How many Different Types of Citrus Fruits are there? There’s so much variety when it comes to citrus fruits, these offer their colorful world with equally varied flavors, and today we’ll be covering the different types of citrus fruits.
Bursting with bold flavor combinations of sweet, acid, sour, and sometimes bitter, citrus fruits are wonderful on a hot summer day when they can freshen up our lives. But these are so versatile that it is great to have on hand for tons of recipes, including baked goods, bars, marmalades, treats, etc.
If you want to know more, then take your citrus fruits knowledge to the next level and learn about all the different types and how to make the best out of your fruits at home.
Types of Citrus Fruits
Citrus belongs to the family of Rutaceae plants, these are mostly originated from Asia, but many types have been modified and are grown in other regions.
When picking out your citrus fruits, you should always look for signs of freshness, so try to stay away from the ones that appear moldy, blackened, or shriveled. Instead, get the ones with minimal blemishes, bright skin, and plumpness is also a good sign. Giving it a good squeeze, the fruit should be firm and thin-skinned.
Check out the different types of citrus fruits.
Mandarin
One of the true types of citrus fruits, mandarins, originated in China which is gifted to family and friends since they believe it represents good fortune.
These offer a sweet flavor with a touch of sourness; spherical and a bit flattened, this citrus fruit can be anywhere between 4 and 8 cm in diameter.
Citron
Another of the true types, the citron, is known for its bright yellow color and aroma and its medicinal value. Heavily utilized in Asian cuisines.
Pomelo
Also known as shaddock or jabong, it is the biggest among the citrus family members. It commonly measures up to 10 inches in diameter and can weigh up to 2 kg a piece. Pomelo offers white and pink flesh that can be both sour and sweet.
Hybridized Types of Citrus Fruits
The hybrid types are not limited to specific climatic conditions like the mentioned varieties that flourish only in certain weather. These next types were created so that people all over can enjoy citrus fruits. Check them out; you’ll surely recognize one or two.
Orange
Oranges are hands down one of the most consumed types of citrus fruits around the world. Also called sweet orange, these are known for their sweet taste, intense citrusy aroma, and bright orange color. Oranges aren’t only used in the culinary world as perfumes are also produced from their peel.
Tangerine
Tangerines are natives of Tangier, Morocco; these are often compared to common oranges; however, tangerines are smaller and are not as round. That said, tangerines are usually sweeter in both flesh and skin.
Lemon
Lemons are a must in every household; there are tons of medicinal, culinary, and even cleaning; lemons are truly one indispensable citrus fruit.
Lemons are used in tons of savory and sweet recipes, and then you may as well use them in your beauty products; to top it all off, its health benefits include counteraction from cancer and asthma.
Kaffir Lime
Hailing from Southern China, kaffirs are important in Southeast Asia cuisine. The leaves of kaffir are also used in cooking, while the liquid is employed in invigorating drinks, oils, and even shampoos.
Key Lime
Are you a fan of key lime pie? This fruit is also known as West Indian Lime, Mexican Lime, or Bartender’s Lime. Key lime is a native of Asia. This is a hybrid, a blend of micrantha and the citrus medica.
It has delicate skin, while the flesh is very acidic, offering a strong smell. Key lime is small in size and has a lot of seeds.
Kumquat
Kumquat is translated to golden orange, and though it may look like one, it is a lot smaller in size and can be both round and oval in shape.
Clementine
This hybrid, a mix between a mandarin orange and sweet orange, was created in Algeria. These are often eaten fresh as they are easy to peel and offer a sweet, sugary flavor than oranges.
Blood Orange
This type of citrus fruit may look like a regular orange on the outside due to its orange shade, but once you cut into it, you’ll see red color flesh that gets its color due to the presence of antioxidants.
A bit on the sour side, blood oranges make great decorative pieces, thanks to their unusual appearance.
Grapefruit
Grapefruits are widely consumed for their juice, a blend of pomelo and sweet orange. The grapefruit is widely known for its sour, semi-sweet, and somewhat bitter taste. There are, however, several types of grapefruits; did you know that?
Meyer Lemon
Hailing from China, Meyer lemon is the product of a blend between mandarin and citron. These are juicy, sweet, and often cultivated in home patios for decorative purposes.
Tangelo
Tangelo, also known as honeybells, crosses different hybrids such as tangerine and pomelo. It resembles an orange. However, it has a protruding head. These offer tangy and sweet flesh with a slight touch of bitterness.
Persian Lime
This type results from lemon and key lime; these are popular because they are seedless, less acidic, and have a longer shelf life than other types.
Sweet Lime
Sweet lime from South Asia has a low acidic level and a light sweet flavor.
Yuzu
Yuzu is quite the unknown type; it is mainly used for its juice which is utilized to make the popular ponzu sauce and other recipes such as tea or vinegar.
Ugli Fruit
It may look that way, but this type of citrus originating in Jamaica offers pulpy flesh.
Health Benefits Of Different Types of Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits offer great flavors to our palate and are also great for our bodies due to their high vitamin content. Check out some benefits of citrus fruits:
- They are rich in vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system.
- They hold all-natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- They are a good source of fiber and minerals.
- Studies show citrus fruits help lower cancer risk, including stomach, pancreatic, and esophageal.
How To Keep Citrus Fruits Fresh?
Lucky, the skin of citrus fruits offers a protective barrier that makes storage fairly easy and adaptable.
These fruits are not as perishable as some other types of produce. Citrus fruits are actually non-climacteric; these don’t secret ethylene like other fruits, retaining their quality for longer.
Keeping your fruits at room temperature -as long as you plan to utilize them soon -is perfectly ok, as long as you keep them whole and don’t cut them.
This is also preferable for juicing; the juice is easier to obtain at room temperature, and the flavor is also at its best.
How To Store Citrus Fruits, So They Stay Fresh For Longer?
Citrus fruits can perfectly be stored for longer than a week. Refrigeration will be the best option to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
If you keep them whole inside the crisper drawer, you’ll have fresh citrus for about two weeks. There’s no need for plastic bags. The enclosed space will increase the potential for mold growth.
It is not recommendable to leave them on the shelves, as they will be more exposed to air every time you open the refrigerator.
After it’s been cut, these must be refrigerated, as it becomes highly perishable. You can also perfectly save the peel or fruits segments in airtight containers or bags inside the fridge for up to a week.
Can You Freeze Citrus Fruits?
It is not a good idea to freeze the entire citrus fruit; you can absolutely freeze single pieces.
Freeze the individual part, juice, or zest of any of your favorite citrus in ice cube trays. Once completely frozen, place in an airtight container.
Thaw the zest in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to use. For the juice, you can directly add the cubes to smoothies for a splash of bright flavor.
What To Do With Citrus Fruits Before They Go Bad?
If you notice a change in texture, smell, or color, even if it is stored in your fridge, you should probably get rid of the citrus fruits immediately.
However, before it goes bad, there are many ways you can enjoy your yummy citrus fruits; check out some of our favorite recipe ideas below.
