Orange You Glad...It's Citrus Season! As you may know, it can be challenging to seize tasty in-season produce at your local store. Luckily, we have one bright, yummy exception to that rule, and that is CITRUS!
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and are excellent sources of folate, potassium, calcium, and more.1 Of course, you can find citrus year-round, but typically, the peak season starts in the fall and lasts through the depths of winter—sometimes even into spring! So if you’re craving a healthy and delightful treat to munch on, now's the prime time. Let’s dive into some of our favorite seasonal citrus fruits to stock up on.
A Guide to Our Favorite Seasonal Citrus Fruits
Navel Oranges
Navel oranges are naturally sweet and juicy with thick skin, perfect for a midday snack or tossed into a light salad. If you’re baking a cake that calls for decadent orange frosting, don’t hesitate to use navel oranges for that added sweetness. Typically, this orange variant is available starting in the fall and even lasts into early summer. However, the peak season is January and February. We can’t help but celebrate when it’s orange season!
Sumo Citrus
Sumo citrus season might be our personal favorite, and you definitely can’t miss them in the store. They come with a distinct “top knot” and a mesmerizingly bumpy texture. Sumos are also super-sized, VERY easy to peel, and don’t contain seeds! Just like navels, they’re extra sweet and typically act as a standalone dessert. So the million-dollar question is—when are sumo oranges in season? The window to pick the best sumo citrus is January through April. Don’t forget to mark your calendars.
Pro tip: How to find the best citrus in stores
To pick up ripe citrus that’s ready to consume, you always want to check out the exterior. Is it glossy to the eye? That’s a great sign! If you see any dark spots, it’s likely not in the best condition. Also, evaluating color is a major indicator. Green and yellow hues might mean that your citrus fruits need more time to ripen.
Blood Oranges
Just like the name alludes, blood oranges stand out from the crowd with a glorious flesh color that spans every shade of red and pink, including crimson, maroon, and dark pink. You’ll know it’s blood orange season when you start seeing blood orange cocktails and seasonal salads on restaurant menus. So when is blood orange season exactly? Usually, you’ll see them crop up in stores starting in December, with the last traces of them in April. They are more difficult to find than other varieties, so if you spot them, snag them up!
Honey Tangerines
On the smaller end of the size spectrum, honey tangerines are flat and oval-shaped. They also contain a very specific oil, which gives them a sweet “spicy honey” taste. The honey tangerine is also VERY easy to peel, so you can easily gobble up a whole bag of them if you’re not paying close attention. So when is tangerine season—specifically for these sweet little guys? Like many citrus fruits on our list, you can pick them up in the late fall throughout late winter.
Lemons
Lemons are one of the most popular citrus fruits around, known for their bright, zesty flavor that's mostly sour with a hint of sweetness. These little yellow powerhouses can do it all! Squeeze some lemon juice into your favorite baked goodies or savory dishes, and don't forget to grate the peel for an extra burst of flavor. The naturally occurring vitamin C and citric acid in lemons may help with boosting your immune health and keeping pesky bacteria at bay.2 Whether it's the classic Eureka, the sweet Meyer, or the robust Ponderosa, there's a type of lemon for everyone. The best part? Lemons are available all year long, though they shine in the winter months. So, when life gives you lemons, get excited!
There’s nothing like sipping on fresh lemonade to quench your thirst! If you haven’t tried our best-selling Lemon Love cold-pressed juice, don’t waste another second! Not only is it 100% USDA Certified Organic, gluten-free, and vegan, but you get simple ingredients you LOVE and trust. For example, organic lemon juice, purified water, and Cayenne for a spicy twist. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
“This is, without a doubt, my favorite beverage. The Cayenne is such a welcome kick! When I'm parched, it's my go-to. I wish I could duplicate it at home...'close' isn't the same. Thanks for making such a yummy drink with good-for-me stuff.” - Verified customer, Kem
Grapefruit
Noted as a hybrid between a pomelo and an orange, grapefruits are easily one of the largest citrus fruits known to mankind! If you slice a grapefruit open, you’ll notice its ruby-red flesh that’s very tangy and sour to the tastebuds. Depending on the market, grapefruit season can vary, but in California, it’s typically January through August. Also, random fun fact about grapefruit—there are almost 20 varieties that grow right here in the United States.3
Kumquats
About the size of an olive, kumquats are small but pack a HUGE punch when it comes to flavor. Surprisingly, the skin is the sweetest part, and the flesh is a bit sweet with a sour kick. Kumquats have an oblong shape that makes them particularly unique in comparison to all other citrus. To snag the best kumquats, keep an eye out between December and March.
Yuzu
Similar to a traditional lemon, yuzus are exceptionally tiny and tart! They also happen to be a popular commodity in Korean and Japanese cooking, although they first originated in China. Many say yuzus are noticeably floral and slightly herbal in flavor, which makes them a one-of-a-kind citrus, perfect for infusing specific sauces and marinades. Yuzu season also starts in the fall and lasts throughout the winter months.
Fall in Love with Seasonal Citrus
Imagine a world without citrus! It would lack that extra tang and zest we all love. Luckily for us, citrus is usually available most of the year, but the real gems are harvested in fall and winter.
And hey, if waiting isn’t your thing, we’ve got you covered on citrus sips. Stock up on our best-selling cold-pressed citrus juices, Lemon Love and Ginger Love. They’re packed with fresh lemon and our favorite ingredients, making it a breeze to enjoy seasonal citrus anytime.
Endnotes
- Lv, X., Zhao, S., Ning, Z., Zeng, H., Shu, Y., Tao, O., Xiao, C., Lu, C., & Liu, Y. (2015). Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health. Chemistry Central Journal, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-015-0145-9
- WebMD - Health Benefits of Lemon https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-lemon
- This institution is an equal opportunity provider. (n.d.) https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/school-nutrition/pdf/fact-sheet-grapefruit.pdf
*Disclaimer: This blog contains promotional content about our products. The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While the nutritional information and health tips shared here are based on published studies and expert insights, they should not replace advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.
