22 April, 2018
The Benefits Of Citrus And Some Great Citrus Recipes
There are many when it comes to the benefits of citrus.
Citrus fruits are notable for their fragrance, partly due to flavonoids and limonoids that are found in the rind and citrus fruit is mostly juice-laden.
Citrus juice contains a high quantity of citric acid, giving these fruits their characteristic sharp flavor.
Citrus includes fruit such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes and some tangerines.
Here are some of the benefits of Citrus:
- The vitamin C in oranges is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer due to preventing DNA mutations from taking place.
- Because citrus is rich in vitamin A, our vision is protected.
- The fiber in citrus can help to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes and improve blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- The high fiber content in oranges can also help digestion and weight loss.
- Cholesterol is also pushed out by the fiber.
- The vitamin C in citrus aids in the fight against skin damage caused by the sun and pollution. Collagen production is increased and wrinkles are reduced.
- Vitamin C protects cells by scavenging and neutralizing free radicals which makes citrus a great immune booster.
Take full advantage of the benefits of Citrus by trying out some of these Citrus Recipes.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey-Lime Glaze
You Will Need:
1/2 tsp cayenne
1.5 kg sweet potatoes peels and but into 2.5cm chunks
oil
Salt to taste
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Cilantro to garnish
Method:
Preheat the oven to 210 degrees Celsius
Toss the sweet potatoes in oil, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl until coated.
Transfer to a baking sheet and road until fork tender. This should be about 25 minutes.
Whisk honey, lime juice, and cinnamon together in a small bowl while the potatoes are roasting.
Once the potatoes are tender, glaze and roast for 5 more minutes.
Garnish with cilantro.
Carrots In Orange Sauce
You Will Need:
5 large carrots peeled and sliced
pinch of salt
100ml orange juice
5 ml grated orange peel
75ml sugar
12.5ml custard powder
Method:
Boil the carrots in a little salted water until soft.
Drain and mix the rest of the ingredients, then add to carrots.
Simmer slowly until the sauce thickens.
Citrus Pudding
You Will Need:
50g butter softened and extra for greasing
3 large eggs separated
50 g plain flour
250 ml milk
200g castor sugar
Zest of 2 lemons or 2 limes or 1 grapefruit
100ml lemon, lime or grapefruit juice or even a mixture of the three
icing sugar for dusting
Method:
Heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Grease a medium-sized oval baking dish with butter
Combine the butter, castor sugar and zest in a food processor and mix until mixture is pale.
Add the citrus juice, egg yolks, flour, and milk. Combine until well mixed.
It may look a bit curded.
Scrape into a bowl.
In another large clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until firm but not stiff.
Fold the egg whites gently into the zesty mixture.
Scrape into your baking dish and put in a roasting tin half filled with boiling hot water.
Bake for 35 – 40 minutes until the top is slightly browned and set but the pudding is soft underneath.
Dust with icing sugar (optional).
Rosemary And Citrus Grilled Pork Chops
You Will Need:
1/4 cup dark molasses
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
1 navel orange, zested
4 x 2.5cm thick boneless pork chops
seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Combine the first five ingredients in a bowl with a fork or whisk.
Pat the chops dry with paper towel and rub with salt and pepper.
Place chops in the marinade and let it stand for 15 minutes.
Season the chops and cook on high for 6 – 7 minutes on each side, or pan fry over medium high heat for the same time in a non-stick pan.
Hope you enjoy these citrus recipes and really harness the benefits of citrus in your cooking.
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