By: Andy Johnston, Produce Category Manager
I hope you were all able to enjoy the holiday season and are looking forward to the new year! I know that’s not always easy. Politically, there are some big changes on the horizon. It’s also January: it’s dark most of the day, and it’s freezing cold. It can often be challenging to keep ourselves motivated and stay positive.
Fortunately, January is peak citrus season! The fruit has had time on the tree to develop its flavor and sugars, there’s a range of varieties available, and quality is at its best. It’s one of my favorite seasons in the Produce department. Every day we’re getting fresh citrus shipments from our distributors, who work with a number of growers in California’s Central Valley, coastal, and desert regions to bring us the best organically grown citrus. We check each box and sample a piece of each variety that’s arriving. We want to know what’s really good so we can help you choose the citrus that’s right for you!
We all know that citrus is good for us. Most of us subconsciously associate vitamin C with citrus. Citrus is also packed with fiber, flavenoids, and carotenoids that help support health from your head to your toes! Incorporating citrus into your diet is a great way to help maintain your health and put some pep in your step through the winter months.
And of course, there’s the bright colors and great flavors to help pick up your spirits! You’ve got the TexasRio Star grapefruit: sweet and juicy, full of grapefruit flavor, with just a bit of that old school grapefruit burn to slightly numb the lips. Cara cara oranges are a little sweet, a little tart, with a slightly effervescent mouth feel. And then there’s the kumquat: tiny and mighty. It’s citrus dynamite! One of my favorites is the Minneola tangelo from Buck Brand Citrus. They’re huge on the sweet-tart flavor combo, and jammin’ with juice!
There are so many options with a range of flavors to choose from. You can try several different varieties every week of the month! They’ll brighten your mood, and help beat those winter blues!
Check out our Citrus Guide and get your new year off to a great start!
