Officially beginning on the winter solstice (December 21), the bright shades of orange, red, pink, yellow, and green of citrus add brightness and light to the darkness of this time of year. Nature gives us what we need when we need it citrus assortment most–eating winter citrus naturally boosts your mood with folate, your immune system with vitamin C, improves digestion with fiber, and satisfies sugar cravings. It is good for your heart, cardiovascular system, skin, and joints. While winter officially ends on the spring equinox on March 20, many types of winter citrus remain available into spring.

Lemons add bright acidity to cooking, vegetables, and salad dressings. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water in the morning to help alkalize your system and clear toxins from your liver. Meyer lemons are a sweeter, less acidic, variety that’s perfect for baking and squeezed fresh into water. Variegated Pink Lemons are a pink-fleshed Eureka lemon variety with flashy green and yellow stripes.

Pink and red grapefruit contain the beneficial antioxidant lycopene. Even the extract from its seeds is a powerful antiseptic. However, be aware that grapefruit contains a compound that can interfere with the absorption of some statin-based medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use any drugs with statins. Drop us a note if you cannot eat grapefruit and want it held from your winter orders.