No doubt, today’s frigid weather has many of us pining for a Florida vacation – if only this pandemic would end! That being said, you can enjoy one of the great tastes of the Sunshine State – Florida oranges – by making a much quicker trip to one of our stores.
Indeed, Florida oranges are now in season, and according to Vince’s partner Giancarlo Trimarchi: “they are at their peak right now.”
He adds that the navel orange, which has an opening at the blossom end that resembles a ‘belly button’, is one of his favourites. “These have thick skin, which protects the fruit the longest, and they are much easier to peel. They also have less juice and more pulp than some other varieties but are lower in acidity. They are the perfect eating orange!”
Navel oranges, due to their thick rind, are also great for zesting in marinades and sauces.
“Or try something new,” Giancarlo continued, “Blood oranges, with their exotic crimson flesh, are now more available, and are featured in our January 27th flyer.”
As with most fruits, there are a variety of health benefits from eating oranges – more so with the whole fruit – which contains roughly 3 grams of fibre. We are likely all familiar with the orange’s high vitamin C content, which is beneficial for immune function, iron absorption, and collagen synthesis. Oranges are also rich in flavonoids, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and are high in carotenoid antioxidants, some of which can help protect cells against oxidative damage. They are also high in potassium – a key nutrient for cardiovascular health.
Until recently, I’ve been keeping my oranges in a bowl on the kitchen table, and then complaining about their freshness a few days later. It turns out I should have been storing them in the fridge – in the vegetable crisper (in a ventilated bag) – where they can stay juicy and fresh for a couple of weeks or longer. By all means, keep a few in a bowl for immediate use, but they don’t last long at room temperature.
So although the humble orange may be a poor substitute for a beach vacation, it can help us get through the dreary winter months. Just close your eyes, bite into a sweet, juicy segment, and imagine the warmth of the tropical sun.
Okay, that may be a bit of a stretch, but it’s the best I can do during COVID! Until next time…
Neil
