Adding citrus fruits to your shopping list is one of the healthiest decisions you can possibly make. If you’re already consuming them, you’re doing your body an array of healthy favors it will be thankful for.
However, if you want to switch things up and enjoy these fruits in different combinations, read on, as we’ve prepared some of the most delicious recipes that citrus fruit lovers will undoubtedly enjoy.
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Why include citrus fruits in your diet?
Winter has a reputation for striking our immune system and leaving it defenseless against one too many viruses. As those months pass by, people almost instinctively reach for the comforting lemon or orange juice due to their vitamin C contents.
However, the family of citrus fruits has powers far exceeding a simple vitamin C fix. They are perfectly crafted winter superfoods for fighting seasonal threats. As you get a healthy dose of vitamin C, your body increases its production of white blood cells.
These cells are the body’s natural defenders against infections, meaning that there’s a much lower chance of catching a cold, especially in the winter season.
However, we’ve just scratched the surface of citrus fruits’ powers. The second most potent weapon in their arsenal is their antioxidant contents, including:
- flavonoids;
- carotenoids;
- ascorbic acid.
These compounds help your body to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing the so-called free radicals. Those free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and even contribute to developing chronic diseases.
Luckily, crafting and consuming your citrus fruits list will strengthen your natural defenses and ensure that you remain healthy long-term.
Another amazing perk of regularly consuming citrus fruits is their ability to promote heart health. They are rich in compounds like fiber and potassium, which have been proven to regulate blood pressure.
Talking about fiber, did you know that one of its many benefits is digestion aid? By creating a healthy microbiome, these tangy fruits can prevent constipation and improve your digestion for optimal gastrointestinal health.
Finally, citruses like oranges and grapefruits have high water content, which will make your hydration efforts much easier. As many people struggle to ingest a proper amount of water per day, having these as a healthy snack is a fantastic solution to satisfy your taste buds while getting a much-needed hydration boost. Moreover, the natural citric acid in citrus fruits supports the body’s detoxification processes, assisting in eliminating waste and toxins.
Top options in the citrus fruits list
Making your citrus fruits list can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Why? Because there are so many variants, you can choose to stick with the ones you have provenly enjoyed or experiment with numerous healthy fruit combinations. On top of that, with so many options, you are guaranteed to find the combination you’ll enjoy.
Oranges
- Valencia Orange: juicy and perfect for fresh-squeezed juice;
- Navel Orange: easy to peel, a convenient and sweet snack;
- Blood Orange: rich in antioxidants, adds vibrancy to dishes.
Lemons
- Eureka Lemon: bright and zesty, a kitchen essential;
- Meyer Lemon: sweeter and less acidic, ideal for desserts.
Grapefruits
- Ruby Red Grapefruit: vibrant color, high in antioxidants;
- Pink Grapefruit: sweet and refreshing;
- White Grapefruit: mild flavor, hydrating, and heart-healthy.
Limes
- Key Lime: intense flavor, perfect for desserts;
- Persian Lime: versatile, widely used in beverages and dressings;
- Bearss Lime: acidic, enhances the taste of many dishes.
Creative and healthy citrus fruit recipes
Now that we’ve uncovered the doubts (if there were any) regarding the extraordinary benefits of citruses and got familiar with their various types, it’s time for the fun part. Here are a few suggestions for preparing these vitamin bombs in many delicious ways.
In these recipes, we’ll give you precise types of citruses you can use. However, don’t hesitate to experiment and substitute them with whichever type you prefer or have at hand.
Citrus infused water
There’s no better way to start your day than with a burst of freshness that citrus-infused water provides. With its vitamin and antioxidant contents, it will give you a health boost right off the bat. To make this healthy citrus juice, you’ll need these ingredients:
- sliced Valencia oranges, Eureka lemons, and Bearss limes;
- fresh mint leaves;
- ice cubes.
First, combine the sliced citrus fruits and mint in a jug. Proceed by filling the jug with water and adding ice cubes. To properly infuse it, place it in the refrigerator and let it sit for a few hours. Talk about simple, right?
Citrus salad
Ever craved a quick but incredibly healthy salad you can whip up in a matter of minutes? If so, this refreshing citrus salad is exactly what you’re looking for. Add these ingredients to your citrus fruits list to start off the deliciousness process:
- mixed salad greens;
- Ruby Red grapefruit segments;
- Navel orange slices;
- avocado slices;
- Feta cheese crumbles;
- citrus vinaigrette.
To prepare it, simply toss salad greens with grapefruit, orange, avocado, and feta. For extra flavor, drizzle with citrus vinaigrette.
Citrus marinated chicken
Now it’s time for the main course. This one is a true culinary masterpiece that combines bold and aromatic flavors in a symphony of citrusy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- chicken breasts;
- orange and lime zest;
- minced garlic;
- olive oil;
- fresh thyme.
Start by mixing the citrus zest, minced garlic, olive oil, and thyme. Now, it’s time to add the chicken to the blend. Do so by marinating chicken breasts in this mix for at least 30 minutes. Once it soaked up all of the aromas, grill or bake it until fully cooked.
Homemade citrus sorbet
After a long day, this guilt-free dessert will be a pure pleasure that erases any worry on your mind. This sorbet is a refreshing and tangy delight, crafted from the pure juices of Valencia oranges, Pink grapefruits, and Eureka lemons. The ingredients needed for this recipe are:
- orange, grapefruit, and lemon juice;
- sugar or honey;
- water.
Grab a saucepan where you’ll combine the citrus juices with sugar or honey (whichever you choose). Then, heat it at a moderate temperature of around 165°F (74°C). Once the sugar has completely dissolved, move the mixture from heat and allow it to cool before transferring it to the ice cream maker and churn.
Final thoughts
Having your own citrus fruits list will do much more than just enchant your taste buds. They offer countless health benefits that will come in especially handy in the cold winter months.
These recipes testify to how simple it is to include citruses in your daily meals. With a burst of flavors and a hefty dose of vitamins and nutrients, you’ll uncover a whole new world of flavors while nourishing your body with the nutrients it craves. Embrace the simplicity and nourishment that citrus fruits bring to your table, and make every meal a delightful and healthful experience.