By: April Graff, MS, RD, LD. Hy-Vee Dietitian
Ever heard of Buddha’s Hand? Or seen a pink lemon? Get ready to learn the different types of citrus available at Hy-Vee and mix up a delicious Citrus Winter Salad.
Variegated Pink Lemons. Real-deal pink lemonade is what you’ll get with this distinctly striped lemon. It has minimal seeds and a puckery, tart flavor that makes it perfect for juicing into your favorite citrus beverage. When sliced, its petal-pink flesh makes a lovely addition to pitchers of sparkling water.
Cara Cara Navel Oranges. Theses have a bright orange exterior similar to a navel orange with an interior that is deep salmon-pink. Juicy and sweet, they have flavors of grapefruit and tangerine.
Sumo Mandarins. These seedless mandarins are the same size as oranges with a distinctive knob at one end. They are bright orange, easy to peel, juicy, and sweet.
Buddha’s Hand. This gnarly finger-like fruit contains no juice or pulp but is instead used for its fragrant zest, which has flavor described as lemony, bitter, and sweet, with notes of lavender. Use it to infuse vodkas, steep in tea, or to flavor salt or sugar. It’s also often candied or used to make marmalades. The zest can even be frozen in an airtight bag until ready to use.
Moro Blood Oranges. Known for their deep purplish-red flesh, Moro blood oranges have a sweet-sour flavor with a hint of berry. They are lower in acid than many varieties, making them delicious and easy-to-tolerate snacking fruits.
Pummelos. This over-sized citrus fruit definitely stands out in a crowd. It can range from tangy-tart to spicy-sweet in flavor, and the peel is 1 to 2-inches thick, varying in color from yellow, green, or pink. Look for skin that is plump and free of wrinkles and blemishes. When pressed, fruit should spring back.
Key Limes. Smaller than regular limes, key limes, sometimes called Mexican limes, are greenish to yellowish and have smooth thin rinds. Intensely aromatic, key limes are fantastic in cocktails and, of course, pies.
Neapolitan Tangerines. Small in size, these seedless tangerines are known for their thin orange skin and sweet and juicy orange-like flavor.
Meyer Lemons. Smaller in size with a smoother, thinner rind when compared to a traditional lemon, Meyer lemons have a deep brilliant yellow color and are highly fragrant, floral, and sweet. Use them like you would ordinary lemons, but expect better, brighter results.
Recipe: Citrus Winter Salad | Hy-Vee
