Everyone knows that rich in vitamin C, which and protects body cells from premature aging. They also contain a lot of B vitamins, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. B vitamins improve the condition of the skin and hair. In addition to vitamins, citrus fruits contain phytoncides - volatile biologically active substances that protect our body from viruses and bacteria and help to cope with colds faster and easier. The essential oils of these fruits can protect you from the flu, normalize sleep, improve mood and help fight seasonal depression.

Let's take a closer look at the fruits that make upcitrus family.

Mandarin.

Mandarin. Almost 90% tangerine consists of water. The remaining 10% are sugar, vitamins, pectins, glycosides and essential oils. In addition to vitamins C and group B, tangerines contain vitamins P (rutin), K, D and carotene. Rutin helps to strengthen the vascular wall and increases the activity of vitamin C. Vitamin K and glycosides are also necessary for vascular health. Vitamin D is especially useful in winter, when the body does not get enough sun. Pectins have a positive effect on the intestinal microflora. Essential oils of mandarin are widely used in cosmetology to get rid of stretch marks.

Mandarin pulp elevates and clears the respiratory tract. It is useful for people suffering from asthma or frequent bronchitis to drink tangerine juice (in the absence of allergies). Drinking tangerine juice will help you lose weight by 1.5% in 2 months.

But people with diseases of the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract should be more careful with this fruit.

Orange.

Orange contains many vitamins. Most of all it contains vitamins C, E and PP. There are also a lot of trace elements in the orange. These include potassium, calcium and magnesium. There is also a lot of dietary fiber in the orange, which contributes to the removal of waste products and toxins from the body. Orange reduces the effects of alcohol poisoning.

The aroma of orange helps to calm down. It is used to treat neuroses, fears, headaches.

Pomelo.

Pomelo, like all other citrus fruits, is rich in vitamins, microelements (potassium,
calcium, phosphorus) and essential oils.

The enzymes that make up the pomelo contribute to the active breakdown of fats and proteins. This fruit is often included in the weight loss menu. It is suitable for a three-day mono diet.

Pomelo normalizes blood pressure and stimulates the heart, so it will be very useful for people with cardiovascular diseases.

Lime.

Another fruit from the citrus family is the lime. Lime juice strengthens the walls of capillaries, thanks to the potassium it contains, and calcium and phosphorus, which are part of the lime, will protect your teeth from caries. Lime also improves immunity and helps in the fight against excess weight. Lime fat burning drink is very easy to make. To do this, dilute the juice of one lime in a glass of warm water. You need to drink this drink 2 glasses a day for a week.

Kumquat.

The next fruit is the kumquat. It is called the fruit of the wise. Kumquats are eaten with the skin on. Her sweet taste well complements the sourness of the pulp. In addition to the high content of vitamins and pectin, kumquat has a very low calorie content - 100 grams of fruit contains 70 calories. In addition, kumquat helps to get rid of a hangover.

Grapefruit.

Grapefruit removes excess fluid from the body and activates the fat burning process. If you eat half a grapefruit before each meal, then after three months you can lose from 2 to 4.5 kilograms.

Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice strengthens the nervous system and is very useful for physical and mental fatigue.

A glass of grapefruit juice on an empty stomach (in the absence of stomach problems) will increase intestinal motility, thanks to the pectin included in it. But, remember: grapefruit should not be used in conjunction with drugs.

Lemon.

Lemon is well known to everyone as a good remedy for colds and flu. Lemon is also useful for people suffering from palpitations, urinary and gallstone disease, respiratory diseases, gout, hypertension and rheumatism.

Lemon, like other citrus fruits, will help you lose weight, as citric acid slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and improves digestion. Lemon is also good for external use.

Lemon juice diluted with water is useful to gargle and wipe the face. Lemon is an excellent antiseptic.

Lemon juice with water adds shine to hair. A peel of lemon whitens tooth enamel and strengthens the gums.


Sweetie.

The last fruit included incitrus family, which I want to talk about - Sweetie. It is less common in Russia, but no less useful.

It is also called oroblanco or pomelit, as it is a hybrid of white grapefruit and pomelo.

Unlike their "parents", suites are sweeter and healthier.

Sweety effectively reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood. Overweight people or those with cardiovascular diseases are advised to drink half a glass of sweetie juice for a month. Green citrus can be eaten with a spoon, cut in half, or can be divided into slices like an orange.

