Different Types of Citrus Fruits

Types of CitrusHow Many  Types of Citrus Fruits are there?

Today we’ll be covering the different types of citrus fruits. There is so much variety when it comes to citrus fruits, these offer their own colorful world with equally varied flavors.

Bursting with bold flavor combinations of sweet, acid, sour, and sometimes bitter; citrus fruits are wonderful on a hot summer day where they can freshen up our lives. But these are so versatile that it is great to have on hand for tons of recipes including baked goods, bars, marmalades, treats, etc.

If you want to know more then get your citrus fruits knowledge to the next level and learn about all the different types and how to make the best out of your fruits at home.

Health Benefits Of Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits not only offer great flavors to our palate but are also great for our bodies due to their high vitamin content. Check out some benefits of citrus fruits:

• They are rich in vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system.
• Citrus fruits hold all-natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• They are a good source of fiber and minerals
• Studies show citrus fruits help to lower the risk of cancer including stomach, pancreatic, and esophageal.

Main Types of Citrus Fruits

Citrus belongs to the family of Rutaceae plants, these are mostly originated from Asia but many types have been modified and are grown in other regions.

When picking out your citrus fruits, you should always look for signs of freshness so try to stay away from the ones that appear moldy, blackened, or shriveled. Instead, get the ones with minimal blemishes, bright skin and plumpness is also a good sign. Giving it a good squeeze, the fruit should be firm and thin-skinned.

Check out the different types of citrus fruits.

Mandarin

One of the true types of citrus fruits, mandarins originated in China, where it is gifted to family and friends since they believe it represents good fortune.

These offer a sweet flavor with just a touch of sourness; spherical and a bit flattened this citrus fruit can be anywhere between 4 and 8 cm in diameter.

Citron

Another of the true types, the citron is known for its bright yellow color and aroma as well as for its medicinal value. Heavily utilized in Asian cuisines.

Pomelo

Also known as shaddock or jabong, is the biggest among the citrus family members. It commonly measures up to 10 inches in diameter and can weigh up to 2 kg a piece. Pomelo offers white and pink flesh that can be both sour and sweet.

Hybridized Types of Citrus Fruits

The hybrid types are not limited to specific climatic conditions like the mentioned varieties that flourish only in certain weather.

These next types were created so that people all over can enjoy citrus fruits. Check them out, you’ll surely recognize one or two.

Orange

Oranges are hands down one of the most consumed types of citrus fruits around the world. Also called sweet orange; these are known for their sweet taste, intense citrusy aroma, and bright orange color. Oranges aren’t only used in the culinary world as perfumes are also produced from their peel.

Tangerine

Tangerines are natives of Tangier, Morocco; these are often compared to common oranges however, tangerines are smaller and are not as round. That said, tangerines are usually sweeter in both flesh and skin.

Lemon

Lemons are a must in every household, there are tons of uses from medicinal, culinary and even cleaning; lemons are truly one indispensable citrus fruit.

They are used in tons of savory and sweet recipes, and then you may as well use them in your beauty products; to top it all off, it’s health benefits include counteraction from cancer and asthma.

Kaffir Lime

Hailing from Southern China, kaffirs take an important role in Southeast Asia cuisine. The leaves of kaffir are also used in cooking while the liquid is employed in invigorating drinks, oils, and even shampoos.

Key Lime

Are you a fan of key lime pie? This fruit is also known as West Indian Lime, Mexican Lime, or Bartender’s Lime. Key lime is a native of Asia. This is a hybrid, a blend of micrantha and the citrus medica.

It has delicate skin while the flesh is very acidic while offering a strong smell. Key lime is small in size and has a lot of seeds.

Kumquat

Kumquat is translated to golden orange and though it may look like one, is a lot smaller in size and can be both round and oval in shape.

Clementine

This is a hybrid, a mix between a mandarin orange and sweet orange, and was created in Algeria. These are often eaten fresh as it is easy to peel and offer a sweet sugary flavor more so than oranges.

Blood Orange

This type of citrus fruit may look like a regular orange on the outside due to its orange shade, but once you cut into it, you’ll see red color flesh that gets its color due to the presence of antioxidants.

