Lemon, Lime, Orange, Grapefruit, Exotic Citrus

Members of the large citrus group include the lemon, lime, orange, tangerine and grapefruit as well as more exotic fruits such as the ugli fruit, shaddock, citron and kumquat, and hybrids such as the clementine, tangelo, ortanique and limequat. With their aromatic acidity, citrus fruits are used in soups, savory stews and salads, and often form the main flavor in desserts such as soufflés and mousses. Invaluable as decoration, their vivid colors complement almost all foods.

Citrus fruits are covered in a thick rind, mainly white pith (properly called the albedo), which has a thin colorful outer layer of zest or rind, where citrus oil and most of the vitamins are concentrated. Tropical yellow and orange citrus varieties usually remain green even when ripe, turning bright yellow or orange when treated with ethylene gas. In cooler climates some varieties may change color while on the tree. Almost all citrus on the market have been treated with wax to prevent loss of moisture.