If your knowledge of citrus fruits is limited to lemon, lime, orange and vitamin C, you are missing out: this colorful family has many more unique representatives that can add a special taste and aroma to your dishes.

Orange

Orange (orange \u003d sweet orange) - along with lemons, the most common of all types of citrus fruits. They are eaten on their own and added to a variety of different dishes and drinks. Replaced by: blood orange, tangerine, kumquats, coalfruit, grapefruit, pomelo (especially for marmalade).

blood orange

Blood orange (blood orange = pigmented orange) - these oranges with red flesh are the most popular in Europe, they are less known in other countries. They go on sale in winter and spring. You can replace the blood orange with regular oranges or tangerines.

Kafirlaim

Kaffir lime (Kaffir lime = jeruk purut = leech lime = limau purut = magrood = makroot = makrut) - Thai chefs use this fruit to give dishes a special and strong flavor. Kaffir lime contains very little juice, so for the most part only the zest is used. Replaced with citron, lime, or kaffir lime leaves (1 tablespoon of kaffir lime peel is equivalent to 6 kaffir lime leaves). Used in Thai, Indonesian and Cambodian cuisine.

Lemon Meyer

Meyer lemon - tastes more pleasant than regular lemon, so it is highly valued by gourmet chefs. It can be quite difficult to find in stores. You can substitute a simple lemon.

Lime

These pungent green fruits are similar to lemons, but are more acidic and have a distinct, unique flavor. Many varieties of lime include both Persian lime and Mexican lime. When buying limes, look for dark green small limes that are heavy for their size. 1 lime makes about 2 tablespoons of juice. Can be replaced with lemon (but then you should use more lemon juice or zest, because lemon is less acidic than lime) or calamansi.

Seville orange

Seville orange (Seville orange = bitter orange = bigarade orange = sour orange) is too hard to eat on its own, but makes a wonderful marmalade and is also an excellent ingredient for cocktails. Juice Substitutions: Mix 1 part lime or lemon juice with 2 parts orange juice; mix 2 parts grapefruit juice with 1 part lime juice and a pinch of orange zest. For marmalade: 2 parts lime juice and 1 part orange juice, plus kumquats or oranges.

Mandarin

Tangerines (mandarin orange) have a very pleasant aroma, but their biggest plus is that they are very easy to peel. Variety of varieties includes tangerine, juicy honey tangerine (honey tangerine = Murcott), satsuma (satsuma orange), sweet and tiny clementine (clementine orange), orange flavored tangerines (temple orange). Replaced by: oranges.

pomelo

The pomelo (pomelo = pummelo = Chinese grapefruit = shaddock) has a very thick skin, so you have to work hard to peel it. It tastes more pleasant than its closest replacement - grapefruit.

mexican lime

Mexican lime (key lime = Florida key lime = Mexican lime) is much smaller and much more sour in taste than the regular Persian lime. Juicy fruit with many seeds. Many chefs even prefer bottled Mexican lime juice to fresh Persian lime juice for cooking. An adequate replacement is lime.

coalfruit

Uglifruit (ugli fruit = uniq fruit) - a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit, sweet juicy fruit, easy to peel, almost seedless. Grown in Jamaica. Replaced with grapefruit or orange.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a large, slightly pungent species of the citrus family. The peel is usually yellow with a green or red tint. Grapefruit flesh can be red, pink or white color(more precisely, a cream shade). The color of the pulp does not affect the aroma and taste of grapefruit. When buying a grapefruit, choose not the largest and rather heavy fruits for their size. Some varieties of grapefruit are seedless. The best grapefruits can be bought in winter and spring. Grapefruit can be replaced with ugli fruit, which is more fragrant, pomelo, which is less acidic and pungent, or tangelo, a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit.

Bergamot

Bergamot, or bergamot orange (bergamot = bergamot orange), is a small sour orange, for culinary purposes only the zest is used for the most part. Do not confuse this citrus fruit with the herb of the same name. Lime can be used as a substitute for bergamot.

