Citrus fruit is in season from fall through spring. Much of the citrus fruit you
see in the market is from California, Arizona, Texas or Florida. Citrus grown in
dry climates tends to have thicker skin, but otherwise has the same nutrient value.
The white "under skin" is called the albedo and is loaded with nutrients.
The outer, colored peel is called the flavedo and is used, grated, as flavoring.
Citrus has long been known for being rich in vitamin C, but new studies show that
citrus fruits also contain important phyto chemicals that may help protect against
cancer and stroke. The amount of vitamin C recommended has increased from 60 mg
to 250-500 mg., so the more citrus fruit the better for you. Citrus fruit is also
higher in potassium than bananas, another good reason to eat more citrus.
Ideas for using citrus besides as your morning breakfast beverage:
- Orange or red grapefruit segments are great mixed into green salads or in coleslaw.
- Sauté a ham slice, then let it simmer in a little orange juice, turning frequently
until the juice has evaporated.
- Brown pork chops or chicken breasts then cover with orange juice and cook until
tender. Thicken the juice with cornstarch - serve as gravy.
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Recipes
Orange N' Sausage Sunshine Breakfast
What You'll Need
2 oranges, peeled, sectioned and cut in bite sized pieces
1 lb sausage links (about 16 links)
˝ cup maple flavored syrup
Waffles or pancakes
Directions
1. Fry sausage links, pour off fat.
2. Add syrup and orange pieces, heat through.
3. Serve over pancakes or waffles.
Makes 4 servings.
Citrus Nut Topping
What You'll Need
2 ruby red or pink grapefruit, peeled and sectioned. Remove membrane from between
sections, cut in chunks. Keep any juice to add to the juice.
2 navel oranges, peeled, sectioned and cut in chunks. Keep the juice to add the
juice.
1 cup orange juice
¼ cup sugar
1 ½ TBS cornstarch
2 tsp butter or margarine
¼ cup chopped pecans, toasted
Directions
1. Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan.
2. Stir in juices.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly.
4. Add butter or margarine and stir until melted.
5. Stir in grapefruit and orange sections and nuts.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature over waffles, pound cake, angel food cake,
pudding, gingerbread etc.
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