The Citrus Connection
Probably everyone has seen the various television commercials for Florida orange juice, and maybe in the minds of many consumers, oranges are the only viable citrus fruits. Not so. According to a report issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, citrus fruits run the gamut from darling clementines that hit the market in fall and winter to pomelos in the winter to lemons, limes, and grapefruits, available pretty much the whole year. But oranges account for 70 percent of citrus crops grown in various countries.
As with various other members of the food world, citrus fruits may have first been picked in Southeast Asia, and they have been delighting the human palate probably since 4,000 b.c.
Alert
According to the USDA’s MyPyramid, all fruits count, whether they are fresh, canned, cooked, dried, or juiced. But, warn the experts, 100 percent fruit juices don’t contain the body’s needed fiber, and “fruit-flavored” drinks rarely contain any fruit.
Citrus and Health
As a potent source of vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, citrus fruits have taken their place at the table, but you should know what other nutrients they offer: potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, and various phytochemicals. Besides, they are rich in fiber and in energy-producing carbs and contain no fat or cholesterol, a plus for dieters.
Because of their many health-conferring benefits, citrus fruits should be a dietary staple of people who are elderly, smoke, drink, have burns and/or are fighting infections.
