Celebrating CITRUS

The zing factor

Citrus fruit plays a huge part in our daily lives. Many of us start the day with a delicious glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and during the colder months, citrus is a brilliant source of immunity-boosting vitamin C. Let’s take a look at the most widely available citrus in Aotearoa.

CITRUS VARIETIES

Oranges come in a number of varieties in New Zealand. Most common is Navel, which is in season from June right through to December. Being seedless, it’s perfect for cooking. Valencia is in season from November to February. Blood oranges make a great colour splash to salads and tarts. The majority found here are imported.

Lemons are available most of the year but peak during winter. The main year-round producer is the Meyer, with its big, juicy fruit and thick peel. Yen Ben is hardy with small pips, and is ready from mid-to-late winter and the milder Lemonade variety from June until August. Lemons can go with just about anything, especially seafood, and are versatile in both savoury or sweet dishes.

Mandarins are nearly always eaten fresh, partly because they’re