If the cold winter weather has got you down, why not brighten up your day with some fresh, sweet oranges. Oranges, and citrus fruit in general, are in season right now and can be found taking over the produce department. To learn more, here is some useful information about oranges:
Navel oranges are the most common variety of oranges. They are seedless, have thick skins, peel easily and are a classic orange size with a dimple on the non-stem end. Navel oranges are sweet and juicy however, their juice ferments easily, so use immediately.
Valencia oranges are small to medium in size, have thin skins, few seeds, and are very juicy; making them the perfect orange for juicing.
Blood oranges, often called Moro, are famous for their deep red flesh. They sport thin, reddish-orange skin and flesh that varies in color from pink to deep red. Moros are less acidic than other orange varieties and tastes sweet and berry-like, making them best for eating rather than juicing. Blood oranges are more uncommon and can usually only be found at specialty markets.
Cara Cara oranges are a type of navel orange with red or pink fruit. They have exceptionally sweet flavor with cherry undertones and a tart cranberry-like zing. Cara Cara oranges make colorful and flavorful additions to beverages or salad dressings.
Tangerines are smaller in size and have looser peels than oranges. They have bright orange skins and have a sweeter, brighter taste than traditional oranges; making them great for a quick breakfast or addition to salads.
Clementines, often called "cuties," are very small oranges and are similar to tangerines in their appearance. Due to their small size, thin and easy to peel skin, and sweet honey like flavor, clementines are perfect for snacking and lend themselves to both savory and sweet dishes.
Mandarins are a variety of tangerines that contain seeds. While many people enjoy mandarins from a can, fresh mandarins have a wonderful mild, sweet flavor.
After learning about all the varieties of oranges available, give them a try by making this fresh winter fruit salad.
Fresh WinterFruit Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4
1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained well
3-4 tangerines or clementines, peeled and segmented
1 cup red grapes
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
1 Fuji apple, diced
1 lime, juiced and zested
2 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
Combine the fruit in a large serving bowl. In a small bowl mix together the lime zest and juice, honey, and yogurt. Pour yogurt mixture over fruit and gently mix until the fruit is evenly coated. Serve immediately.
• Chef Heather Hunsaker attended and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. She currently serves as a writer and recipe developer for meal planning site www.foodonthetable.com
