THE BEST CITRUS FROM OUR TRUSTED PRODUCERS.
As with many of the staple crops known and promoted by man, the origins of citrus began in Southeast Asia and Indonesia. The citrus plant is from a genus known as Rutaceae which is almost completely classified by what we know as citrus; lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat, orange, mandarin and calamansi. Interestingly, the rutaceae genus of plants includes the curry tree which is of great culinary importance in Indian cooking. Indeed, the rutaceae genus of plants brings forth important and beneficial ingredients for delivering exquisite, healthy cuisine.
Life (and food) is much more interesting with acid and heat! Through the expansion of civilization, citrus has come to be grown all over the world in tropical and sub tropical climates. Commercial citrus today is carefully managed from rootstock that has been cultivated to provide desirable features such as color, flavor, ease of peeling and yield. If left to open pollination, citrus plants easily hybridize and would eventually become one, very nondescript but acid filled fruit.
Citrus fruits are unique tree fruits in the sense that they do not continue to ripen once
separated from the tree. The fruits move from immaturity to maturity to over-maturity while still attached the tree. Color cannot always indicate ripeness either; only tasting provides the proof of ripeness in our citrus fruits. Time will not make an unripe orange ripen. Citrus fruits should be stored refrigerated to slow the decaying process. If the fruit is to be used for juicing, it is recommended to allow the fruit to warm to room temperature prior to juicing.
At Stefano’s Slo Food Market, we are committed to providing the best citrus selections from our trusted producers. Please stop by the market to learn more about our diverse and nutritious assortment of citrus fruits!
Michelle Beecher
Produce Manager
