Citrus

Everyone's familiar with citrus fruits, but not everyone knows all the different types and attributes of lemons, limes and oranges. Learn more about citrus types and applications below, and make informed purchasing decisions.

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Popular Lemon Varieties

Lemons

While there are several varieties of typical lemons, they are virtually indistinguishable.

Primary Applications and Attributes

Knobby, firm, medium-thick, bright yellow skin, neck may be short to non-existent at the stem end, while the blossom end may be knob-shaped or tapered to a slight point.
Has some seeds; a yellow, juicy flesh; a very tart juice; and a fragrant, oily peel.
Use zest and juice to accent salads, beverages or cocktails, baked goods, poultry, seafood or in marinades as a natural tenderizer.

Meyer

Primary Applications and Attributes

Cross between a lemon and a sweet orange.
Rich, yellow orange in color and sweeter than typical lemons, with hints of orange flavoring.
Peels are often thinner than traditional lemons and require care if zesting.
Use in place of regular lemon juice in cocktails, or add Meyer lemons in chutneys, fruit salads and desserts, such as sorbet.
When substituting for regular lemons in recipes with added sugar, consider reducing the amount of added sugar, since Meyer lemons are sweeter.

Lemon Sizing and Pack Count

Size	Description	Case Net Weight	Serving Information	Average Diameter
115 ct.	Lemons, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	5.57 oz. Avg. Each	2.410"
140 ct.	Lemons, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	4.57 oz. Avg. Each	2.240"
165 ct.	Lemons, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	3.88 oz. Avg. Each	2.130"
200 ct.	Lemons, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	3.20 oz. Avg. Each	2.010"
235 ct.	Lemons, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	--	1.880"

Notes:

Traditionally, sizing designation for citrus is determined by how many uniformly, sized items would fit in a traditional carton
Today, the numbers seen in the product description refer to the size, rather than how they are packed
Lemons are typically referenced by the lemon count
Case weights typically range from 35-40 lbs., but smaller pack sizes may be available
A lemon at room temperature will yield more juice than a cold lemon, but cold lemons yield the most zest
One case of 115/140 count lemons equals 21 cups of fresh juice. One lemon equals 3 tbsp. grated peel

Lemon Grading

Lemon Storage and Handling

Maintain adequate air ventilation during storage
Keep cartons off the floor to help prevent dampening of boxes from condensation of moisture in the room and for food safety
Store lemons away from foods with strong odors and ethylene-producing fruits
Ideal storage temperature: 45 - 50°F in the red zone of the cooler
To preserve the fresh appearance of lemon wedges after they are prepared, refrigerate in covered containers

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Popular Lime Varieties

Limes

While there are several varieties of typical limes, they are virtually indistinguishable.

Primary Applications and Attributes

Elongated to round shape, with thin, smooth, shiny skin.
Typically sold while still dark green; gradually turns light green when ripened.
Internal segments are light pale green in color and have few seeds, if any. Distinctive piney, floral flavor and spicy aroma notes.
Use lime wedges, cartwheels and twists in cocktails and other beverages. Add freshly squeezed lime juice to stir-fry or guacamole.
Add lime zest to butter, plain vegetables, grilled meat, fish and poultry.

Key Lime

Primary Applications and Attributes

Very small, round, flavorful limes.
Thin, leathery-skinned fruit that ranges in color from light green to yellow, with yellow flesh. Typically heavy (in weight) for size, indicating high juice content.
Can add a tart–sweet flavor to sherbets, freezer cakes, fruit punch and other beverages or cocktails.
Use citrus zest to enhance salads, breads, soups, vegetables, relishes, salsas and sauces, or in Key Lime Pie.

Lime Sizing and Pack Count

Size	Description	Case Net Weight	Serving Information	Average Diameter
110 ct.	Limes, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	5.82 oz. Avg. Each	2.625"
150 ct.	Limes, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	4.27 oz. Avg. Each	2.375"
175 ct.	Limes, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	3.66 oz. Avg. Each	2.25"
200 ct.	Limes, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	3.20 oz. Avg. Each	2.00"
225 ct.	Limes, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	2.84 oz. Avg. Each	--
230 ct.	Limes, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	--	1.938"
250 ct.	Limes, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	--	1.875"

Notes: Let limes warm up to room temperature for a hour before squeezing them, to maximize juice yield.

