This time of year, the same old summer routine starts to put us in a rut. Summer boredom might be setting in, but you can keep summer fun going down to the last drop with citrus! These mouth-watering fruits are great year-round, but can be especially refreshing during the dog-days of summer. Citrus fruits are known for their vitamin C, which can yield off colds and other diseases. Additionally, vitamin C helps our bodies absorb iron, so pair your lemon juice with a spinach and grilled chicken salad for a superfood blast! As for some citrus recipes the whole family will enjoy, here are a few of my favorite:
- Chicken Skewers with Meyer Lemon Salsa: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- kabobs make everything more fun! Meyer lemons are a sweeter version of the tart classic, so this salsa will be refreshing without being overly sour.
- Citrus Watermelon Popsicles: Popsicles are a fun way to avoid the heat in the summer, and making them is simple! Grapefruit can be too bitter for young palates, but by combining them with watermelon and oranges, you can introduce a new fruit in a (literally!) cool way. Bonus for grapefruits: they contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant also found in tomatoes!
- Orange Muffins: You’ve heard of blueberry muffins, but these orange muffins use natural fruit juice to concoct a fruity treat ripe with citrus flavor. This recipe uses the peel (also called the pericarp!) to add flavor and texture!
- Frozen Key Lime Pie Raspberry Bites: These adorable frosty bites will intrigue citrus-lovers of all ages. Ask your little one to help wash the raspberries and juice and zest the limes to prep these berry-lime treats!
- Kiwi and Tangerine Salsa: Because in the summer, one salsa recipe is never enough, I give you tangerine salsa. This recipe would be great with a white fish to encourage lean protein, or with your favorite corn chips for snacking.
Until next time… eat well!
Emily
Emily Craft, RDN, CSP, LDN is an in-storenutritionist for Giant Food. Emily has her Bachelor of Science degree from theUniversity of Delaware and completed her Dietetic Internship through Sodexo inAllentown, Pennsylvania. Emily’s background is in pediatrics and weightmanagement and she loves helping families come together to enjoy healthy,delicious meals. For more information,go to https://giantfood.com/live-well/health-and-wellness/nutritionists/.
