Overview of How Citrus can be Used in Various Types of Food and Beverages
Oct 21, 2024
Citrus is probably the most versatile fruit. It can be used in every course, as well as in juices, drinks, cocktails, preserves, infusions, marinades and baking. The culinary uses of citrus is unlimited. Below are a few of the food ways that citrus can be used. Check out our recipes for an inspiration or ways to use a specific fruit.
Main Meals Citrus pairs exceptionally well with seafood, chicken, pork, duck and lamb. We will also included a variety of citrus and beef, oxtail and pasta dishes.
Photo Above: Homemade Parsley Ravioli with Smoked Salmon Filling and Lemon Butter Sauce.
Salads: Citrus segments or finger lime caviar can be added to salads for a burst of freshness and flavour. Try adding segments of lemonade, oranges, grapefruits, or mandarins to green salads, fruit salads, or grain salads.
Juicing: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are commonly juiced to make refreshing beverages. Fancy a pink juice, try using Moro, Tarocco or Sanguinello Blood Oranges, CaraCara or Vaniglia Pink Orange, or Star Ruby Grapefruit.
Photo Above: Moro Blood Juice
Zesting: The outer peel or zest of citrus fruits contains aromatic oils that add flavour to dishes. Use a peeler, zester or grater to add citrus zest to baked goods, salads, dressings, marinades, and sauces.
Photo Above: Lime Zest and other ingredients for Lime Chilli Salt
Baking: Citrus fruits are frequently used in baking to add flavour and moisture to cakes, muffins, cookies, tarts, and pies. Lemon, lime, and orange zest, as well as juice, are common ingredients in baked goods.
Photo Above: Lemon cake with lemon curd topping and dehydrated blood orange segments
Dried Citrus Peel: Great for decorating drinks, cocktails, and baking. The peel can be grounded to a fine powder, chopped or left in strips.
Candied Citrus Peel: The peel of all citrus varieties can be candied and used as a garnish or ingredient in desserts such as cakes, cookies, and chocolates. Quats are normally candied whole especially Kumquats. Yummy with dark chocolate.
Photo Above: Candied Buddha's Hand
Preserves and Marmalades: Citrus fruits are commonly used to make jams, jellies, preserves, and marmalades. The high acidity of citrus fruits helps preserve them and creates a tangy, flavourful spread.
Photo Above: Assorted marmalades on lemonade scones.
Infusions: Citrus peels can be infused into liquids like vinegar, oil, or alcohol to impart their flavour. Lemon or orange-infused olive oil and citrus-infused vodka (limoncello) are popular examples.
Photo Above: Tarocco Peel Infusing in Alcohol-Making Orangechello
Marinades, Glazes and Sauces: Citrus juices can be used to tenderize meats and add acidity to marinades for grilled or roasted dishes. Citrus-based sauces, such as lemon butter sauce or orange glaze, can elevate the flavour of fish, poultry, or pork dishes.
Photo Above: Roast Christmas Ham with Orange Marmalade Mustard Glaze
Drinks and Cocktails: From lemonade and orange juice to classic cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris, citrus is a staple in beverages. Citrus is also fantastic to experiment with. Try a G&T with limequat, blood orange or finger lime.
