Citrus is so common that it often gets overlooked, although its capabilities pack quite a punch.
Here are 12 ways to use citrus:
1) Did you know that sugars in citrus caramelize in high heat, such as baking or roasting? Dress up your dishes, like chicken, fish or roasted veggies by slicing a few pieces and placing around the outside corners and edges of the pan (where heat tends to hit first), for a sweet, rich flavor that doesn't steal the show.
2) Since citrus juice, such as orange juice, is nutrient dense but also high in sugar, it can be used as a base, or part of, for smoothies and shakes if you're in the mood for tangy, sweet flavor. Keep in mind that a 12-ounce glass of orange juice contains 9-10 teaspoons of sugar, so avoid adding to it by keeping your add ins low in sugar and carbs, and higher in protein. I recommend using greek yogurt, or a well formulated, high quality protein (see the only protein products I use here.)
3) Freshen up your kitchen and sink by grinding citrus peel in the garbage disposal.
4) Use pure lemon juice to polish copper, buffing afterwards, for a clean shine.
5) Combine lemon juice with equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle for a DIY household cleaner.
6) Boil and simmer the peels of citrus for a light household fragrance, mixing in spices like cinnamon or cardamon to richen the scent.
7) Squeeze fresh orange, lemon or lime juice into recipes to create a zesty flavor. We love adding lemon juice into our pancake/waffle batters and baked goods.
8) The classic fruit-infused water is a great way to mix up your water game while avoiding excess sugars. Toss in a few slices of citrus, or squeeze in a teaspoon or more of fresh juice.
9) Add to a salad. Fresh clementines, tangerines, or pieces of orange and grapefruit are great ways to create a refreshing take on a traditional salad, while keeping it light and healthy.
10) Create a citrus-only salad, with thin slices of grapefruit, naval or blood oranges, tangerines or clementines, and adding a fresh dressing like my simple DIY poppy seed recipe (you'll find here).
11) Add 1-2 tablespoons when cooking rice to avoid the rice sticking together. Add more for taste if you want to try something different than traditional plain rice.
12) Drizzle lemon over seafood to brighten the flavor and add a little zest.
If you enjoyed this, pass it along and share your comments! And, find my food-related episodes on YouTube here, including the first of a new series, where I take you to one of the healthiest and most satisfying restaurants in America!