Wonderful Winter Citrus
We’re loving the colourful winter citrus coming into the stores right now. Find out about what’s just arrived and how to enjoy them over the colder months
One of the wonderful things about winter is that the grey days are counterbalanced by the riot of colour in our Fresh Produce departments, led by the vibrant citrus which is at its best this time of the year.
Hitting the shelves recently have been Seedless Tangold Mandarins, Navel Oranges and Ruby Grapefruit.
Navel Oranges
There are two main types of oranges – sweet oranges and bitter oranges. Navel oranges are sweet oranges while Seville oranges are bitter and often used for cooking and making marmalade.
Navels are called navels because they have a small undeveloped second fruit at the base, which looks like a navel. They’re seedless and are easy to peel, with a sweet, juicy flavour. They’re loaded with vitamin C and dietary fibre.
Navel oranges are brilliant to eat fresh but are also great in baking. This Orange and Pistachio Loaf Cake is perfect for a winter’s afternoon tea, and this Orange Cheesecake would make an impressive dessert for dinner guests. Oranges also pair very well with poultry or pork in savoury dishes like this Barbecued Quail with Spiced Cherry Compote or this Herby Citrus Pulled Pork. Add a bright tang to a salad like this Beet, Orange and Spinach Salad.
Tangold Seedless Mandarins
Tangold mandarins are slightly larger than the most well-known mandarin variety, Imperial mandarins, and have a deeper orange, smooth skin and a sweet, tangy taste. They’re juicy, seedless and easy to peel.
Nutritionally, one Tangold mandarin provides all your daily Vitamin C needs. High in folic acid and hesperetin, an antioxidant which protects cells as we age, they’re also a great source of dietary fibre. Mandarins can help improve cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. For an energy boost, mandarins offer carbohydrates and B vitamins, making them a great natural alternative to energy drinks and the perfect lunchbox snack.
Mandarins are also great in baking. Get all the goodness of mandarins in this Fluffy Mandarin Cake which uses the whole fruit, skin and all – seedless Tangolds are perfect for this recipe..
Ruby Grapefruit
Ruby grapefruit are stunning to look at with pale lemon-coloured skin and a ruby-red or pink interior. Their flesh is sweet and tangy, and they’re a great source of dietary fibre, vitamins B and C, as well as antioxidants such as lycopene.
Their gorgeous colour and zesty flavour make them ideal for drinks and cocktails like this refreshing Rosemary and Grapefruit Mimosa, and their vibrant segments enliven this Grapefruit and Avocado Salad.
