Winter Citrus

One of the best gifts of the winter season comes from Nature herself…winter citrus!

Near the time of the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, ancient people were looking for the return of the sun after the longest night of the year. Light and warmth is something all people are seeking during cold winter months. One book that reminds me of the beauty of citrus is called the Sun Egg.

This book for all ages shares the wonders of a “sun egg” in the harsh winter from the perspective of a little fairy.
From a nutritional point of view, citrus can assist us with some important nutritional needs. Humans cannot make their own Vitamin C like some animals can..here’s looking at you kitties! We have to get it via food.
When sailors found out that bringing a bunch of lemons onboard ships could prevent scurvy, a lot of suffering of the crew could be prevented.

Citrus Flowers

Citrus fruits are not only tasty but their flowers have intoxicating fragrances. Some of my favorite flowers are white citrus flowers. The essense of Neroli comes from the bitter orange flower. I often like to buy a Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis), which is a fingered citron. I love the way they smell! They are used to perfume clothing in drawers and sometimes given as New Year’s Gifts or as a temple offering in Asia. When my citrus trees bloom, you’ll find me sitting near them, inhaling deeply!

For the next couple weeks I will be sharing some of the delicious things I’ve made with citrus I’ve purchased and citrus we have grown at home. I currently have a Meyer lemon tree, a kalamansi tree, and kaffir lime.

At the latest Austin Food Blogger Alliance Party, there was a gift exchange. I brought a citrus gift basket in a matching Minted citrus bag.

Citrus Posts

Texas Grapefruit – Grapefruit Avocado Bites with Bergamot Olive Oil
Yuzu – Yuzu Kosho
Kalamansi – Kalamansi Marmalade
Meyer Lemon – Meyer Lemon Marmalade
Buddha’s Hand

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