Cool Citrus

By: Kirsten Vala

Produce markets are exploding with bright citrus fruits right now, all ripe, ready and at their peak. It's time to dive in! Go ahead, try a new cool citrus fruit a day to savor the season.

The Best Oranges

If you see a sign like this in your local produce market, know that it is time to take action. Honey Bell Oranges from Florida are sweeter and juicier than your normal, run-of-the-mill oranges and not to be missed. Also, if you have a recipe that calls for blood oranges (like Mario's Blood Orange Salad), now is the time to track it down and whip it up.

Sweet Meyer Lemons

These sweeter-than-normal lemons are thought to be a cross between a lemon and an orange, and they pop into produce markets late fall through early spring. They're great in lemon sweets, like tarts and lemon bars, but on Cooking Channel's new show Week in a Day, Rachael uses them in a savory dish perfect for cold winter nights: Lemon-Olive Chicken with Pine Nut Couscous.

Key Limes

These are so elusive, grab a handful when you get a chance and take the opportunity to bake up a classic: Key Lime Pie. Or, for a spicy twist, try Nadia G's Key Lime Habanero Cheesecake.

What Do You Do With Pomelos?

Yes, they're monsters! What to do with them? In the Bill's Holiday episode The Tropical North, Bill Granger makes them into a salad, mixing segmented pomelos with butter lettuce, large chunks of avocado, cooked shrimp, chopped shallots, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt and a little pepper. Looks and sounds delicious!

What's your favorite seasonal citrus fruit?

Next Up

Thirsty Thursday: Cool Down with a Piña Colada

Bring the beach to your backyard and cool down with a tropical treat, like Cooking Channel's Pina Colada recipe.

Top 9 Kitschy, But Super-Cool, Hotel Bars

We’ve shuffled through the clutter to find the top hotel bars that, despite (or because) of being themed, are super cool.

Meatless Monday: Quick, Elegant Citrus Salad

Start your holiday feast with an elegant salad that comes together in less than 20 minutes.

Citrus Angel Food Cake with Peaches

Get step-by-step instructions on how to make this easy angel food cake with peach recipe from Zoe Francois for Cooking Channel.

Stay Cool with 6 Summery Spins on Comfort Food

Summer versions of hearty winter comfort food recipes like meatloaf, loaded baked potatoes, spaghetti and meatballs and more.

You Wear What You Eat: 9 Cool Outfits Inspired by Food

Fashion and food go together like two Ps in apparel.

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here