New Zealand citrus fruit is becoming available and promises to be the best quality and tastiest season in years.
Citrus NZ chairman Wayne Hall said limes and satsuma mandarins were currently on sale, with navel oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangelos likely to follow soon. “This season will be the complete opposite of 2023, when Cyclone Gabriel had a major impact on crops in Gisborne, where 70% of citrus is grown.
“The quality will be excellent this year. Last year was obviously a tough season with wet weather, but this year we’ve had a hot summer on the East Coast and we’ve had good growing conditions in Northland as well,” Hall said. .
“There are a lot of satsuma mandarin oranges lined up, and they look very delicious. We have had a good summer, so the taste will be great this year. Therefore, consumers can really enjoy mandarin oranges and navel oranges as a food experience in the coming months. It will be.”
Hall said New Zealand fruit is typically picked, packed and delivered to stores within a week of coming off the tree, so it always tastes fresh and vibrant.
New Zealanders and chefs are being encouraged to “think outside the box” when it comes to how they consume citrus. You can eat them whole, make juice, slice them into salads, or make them into ice blocks. You can also add the zest to your favorite soups, breads, and meals, or use lime or lemon juice to marinate seafood.
At least 5 times a day Dr. Carolyn Lister, Director, Principal Scientist and Team Leader of Plant and Food Research It states that it is a whole food package. advantage.
“Just one serving of citrus fruits can provide up to 179% of your daily vitamin C needs, support immunity, and provide a variety of other health benefits,” she admits. Masu. “Different citrus varieties may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and have also been shown to improve short-term brain function and may reduce the risk of depression and dementia. Citrus fruits have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to aid digestion, immunity, asthma, skin and eye health.
The sugars found in citrus fruits are naturally occurring, and all citrus fruits are low in sodium.
Citrus fruits contain essential nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium, as well as soluble fiber, which feeds good gut bacteria and helps lower cholesterol.
“Some citrus bioactive substances (such as the flavonoid hesperidin) are not commonly found in other foods. Bioactive substances contribute to the bright color, taste, odor, and antioxidant properties of citrus fruits. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
The Ministry of Health recommends eating at least five servings of vegetables and at least two servings of fruit each day. However, research conducted five times a day shows that only 23% of New Zealanders eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables and only 71% eat enough fruit. Dr. Lister says.
“New season citrus is the perfect time to increase your fruit intake. One orange, two tangerines, or half a grapefruit counts as one serving. So, take advantage of the great fresh produce we currently have in stock. Make the most of it and enjoy all the health benefits citrus can offer.
