Types of Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are acidic fruits and high in nutrition. Citrus fruits act as a fabulous source of vitamin C and provide a wide range of essential nutrients that are required by the body. The citrus fruit list is a real long one covering the innumerable citrus fruits including clementine, leech, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, tangerine, kumquat, minneola, tangelo, lemon, orange and pummelo etc. Citrus fruits are known for their tangy flavors and a combination of sweet-sour aromas, which is probably one of the reasons why they are among the top fruits in the list of favorite fruits of people. Usually they are juicy and it is this juice that contains the main acidic component, which gives the fruit a characteristic sharp flavor. They are not just meant to be consumed because of their wonderful taste, but also form an essential component of a healthy diet, owing to their multiple health benefits. So, enjoy the tasty juicy citrus fruits and savor their health benefits.

Citrus fruits come in numerous types and colours. Their color depends upon the climatic conditions. When it is not winter in the tropical regions, the citrus fruits are either green or greenish-orange till the time they are ripe. Usually the citrus fruits are picked even before they fully ripen. Considering the health benefits, these acidic fruits help in detoxifying the body are a rich source of Vitamin C and other nutrients which are essential to the human body. Amazingly aromatic, their fragrance is popular in cleaning the products.

The acidity in citrus fruits is its major highlight as its nutritional value is concerned though it can cause indigestion and difficulty in consumption. Some people develop allergic reactions to these citrus fruits or many cause irritation to the stomach. See the long list of this delicious fruit and be aware of its nutritional values and benefits.

Grapefruit
This delicious aromatic fruit is used in salads, desserts and cooking and its oil from the peel is used in aromatherapy. The fruit is very low in Cholesterol, Saturated Fat, and Sodium and a rich source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Ensure you pick a fruit which is medium and large and heavy for the size or avoid those with is soft or has a dull and wrinkled skin with deep folds.

Lime
This green fruit, commonly used for cooking, beverages, juice and to garnish is very low in cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium. It is also a good source of Calcium, Iron and Copper, and an excellent source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamin C. While buying lime, ensure to buy ones that are medium to large in size and avoid those that are small, soft, wrinkled, rough and those that has yellowish skin.

Orange
Orange, one of the most popular citrus fruit are low in Fat, sodium, cholesterol and are high in fiber and vitamin C. While purchasing it, avoid buying those with soft spots, dull and faded colouring or a rough, grooved or wrinkled skin. There are 62 calories in one orange which is broken down into 0.16 grams of fat, 15.39 grams of carbohydrates and 1.23 grams of protein. A medium sized orange contain 3.1 grams of dietary fiber 237 mg of potassium.

Pummelo
Pummelo, the Chinese grapefruit is regarded as the ancestor of the grapefruit in Asia though has grown all over the world. The fruit is eaten fresh and is added in salads, jams, jellies, marmalades, sauces, beverages & syrups and its juice is added to beverages and used in cooking. A god quality pummelo will be slightly soft and would be rounded to slightly pointed at one end and have a rough and yellowish skin. While buying pummelo, make sure to avoid any product which is extremely soft or lightweight. The fruit is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and is a rich source of Dietary Fiber and Potassium, and Vitamin C.

Clementine
Clementine is the seedless variety of mandarin. A rich source of fiber, Vitamin C and potassium, it is also regarded as an energy booster. Furthermore, it also helps in providing anti-oxidants to the body and helps in weight loss and in improving vision. As it is available from November to January, it is also known by the name, �Christmas orange�.

Tangerine
Tangerine is the orange-red Mandarin with a citrus or a sour taste. The fruit which has a relatively less acid content is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B6, iron, potassium and calcium. Tangerines also help in reducing specifically help in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Lemon
Lemon is a citrus fruit with numerous health benefits. Used to disinfect wounds and lesions, it also acts an astringent apart from an anti-inflammatory effect. Lemon mixed with water is used in treating sore throats and anti-bacterial infections. The fruit is also used in various food preparations and in cleaning purposes.

Citrus fruits come in numerous types and colours and have lot of health benefits associated with it. Hope this article familiarizes you with some of these citrus fruits and its health benefits.