All About Citrus: Your Tangy Questions Answered
Citrus fruits are a vibrant and flavorful bunch, a staple in kitchens around the world. But with so many varieties and uses, it’s natural to have questions! I’m Ferb Vu, and I’m here to answer your burning inquiries about citrus fruits.
What is Citrus?
Citrus fruits are a group of juicy fruits that grow on evergreen trees and shrubs. They’re known for their bright colors, tangy flavor, and high vitamin C content. Some popular citrus varieties include oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines. These fruits are technically a type of modified berry called a hesperidium, with a tough, leathery rind and juicy segments inside.
Citrus species
- Citrus assamensis R.M.Dutta & Bhattacharya
- Citrus × aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle
- Citrus × aurantium L.
- Citrus australasica F.Muell.
- Citrus australis (Mudie) Planch.
- Citrus cavaleriei H.Lév. ex Cavalerie
- Citrus garrawayae F.M.Bailey
- Citrus glauca (Lindl.) Burkill
- Citrus gracilis Mabb.
- Citrus halimii B.C.Stone
- Citrus hystrix DC.
- Citrus indica Yu.Tanaka
- Citrus inodora F.M.Bailey
- Citrus japonica Thunb.
- Citrus khasya Markovitch
- Citrus latipes (Swingle) Yu.Tanaka
- Citrus × limon (L.) Osbeck
- Citrus mangshanensis S.W.He & G.F.Liu
- Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.
- Citrus medica L.
- Citrus neocaledonica Guillaumin
- Citrus oxanthera Beauvis.
- Citrus polytrifolia Govaerts
- Citrus pubinervia D.G.Zhang, Z.H.Xiang & Y.Wu
- Citrus reticulata Blanco
- Citrus swinglei Burkill ex Harms
- Citrus × tachibana (Makino) Yu.Tanaka
- Citrus trifoliata L.
- Citrus undulata Guillaumin
- Citrus wakonai P.I.Forst. & M.W.Sm.
- Citrus warburgina F.M.Bailey
- Citrus wintersii Mabb.
Is pineapple a citrus fruit?
Nope! Pineapples are a tropical fruit from a completely different plant family (Bromeliaceae) than citrus (Rutaceae).
Is mango a citrus fruit?
Mangoes are also not citrus fruits. They belong to the Anacardiaceae family, related to cashews and pistachios.
Is kiwi a citrus fruit?
Definitely not! Kiwis are from the Actinidiaceae family and have a fuzzy brown skin with a sweet and tart green flesh.
Are apples a citrus fruit?
Apples are not citrus. They belong to the Rosaceae family, along with pears and cherries.
Are grapes a citrus fruit?
Grapes are also not citrus. They come from the Vitaceae family and grow in clusters.
Are peaches a citrus fruit?
Peaches are another non-citrus fruit. They belong to the Rosaceae family, just like apples.
Is pomegranate a citrus fruit?
Pomegranates are not citrus fruits. They are a unique fruit with a leathery rind and numerous juicy seeds inside.
Is strawberry a citrus fruit?
Strawberries are not citrus. They are classified as an aggregate accessory fruit, with a sweet and juicy red flesh.
Is passionfruit citrus?
Passionfruit is not citrus either. It’s a tropical fruit with a tough purple rind and a tangy, seedy interior.
Is banana a citrus fruit?
Bananas are not citrus fruits. They are classified as berries and have a soft, starchy flesh.
Is dragon fruit a citrus fruit?
Dragon fruit is not citrus. It’s a cactus fruit with a vibrant pink or yellow skin and a sweet, black seed-speckled flesh.
Are blueberries a citrus fruit?
Blueberries are not citrus. They are small, round fruits from the Ericaceae family with a sweet and tart flavor.
Can dogs eat citrus?
Small amounts of citrus flesh are generally okay for dogs, but the rinds and seeds can cause stomach upset.
Can chickens eat citrus?
Yes, chickens can enjoy citrus fruits in moderation. However, avoid giving them too much as the citric acid can irritate their digestive system.
When to fertilize citrus trees?
Citrus trees benefit from regular fertilization, typically during their active growing season (spring and summer).
How often to water citrus trees?
The watering needs of citrus trees depend on factors like climate and pot size. Generally, water deeply when the top inch of soil dries out.
How to prune citrus trees?
Pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your citrus tree. Prune during the dormant season (winter) to remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches.
How to use a citrus squeezer?
A citrus squeezer is a handy tool for extracting juice from lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. Simply cut the fruit in half and press it down on the cone to release the juice.
How to juice citrus without a juicer?
If you don’t have a squeezer, you can still get citrus juice! Roll the fruit on a hard surface to break down the flesh, then cut it in half and squeeze by hand over a bowl.
How to dry citrus?
Dried citrus slices are a lovely garnish and flavorful addition to recipes. Dehydrate thinly sliced citrus fruits in a dehydrator or at a low oven temperature.
How to grow citrus from seed?
While possible, growing citrus from seed takes a long time to produce fruit. It’s generally easier to buy a grafted citrus tree from a nursery.
How to grow citrus trees indoors?
Citrus trees can thrive indoors with proper care. Choose a sunny location, well-draining soil, and provide consistent watering and humidity.
How to pollinate citrus trees?
Citrus trees are typically self-pollinating, so you don’t need another tree for fruit production. However, having multiple trees can improve fruit set.
How to store citrus fruit?
Fresh citrus fruits can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for several weeks.
What does citrus smell like?
The refreshing and tangy aroma of citrus fruits comes from a combination of volatile oils present in the rind.
Do ants like citrus?
The strong scent of citrus fruits can actually repel ants. You can use citrus peels or diluted citrus essential oil as a natural ant deterrent.
Do citrus trees like coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds can be a mixed bag for citrus trees. While they may add some organic matter to the soil, the acidity can be too high for some citrus varieties. It’s best to compost coffee grounds first before using them around citrus trees.
What is the best fertilizer for citrus trees?
A balanced fertilizer formulated for citrus trees is ideal. Look for one with a ratio like 10-10-10 (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium).
How do you graft citrus trees?
Grafting is a technique used to propagate citrus trees and improve fruit quality. It involves joining a scion (fruiting wood) from a desired variety with a rootstock (seedling) that provides disease resistance or other benefits. Grafting requires some skill and practice, but there are resources available online and at gardening centers to help you learn.
I hope this comprehensive guide has answered your burning questions about citrus fruits! From understanding different varieties to caring for your own citrus tree, there’s a whole world of citrus to explore. So grab a juicy orange, savor its tangy flavor, and enjoy the refreshing taste of citrus!
