What's in a Season? Winter Citrus
Get to know the best of winter citrus at Eastside - from TDEs to kumquats!
Blood Orange – Looks can be deceiving! Sometimes a pale rind hides a deep red fruit inside, or bright red rind covers a lighter colored orange. You’ll find a distinctive blood red flesh on the inside. Subtle orange flavor that seems infused with grapefruit, with hints of tart cherry and raspberry. The best way to find a delicious blood orange is to pick it up – it should feel heavy in your hand (that means there’s lots of juice inside).
Buddha Hand – Don’t be afraid of its strange shape, this citrus is perfect for parties. Pop one in the freezer for a memorable addition your punch bowl! While there’s no fruit inside, the real hero is the rind. Perfect for zesting, candying or slicing into your favorite cocktail.
Cara Cara Oranges – These pink navel oranges are beautiful and delicious. Traditional orange flavor with berry and floral notes. Distinctive rosy, pink flesh. Like tasting a ripe juicy orange with a subtle hint of strawberry jam.
Grapefruit – The sweetest grapefruit often looks a little rough around the edges – rust or scabs on the rind are good sign, as is a blush color starting to form on the skin.
Kumquat - Tiny, bitter(ish), sweet(ish), citrus explosions! They're ripe when they've reached a uniform orange on the outside, but are not too squishy. Fun to snack on or use in a salad or cocktail.
Mandarinquat - Hybrid of mandarins and kumquats. Can be eaten whole, rind and all! Tastes like a slightly tart mandarin. The vibrant orange rind is very sweet.
Meyer Lemon - Much sweeter, juicier, and more floral than your average lemon. Classic lemon flavors with tangerine notes and a tangy finish.
Murcott Mandarin - Incredibly sweet flavor. Very easy to peel, so they’re a winner for kids! Sometimes known as ‘Honey Murcotts’ thanks to their rich, honey-like sweetness.
Heirloom Navel Orange - Incredibly sweet and juicy. Traditional orange flavor with very low acidity, making it one of the sweetest tasting oranges you’ll ever have.
Pomelo - A larger cousin of the grapefruit with pale fruit and very thick, floral rind. For a fun DIY, try your hand at candied pomelo peel!
Satsuma Mandarin – Juiciest mandarin variety out there! Balanced sweet-tart flavor. Generally seedless, though you might find one or two along the way.
T.D.E. Tangerine – Triple cross of tangerine varietals. Bright orange flesh, fully acidic, yet fully sweet. This fruit is bursting with flavor. Look for T.D.E.s a little later in the citrus season. A favorite of staff and shoppers!
HELLO SUNSHINE!
Go beyond the peel with some of our favorite ways to get more citrus in your life this season.
Candy the rinds for a drink or baking garnish
Slice or peel segments into a salad or slaw
Squeeze juice onto meat to help tenderize
Dehydrate peels & grind into a powder for adding to soups, drinks, dips and more
Swap out some vinegar with citrus juice in a dressing or marinade
Infuse zest into sugar for aromatic baking recipes
