make a long strand of decoration.
- Face Mask – Grind a dried orange peel down to a powder. Add in milk or water and stir until you have a thick paste. Rub onto skin for a refreshing facial treatment.
Cara Cara Oranges:
Cara Cara Oranges are very similar to the Navel Orange. They are both rich in Vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and calcium. Cara Cara oranges, however, are sweeter and less acidic with a pinkish-red center. Their easy-to-peel skin makes it perfect for on-the-go or just a quick snack. An orange’s aromatic juices make it a perfect pairing with almonds, chocolate, coffee, and spicy seasonings. Try Cara Cara Oranges in our Scallops with Orange Salsa recipe!
Below are 3 simple steps to sectioning an orange, or other citrus fruit:
- Using a boning knife, cut off a thin slice from both ends of the piece of citrus fruit. This gives you a flat surface to cut from.
- Place a flat end of the fruit on a cutting board and cut away the peel and white part of the rind, also called the pith, working from top to bottom.
- Holding the fruit in one hand, tip the fruit to its side and cut into the center between one section and the membrane. Cut along the other side of the section next to the membrane to free the section. Continue with the remaining fruit sections.
Try out these recipes featuring citric fruits!
