Vibrant, fresh and spicy, there’s nothing like citrus. They are a staple in virtually every kitchen, fridge, and pantry. Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and others provide a sweet and spicy touch to salads, desserts or simply to eat on their own.
We agree that seeing an orange wither on the counter or discovering a wrinkled lemon at the bottom of the fridge is heartbreaking. The good news is that with a few small handy trickswe can make sure we have fresh citrus and perfectly juicy by hand.
Buy in season
The path begins at the time of purchase. And although more and more fruits can be obtained throughout the year, the quality and flavor will not be the same, they are in season. Therefore, it is important to take into account the calendar to know the best moment of each variety; the ripe oranges they will be the ones with the most vibrant color and smooth skin, from October or November until the end of June.
Consuming food at its best, in addition to being tasty and nutritious, is economical and, consequently, more ecological and respectful of the environment.
Store in the fridge
The cold for citrus is the best, for this reason a good refrigeration is essential. And unlike other fruits like bananas, citrus fruits stop ripening and begin to decompose as soon as they are picked. The good thing is that they can last several weeks if they are placed loose or in a mesh bag, in the bottom drawer of fruits and vegetables, in the least cold area. To then turn them from time to time to allow air to circulate. It is not recommended to store it in plastic bags or closed containers, since it has the opposite effect: it softens the portions and allows the growth of mold.
Consume after four days at room temperature
The fruit bowls make a attractive display on the counter and in the kitchen. Fortunately, oranges, tangerines and limes resist a few days at room temperature. Compared to about four weeks in the fridge. For this, it is best to use the fruit bowl to show the citrus that you are going to eat in the coming days, but anything beyond that, keep in the fridge. Of course, make sure the air circulation. And if the space is hot or humid, give it up completely, the citrus prefers a cool environment with little light.
keep dry
Wherever citrus is to be stored, it is important that the unit be dry and the environment maintain the same conditions. Moisture is a recipe for disaster.
There are those who opt for the refrigerationbut this may be a risky strategy. Unfortunately, citrus fruits don’t always react well to extreme cold. The fruit is delicate, and can lose its structure and become watery. Still, for best results, choose to slice and/or wedge the portion, then remove any seeds or white membranes and arrange on a plate or tray. And once the individual portion is completely crystallized, keep it in a refrigerated container or bag to preserve it for even longer.
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Now that you know how to keep your citrus fruits for longer, an easy way to introduce them is in a salad, or in the form of juice and zest, in a cold cake. Both delicious and very fresh options for summer days. Another possibility is in a sponge cake or a pudding with honey and lavender, for a healthy snack rich in vitamin C. Along with one of the many varieties of lemonades that shine with their citric presence.
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