As we move into the winter months, it's the perfect time to dive into the world of citrus fruits! These fruits not only bring us a refreshing taste but also offer a bounty of health benefits.

In this article, we'll walk through everything you need to know about citrus fruits and why we should embrace them, especially around the Lunar New Year when they are in peak season.

Winter's Fruit King

Citrus fruits are often regarded as symbols of good luck and prosperity, largely because their round shape and vibrant yellow-orange color resemble the character “吉” (meaning lucky) in Chinese. This is why you'll often find them gracing the altars of many households during the New Year.

Citrus fruits are true winter harvest treasures. From October through February, these fruits are in season, and you'll find them at every corner fruit stand. A single tree can produce anywhere from 300 to 500 fruits, making citrus the undisputed "King of Winter Fruits" in Taiwan. If you've ever strolled through the markets during winter, you'll understand how dominating citrus fruits are during this time!

Why Citrus is So Nutritious

Citrus fruits, particularly oranges, are a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. They are especially rich in Vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in boosting our immune system and preventing scurvy. On top of that, citrus fruits are packed with fiber, which is great for digestion and can act as a natural remedy for constipation.

Each segment of an orange contains tiny juice sacs that are packed with a mix of sugars (around 10%) and a small amount of citric acid. This balance gives oranges their signature sweet-and-sour taste, which is one reason they are so loved by kids.

When shopping for oranges, bigger isn't always better! It's actually best to pick medium-sized oranges. The ones that grow in sunny spots tend to have a deeper orange color, which indicates a higher sugar content and more nutrients.

Innovative Uses of Citrus Fruits

Beyond being a tasty snack, citrus fruits also have amazing medicinal properties. They can help with digestion, relieve coughs, reduce phlegm, and even act as pain relievers. In fact, citrus fruits like oranges and their peels are often used in traditional Chinese medicine.

We can enjoy citrus in many ways. Of course, they are delicious fresh, but they can also be turned into juice, canned, or even made into marmalades. Interestingly, orange peel and the white membrane inside the peel—known as "albedo"—are not just edible, but they also have health benefits. For example, these parts are believed to help clear the lungs and soothe sore throats.

Sometimes, the orange peel is used to make tea or in more creative ways. In fact, combining dried orange peel with other herbs like dried tangerine peel (Chenpi) and ginger is a common remedy for chronic cough and phlegm. So, next time you enjoy an orange, try to eat the whole fruit, including the albedo!

Creative Citrus Remedies and Recipes

Here are a few simple and effective citrus-based remedies to try:

1. Citrus and Ginger Remedy: Combine one whole orange, 15 grams of rock sugar, and two slices of fresh ginger. Stew it in a water bath for about an hour and consume it along with the peel. This remedy can help relieve chronic cough and reduce excessive phlegm.

2. Prevention of Colds and Flu: During the chilly autumn and winter months, boil dried tangerine peel, ginger, and brown sugar together. It helps to expel cold from the body and can be a great preventive measure against colds.

3. Citrus Aromatherapy: Take dried citrus leaves, crush them, and place them in a cloth bag. Steep the bag in hot water for a relaxing bath. This eco-friendly aromatherapy will not only calm your senses but also leave a fresh citrus scent in your home.

Don't Throw Away the Orange Peel!

You might think of orange peels as waste, but in reality, they have many uses. After washing and drying the peels, you can use them in various ways. For example, drying them creates "Chenpi," a key ingredient in many traditional Chinese remedies.

Orange peels also have amazing cleaning powers. Here are some quick tricks:

1. Cleaning Tea Stains: Citrus peels are fantastic for scrubbing away tea stains from your cups. Just rub a fresh peel with a little salt and wipe away those yellow stains—your cups will look as good as new!

2. Cleaning Grease and Grime: Citrus peels contain citric acid, which is an excellent degreaser. You can make a simple cleaning solution by boiling 3 to 5 orange peels in 1 liter of water. Once it's cooled, use a sponge to scrub away grease from kitchen surfaces, stoves, and even the oven.

3. Eliminate Odors: Citrus peels are also a natural deodorizer. Dry them out and place them on a grill or in a pan to release their refreshing fragrance, which will help neutralize kitchen odors.

Conclusion: Embrace the Citrus Family

Citrus fruits are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, providing health benefits from their fruit, peel, and even their flowers. Whether you're enjoying fresh fruit, drinking freshly squeezed juice, or using them for their therapeutic properties, citrus fruits are a winter essential. Don't forget that the next time you enjoy a juicy orange or tangerine, you're not just satisfying your taste buds—you're also giving your body a healthy boost!

So, Lykkers, why not take advantage of citrus season and bring some of these vibrant fruits into your life this winter? They're a delicious and healthful way to brighten up your day!