How to Select and Store Citrus Fruits
Filed under Dieticians & Nutritionists
At this time of year, the produce aisle of your local supermarket is overflowing with winter citrus fruits. From the time the cold spell hits you, so there is an abundance of lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits and tangerines to choose from.
To assist you in making the most of the winter citrus season, the following is information on how to best select and store your citrus.
How to Select Citrus Fruits
Look for the ripest fruit. It is important to recognize that citrus fruit will not continue to ripen or sweeten once it is picked. The citrus found in the produce aisle should therefore be fully ripe; Look for rinds that are clear and blemish free; Choose the citrus fruit that feels heavy and has a finely textured peel. The smoother rind will indicate more juice and flesh; Avoid fruits that have wrinkled or are heavily dimpled. Also avoid those fruits that have soft, ender spots on the skin; Smell the fruit and choose the ones with the highly fragrant, sweet smell.
How to Store Citrus Fruits
If stored properly, citrus fruits can store quite well. It is okay to buy the big bag of oranges knowing that if stored correctly, they can be eaten and enjoyed for a while.
To prolong enjoyment, keep some oranges in the fridge and some on the counter; Citrus will keep at room temperature for about a week. Healthy snacking will be encouraged if some fruit is left on the counter; If buying in bulk is your thing, store the excess in the fridge and put out on the counter when needed; For a sweeter produce, take the citrus fruit out of the fridge just before eating and bring to room temperature just before consumption; It is important that if one fruit goes bad, it will cause the rest of the fruit in the bowl to go bad more quickly.