Spring Is Sweeter In Florida: Citrus Has Got All Dishes Covered

March 16, 2023

Spring isn't just the start to a new season, for many of us throughout the country it signals sunshine, longer days and the chance to renew your palates with fresh flavors - like the juicy goodness of seasonal Citrus. In Florida we experience this beautiful sunshine year round and citrus is literally growing in the trees, so this is the perfect time to take advantage of locally grown Citrus fruits.

With the beginning of Spring a few days away on Monday, March 20th, 2023 go outside, enjoy the sunshine and simply embrace the opportunities that this new time of year brings.

As we have many celebrations this time of year and food remains the centerpiece when bringing people together, make citrus a part of each moment. From baking to cooking to snacking, you name it, citrus has got all dishes covered.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to making a dish with citrus and it's worth picking that perfect fruit from your nearest market or from your yard, in fact, National Sunkist® Citrus Day was on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 when they celebrated the 130th Anniversary of the Multi-Generation Growers who remain at the heart of their sweet legacy.

When it comes to spring, citrus knows its way around the season. Here are three easy tips to stay fresh with your citrus fruits:

• Get your Vitamin C: Oranges are a popular Citrus, with many varieties ripe for spring picking. Impress any guest with a super sweet, seedless Cara Cara Orange, which is pink on the inside and thanks to the Antioxidant Lycopene it has 100% of your daily recommended Vitamin C. Or opt for the iconic Blood Orange, with ruby red flesh and a bold, berry flavor. Yes, this Orange is both eye-catching and complementary to the flavors of many meals.

• Freeze your citrus: Citrus doesn't just go far on your plates; it can liven up leftovers and last for weeks with the right tips and tricks. Freeze lemon peels to use in soups or broths, store citrus in the fridge for a snack that lasts and keep juice in the freezer to toss into a Sunday sauce.

• Add zest to your routine: From zest to juice to a bright aroma, Lemons are the best way to freshen things up in time for Spring. Try their zest in desserts, a squeeze onto main courses, a garnish for cocktails or fresh, healthy dressings for salads. Plus, if you're looking to lower sodium intake, fresh juice makes lemons the supreme s'alternative.

To help ring in Spring and celebrate the possibilities of Citrus, Sunkist® has new seasonal recipes, including a standout Lemon Loaf starring Sunkist® Lemon Juice and zest, ideal for brunch, dessert or an afternoon treat. Find more Citrus recipes at: www.Sunkist.com/Recipes

Sunkist Lemon Loaf
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:
Loaf:

• 1/2 Cup of Butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 Cups of Sugar
• 3 Eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 Cups of Cake Flour
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Baking Soda
• 1/2 Cup of Sour Cream
• 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice
• Zest from 2 Sunkist® Lemons

Glaze:
• 3/4 Cup of Powdered Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon of fresh Lemon Juice
• Zest from 1 Sunkist® Lemon

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350˚ F and line your 8” x 4" loaf pan with parchment paper. Cream the Butter and Sugar together in a large bowl until it is light and fluffy. Add in your Eggs one at a time and the Vanilla Extract. Into a smaller bowl, mix together your Flour, Salt and Baking Soda. Alternate adding your dry ingredients with your Sour Cream. Fold in the fresh Lemon Juice and zest and mix it until it is well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the oven for about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare the Glaze by mixing the Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice and Lemon zest together until it is smooth.Remove the loaf from the oven and let it completely cool before topping it with the Glaze.