A bit on the sour side, blood oranges make great decorative pieces thanks to their unusual appearance.

Grapefruit

Widely consumed for its juice, grapefruits are a blend of pomelo and sweet orange. The grapefruit is widely known for it’s sour to semi-sweet and somewhat bitter taste.

Meyer Lemon

There are tons of types of Citrus, this one hails from China, Meyer lemon is the product of a blend between mandarin and citron. These are juicy and sweet and often cultivated in home patios for decorative purposes.

Tangelo

Tangelo also is known as honeybells, is the product of crossing different hybrids such as tangerine and pomelo. It resembles an orange however it has a protruding head. These offer a tangy and sweet flesh with a slight touch of bitterness.

Persian Lime

This type is the result of lemon and key lime; these are popular because they are seedless, less acidic, and have a longer shelf life than other types.

Sweet Lime

Hailing from South Asia, sweet lime it’s known for having a low acidic level and a light sweet flavor.

Yuzu

Yuzu is quite the unknown type, it is mainly used for its juice which is utilized in the making of the popular ponzu sauce and other recipes such as tea or vinegar.

Ugli Fruit

It may look that way, but this type of citrus which originated in Jamaica offers pulpy flesh.

How To Keep Citrus Fruits Fresh?

Lucky, the skin of citrus fruits offer a protective barrier that makes storage fairly easy and adaptable.

These fruits are not as perishable as some other types of produce. Citrus fruits are actually non-climacteric, these don’t secret ethylene like other fruits, retaining their quality for longer.

Keeping your fruits at room temperature -as long as you are planning to utilize them soon -is perfectly ok, and also as long as you keep them whole and don’t cut them.

This is also preferable for juicing purposes, the juice is easier to obtain at room temperature and the flavor is also at its best.

How To Store Citrus Fruits So They Stay Fresh For Longer?

Citrus fruits can perfectly be stored for longer than a week. In order to keep them fresh for as long as possible refrigeration will be the best option.

You’ll have fresh citrus for about two weeks if you keep them whole inside the crisper drawer. There’s no need for plastic bags. The enclosed space will increase the potential for mold growth.

Is not recommendable to leave them on the shelves, as they will be more exposed to air every time you open the refrigerator.

After it’s been cut, these must be refrigerated, as it becomes highly perishable. You can also perfectly save the peel or fruit segments in airtight containers or bags inside the fridge for up to a week.

Can You Freeze Citrus Fruits?

Is not a good idea to freeze the entire citrus fruit, that said, you can absolutely freeze single pieces.

Freeze the individual part, juice, or zest of any of your favorite citrus in ice cube trays. Once completely frozen, place in an airtight container.

When ready to use, thaw the zest in the fridge or at room temperature. For the juice, you can directly add the cubes to smoothies for a splash of bright flavor.

What To Do With Citrus Fruits Before They Go Bad?

If you notice a change in texture, smell, or color even if it is stored in your fridge, then you should probably get rid of the citrus fruits right away.

However, before it goes bad, there are tons of ways you can enjoy your yummy citrus fruits; check out below some of our favorite recipe ideas using them.

Our Top Recipes with different Types of Citrus Fruits

Keto Lemon Cheesecake Fat Bombs

Who doesn’t love fat bombs? These delicious no-bake desserts have become so popular around the world and the reason is that the best way to put it is that they turn into a flavor explosion inside your mouth. Try out this delicious Keto Lemon Cheesecake Fat Bombs

https://gethealthystayhealthy.net/recipes/keto-lemon-cheesecake-fat-bombs/

Dairy-Free Keto Baked Salmon with Lemon and Butter

We all know salmon is really healthy and delicious, and with this super easy recipe, you can’t go wrong! Try this tasty baked salmon with lemon and butter which is low carb and dairy-free!

https://gethealthystayhealthy.net/recipes/dairy-free-keto-baked-salmon-with-lemon-and-butter/

Orange Banana Smoothie to take to Work

If you love bananas and oranges, then you will love this super easy recipe, this tasty orange banana smoothie to take to work will make it all better and you’ll enjoy a satisfying break.

Orange Banana Smoothie to take to Work