Getting Citrusy All Summer Long

The citrus season may have come to a close, and there won't be another harvest until Autumn. The trees will take the summer to grow new fruits. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the benefits of the citrus you have left from the spring harvest, all summer long! In today's blog, we'll explore some of the ways you can make the last of your spring citrus, well, last!

Save Those Peels!

Citrus peels are a hidden treasure for our health and well being, so don't be too hasty about just tossing them in the compost. If you're short on time, you can simply place peels on your window sill or closet shelf and let them dry naturally. As they dry, they slowly release essential oils into the air and freshen the surroundings.

You know those fancy, delicious, and often expensive citrus-infused vinegars found in specialty stores and gourmet aisles? Make your own!  Simply submerge peels in white vinegar in a sealed repurposed jar and set aside for a few weeks. For pennies, you've just made your own to add to salads and marinades. Add some ribbon and a label to smaller containers like recycled spaghetti or olive jars and you have an instant homemade gift that keeps.

Your summer bird population can benefit too, as hollowed-out peels make great natural bird feeders.  Fill them with bird feed and hang them in your yard with natural fiber yarn or string, and enjoy the bird show!

After spring cleaning, summer is a time to refresh the home with wonderful scents. You can make an aromatic simmer pot with your citrus rinds by warming them on the stove with flower petals, cinnamon sticks, cloves, summer herbs such as basil and rosemary, and other wonderful combinations. You can also dry these same types of ingredients to make a fragrant potpourri for your drawers and closets, or to give as gifts.

 

For other ideas that have a-peel, check out our recent blog, Don't Mind the Rinds.

Juicy Ideas for the Freezer

If your fruit is getting old or soft throughout the warm long days of summer, chances are the juice inside is extra sweet and perfect for making citrus juice ice cubes! As long as there are no visual or olfactory signs of mold or spoilage, you can squeeze all of the juice into ice cube trays and freeze for refreshing and immune system-boosting infused iced drinks all summer long. Then, save the rind, which can be frozen for future use in recipes. You can also zest (grate) the rind prior to juicing, and freeze the zest, or slice and freeze segments just as they are. 

Just make sure to dry whatever part(s) of the fruit you are freezing to minimize ice crystal formation.

The frozen segments, zest, and peels can also be used for teas, sauces, parfaits, and more. Check out some great recipes here!

For even more ideas of how to creatively use your spring citrus in ways that last, check out some of our past blogs on citrus scraps and citrus rinds. So many great ideas to last you all summer long!

We here at Florida Fruit Shippers will be making sure that our groves are growing the best, most delicious citrus for you these coming warm months.  Till Autumn, enjoy the "fruits" of the spring, and have a scent-sational summer!

Sources:

https://homediningkitchen.com/what-can-i-do-with-old-citrus-fruits/

https://www.treehugger.com/how-make-bird-feeder-citrus-peels-4862600

https://theplanetarydiet.com/dont-toss-those-citrus-fruits-here-are-10-easy-recipes-to-use-up-overripe-oranges-lemons-limes-and-grapefruits/

https://survivalfreedom.com/how-to-freeze-citrus-zest-and-peels-for-baking-or-cleaning/

https://farmbackyard.com/how-to-make-homemade-potpourri-with-citrus-fruit-peels/

https://thecrownedgoat.com/10-citrus-inspired-simmer-pot-recipes/

 

All Dads Should Eat Citrus

What would we ever do without our dads? Whether young or old, short or tall, fit or a bit soft around the middle, fathers and father figures offer guidance, protection, love, support, encouragement, wisdom, and a good, healthy dose of humor! Speaking of good health, with Father's Day right around the corner, we here at Florida Fruit Shippers are vested in keeping our dads healthy, vibrant, and strong. And it just so happens that we know a great way to do it: encourage dad to eat citrus as a daily habit!

                   

Citrus Makes Dads Stronger

Everyone knows that citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, and Vitamin C is well known as an immune booster. What is less known about this miracle vitamin is that it also supports muscle gain indirectly, in several important ways. First, it aids in collagen synthesis. In other words, it helps promote the production of this important protein which makes up the tendons and ligaments that support muscle function. Second, as an antioxidant, Vitamin C lowers inflammation. It is always best to work out in a non-inflammatory state, so that the tiny tears that are made during muscle building workouts can heal and grow the muscles. Third, the immune benefits of this vitamin help keep dad healthy so that he can hit the gym instead of the doctor's office. In addition to Vitamin C, citrus fruits also provide electrolytes, healthy sugars, and hydration, all of which are necessary for optimal muscle function, recovery, and gain.

Citrus Makes Dads More Comfortable

You know all of those reading materials in the bathroom? Well, stock up, because "comfortable" is another word for "regular," which is another word for "not constipated," and dads definitely like to be comfortable. Citrus fruits are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, the two main types of fiber found in the foods we eat. Soluble fiber is the type that dissolves in water, forms a gel, and provides an ideal substrate for the good gut bacteria necessary for the prevention of obesity and diabetes. Insoluble fiber improves stool consistency. Together, it's a winning "comfort" combination.

Citrus Makes Dads Less Grumpy

In addition to the above nutritional benefits, eating citrus has another surprising attribute that other fruits lack: it boosts your mood! And we all agree that dads are more fun when they are in a good mood. The reason for this effect is multifold: That magic Vitamin C also helps to tamper down cortisol, aka the "stress hormone." Likewise, it helps in the production of calming hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. Sure, you can take supplements, but research has shown that Vitamin C is exponentially more bioavailable in fruit than in capsule form. Add to this the benefits of gut health and good regularity, not to mention the scientifically-proven mood-boosting benefits of the citrus essential oils that are released from the rind every time you peel a fruit, and your citrus-savvy dad will transform from Mr. Grump to Mr. Great!

Whether dad digs into a grapefruit, tangerine, or orange, a daily citrus habit will make dad's day, every day. 

Happy Father's Day from Florida Fruit Shippers!

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-citrus-fruits

https://cyvigor.com/article/are-oranges-good-for-muscle-gain

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-the-difference-between-soluble-and-insoluble-fiber

https://www.realsimple.com/mood-boosting-fruits-11707092