The citrus sector is synonymous with opportunity. From applications in food, health, household cleaning, and much more, the category extends itself into nearly every corner of a consumer’s lifestyle. With shoppers already grasping for the undeniably refreshing flavors the citrus segment has long been known for, now is the time to truly harness the versatility of this staple produce offering. Read on as The Snack brings you some exclusive insights to back a season of citrus sales…
BLOOD ORANGE
Attributes: Deep maroon interior with very few seeds and orange/red blushed exterior; easy to peel
Aroma: Mildly floral with an earthy, papaya-like fragrance
Flavor: Rich, plum-like flavor with hints of tart cherry and raspberry undertones
CARA CARA ORANGE
Attributes: Rich pink pulp with orange exterior; seedless
Aroma: Pleasingly tropical
Flavor: Extremely sweet with a kiss of cranberry and cherry undertones
NAVEL ORANGE
Attributes: Small navel formation on the blossom end; easy to peel and seedless
Aroma: Sweet, floral
Flavor: Refreshingly sweet with rich vanilla finish and cherry undertones
VALENCIA ORANGE
Attributes: Differentiated from other orange varieties by thin, slightly pebbly rind and occassional seeds
Aroma: Orange blossom
Flavor: Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors; high juice content
CLEMENTINE, W. MURCOTT, and TANGO
Attributes: Unique rounded middle, flat top and bottom, medium-sized fruit with deep orange smooth, glossy skin; seedless and easy to peel
Aroma: Sweet, wildflower, pomegranate-like
Flavor: Crisp apricot-like or candied nectar flavor with
a rich aftertaste
OJAI PIXIE TANGERINE
Attributes: Small with a pebbly, light orange skin; seedless, easy to peel, and grown only in the lush Ojai region of Southern California
Aroma: Sweet citrus aroma with floral undertones
Flavor: Candy-like sweetness
PAGE MANDARIN
Attributes: Prominent circle on blossom end
Aroma: Crisp citrus scent
Flavor: Rich flavor
SATSUMA MANDARIN
Attributes: Varying in shape from flat to necked; easy to peel and segment; seedless
Aroma: Sweet honeysuckle aroma
Flavor: Refreshing with warm, tropical hints
GOLD NUGGET MANDARIN
Attributes: Bright and slightly bumpy rind; seedless, sweet, and easy to peel
Aroma: Candy citrus
Flavor: Rich and sweet, juicy flavor
MEYER LEMON
Attributes: Cross between a regular lemon and a Mandarin orange; bright yellow or rich orange-yellow color
Aroma: Rich lemon blossom; floral, sweet lime, lemon, and Mandarin scents
Flavor: Zesty sweet citrus flavor
EUREKA & LISBON LEMON
Attributes: Two different types that are virtually indistinguishable from each other; bright yellow with medium to slightly pebbly skin; popular citrus fruit used in cooking today
Aroma: Crisp, floral smell
Flavor: Distinct tangy flavor that complements both sweet and savory foods
PINK VARIEGATED LEMON
Attributes: Pink on the inside with a yellow-and-green-striped rind
Aroma: Bright, crisp
Flavor: Slightly less acidic than conventional lemons
GRAPEFRUIT
Attributes: Yellow skin with a pink blush, flesh varies from light pink to deep red
Aroma: Subtly sweet, sour cherry
Flavor: Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors; extremely juicy
TEXAS RIO RED GRAPEFRUIT
Attributes: Overall blush on the exterior peel with a deep red interior color
Aroma: Bright and floral
Flavor: Surprisingly sweet with a hint of zing
ORO BLANCO & MELO
Attributes: Oro: Slightly larger than grapefruit with a thick green-yellow rind
Melo: Larger than Oro with a thinner rind
Aroma: Sweet
Flavor: Oro: Juicy and sweet with bitter membranes
Melo: Sweet, but less sweet than a Pummelo
PUMMELO
Attributes: Largest of all citrus fruit; thick, dark green peel that fades to yellow as season progresses
Aroma: Zesty; slightly tropical with a hint of jasmine and lime
Flavor: Sweet with a candied aftertaste
MINNEOLA TANGELO
Attributes: Cross between a grapefruit and tangerine; a deep orange with a knob-like formation at the stem end and few, if any, seeds; peels easily
Aroma: Robust, tart-orange aroma
Flavor: Bold, tangy flavor and bursting with juice
PERSIAN LIME
Attributes: Typically sold while still dark green in color, gradually turn light green as they ripen; virtually seedless
Aroma: Spicy, floral
Flavor: Distinctive lime flavor
KEY LIME (MEXICAN OR WEST INDIAN LIME)
Attributes: Generally round with straw yellow flesh and a thin, leathery skin; ranging from light green to yellow
Aroma: Highly crisp aromatic attributes
Flavor: Fresh, tangy taste
FINGER LIME
Attributes: Not related to a lemon or a lime; considered a micro-citrus with tiny fruit pearls in a wide range of colors
Aroma: Unique refreshing lime
Flavor: Similar to a lemon-lime-grapefruit combination
SOURCE: The Snack and AndNowUKnow Citrus Grower Contributors 