Traditionally, sizing designation for citrus was determined by how many uniformly sized items would fit in a traditional carton
Today, the numbers seen in the product description refer to the size, rather than how they are packed
Limes are typically referenced by the count
Case weights typically range from 35-40 lbs., but smaller pack sizes may be available

Lime Grading

Lime Storage and Handling

Store limes in a well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight
Keep cartons off the floor to prevent boxes from becoming damp, and for food safety
Handle limes with care to avoid bruising and internal decay
Ideal storage temperature; 52 - 58°F in the black zone of the cooler

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Popular Orange Varieties

Cara Cara

Primary Applications and Attributes

Outward appearance is similar to other navels, but interior is a distinctive pinkish red, due to natural presence of Lycopene.
Flavor resembles a rich, orange taste. Has an exceptionally sweet flavor with a tangy cranberry-like zing, with overtones of raspberries and strawberries.
Cara Cara oranges may be eaten on their own or added to fruit salads or juices.

Moro Blood

Primary Applications and Attributes

Small- to medium-sized, with a thin skin and few or no seeds.
Outside appearance is typical of an orange, but inner flesh is a dramatic bright red to deep maroon.
Flavor is less acidic than a typical orange - with light raspberry notes.
Moro Blood oranges may be eaten on their own, segmented and added to salads, salsas and chutneys, or roasted or grilled with meat and poultry.

Navel or Valencia

Primary Applications and Attributes

Slightly thick skin, few or no seeds, easy to peel and separate the fruit along the natural divisions.
Floral aroma sweet and juicy.
Has an exceptionally sweet flavor with a tangy cranberry-like zing, with overtones of raspberries and strawberries.
Oranges can be sectioned and added to cereal, pancakes or waffles, yogurt or dipped in chocolate for a unique dessert or sliced and added to salads.
Orange skins can be made into candied peels or used in preserves, while juice and zest is great for marinades.

Satsuma Mandarin

Primary Applications and Attributes

Peels and segments easily.
Light orange color exterior, bright orange interior, with few seeds.
Flavor is less acidic than a typical orange with light raspberry notes.

Clementines

Primary Applications and Attributes

The Clementine is the smallest of the mandarin oranges.
Unlike the tangerine, it's seedless. If a Clementine does have seeds, its typically evidence that bees have cross-pollinated the trees with other fruit, so Clementine trees are typically segregated in an attempt to keep the fruit seedless.
Slightly flattened sphere and around 2 inches in diameter.
Relatively small in size, which increases the price for larger-sized Clementines.
Glossy, deep orange peel is loose, making it very easy to peel.

Orange Sizing and Pack Count

Size	Description	Case Net Weight	Serving Information	Average Diameter
48 ct.	Oranges, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	13.3 oz. Each	3.47"
56 ct.	Oranges, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	--	3.30"
72 ct.	Oranges, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	8.89 oz. Each	3.04"
88 ct.	Oranges, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	7.27 oz. Each	2.84"
113 ct.	Oranges, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	5.66 oz. Each	2.60"
138 ct.	Oranges, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	4.64 oz. Each	2.42"
163 ct.	Oranges, Fresh Domestic/Imported	35-40 lbs.	3.93 oz. Each	2.29"

Notes:

Traditionally, sizing designation for citrus was determined by how many uniformly sized items would fit in a traditional carton
Today, the numbers seen in the product description refer to the size, rather than how they are packed
Oranges are typically referenced by the count. Oranges may be available as a range of sizes to be used specifically for juicing

Grades of California and Arizona Oranges

Grades of Florida Oranges

Grades of Texas (and States Other Than Florida, California and Arizona) Oranges

Orange Storage and Handling

Store oranges in a well-ventilated area; keep cartons off the floor to prevent boxes from becoming damp
Keep oranges separated from foods that absorb odors – such as eggs, apples, cheese or butter
Oranges are typically stored closest to the cooler door in the red zone of the cooler

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