Lemon

Lemon is a highly acidic citrus fruit rarely eaten on its own, but its juice, zest and peel are widely used. From one lemon, on average, you can squeeze 2-3 tablespoons of juice. There are many varieties of lemon: Eureka, which is the most commonly found on the market, Lisbon lemon, which is smaller than Eureka and smoother, Meyer lemon, which is becoming increasingly popular due to its more good taste. What to replace? In pies - grapefruit, in soups and marinades - lemon grass (lemongrass), in the rest - lime or citron, if only peel and zest are required.

limequat

Limequat is a hybrid of lime and kumquat. Similar in shape and size to the kumquat, but with a green or yellow-green skin. Has a strong lime flavor. Limequat can be substituted for kumquat or lime depending on your culinary goals.

Tangelo

Tangelo is a hybrid between a tangerine and some other citrus fruit (there are many varieties of this fruit). For example, Mineola is a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit, a very popular variety. It is replaced by oranges, grapefruits, tangerines.

Musk lime

Kalamansi, or musk lime (kalamansi = kalamansi lime = calamansi = calamansi lime = musk lime = musklime), is a very sour citrus, shaped like a small round lime, and tasting something between a lemon and a tangerine. Very popular in the Philippines. Replaced with calamondin, lemon or mandarin.

Kumquat

Kumquat (kumquat) resembles an orange the size of grape berries. Unlike most citrus fruits, kumquats are eaten whole, including the skin. Slightly sour in taste, but very aromatic. Originally from China, where they are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Replaced with limequats, calamondins and Seville oranges (for marmalade).

Buddha Fingers

Buddha's fingers, or finger citron (Buddha "s hand citron \u003d Buddha" s fingers citron \u003d fingered citron), is a very fragrant fruit of the original form, resembling fingers, has practically no flesh, but consists only of the skin from which candied fruits are prepared. In cooking, it is often replaced with citron or lemon.

rangpurlime

Rangpur lime is similar to tangerine, but more acidic. Replaced with tangerine.

All citrus fruits are a valuable source of vitamin C, as well as other beneficial trace elements and nutrients. The culinary use of citrus fruits is very diverse: juice, zest, pulp - everything goes into business. Aromatic oil is obtained from the peel of the fruit, a variety of dishes are seasoned with zest and juice, and the pulp of some citrus fruits is eaten as an independent dessert.

Citrus is a genus of evergreen trees and shrubs in the Rutaceae family. The list of citrus fruits is quite long. They are used not only in cooking, but also in perfumery. Not everyone knows about their rich variety: many have not even heard of the bizarre names of some citrus fruits. Combines their benefits and pleasant, fresh smells.

All citruses have a rich composition with many useful substances.

The benefits of citrus

Representatives of the Rutov family can easily replenish the menu healthy eating and make the taste of many dishes brighter.

Different types of citrus fruits have beneficial properties due to their composition. They contain:

  • organic acids;
  • vitamins (C, B, E, PP, B2, A);
  • essential oils;
  • mineral salts;
  • calcium, copper, phosphorus and iron.

Brief description of all species of the genus

Despite many similarities, citrus fruit varieties also have differences, and each of them is used for its intended purpose. In order to have a positive effect on the body with their help, it is enough to determine which types of citrus fruits will be more useful for a person at the moment.

Agli, or uglifruit

Combines the properties of mandarin, orange and grapefruit. Its name comes from the English word "ugly" ("ugly"). The fruit looks unappetizing: it has a yellow-green wrinkled peel. But on the inside, agli, like many citrus fruits, is sweet. The taste has shades of light grapefruit bitterness. There are no bones in the pulp. A ripe uglyfruit fruit, 10–15 cm in diameter, is usually quite heavy for its size. Citrus is popular in Western Europe.

Remember: if, after pressing on the peel of the coalfruit, deep depressions form on it, it began to deteriorate.

Orange

Refers to hybrids and was obtained as a result of natural crossing of pomelo and mandarin. The fruit was first discovered in China. Orange is one of the sweetest citrus fruits. In addition to its juiciness, it has the ability to have a beneficial tonic effect on the body, cheer up and improve the digestive tract. There are about 100 varieties of oranges in the world.

Lemon

The brightest representative of the Rutov family. It appeared as a result of crossing lime and citron. There is a version that lemon is a descendant of orange and lime. This citrus is native to South Asia. The acidity of lemon species depends on the conditions in which they grow. The benefits of this fruit are:

  • the presence of a large amount of vitamin C;
  • the ability to enhance the taste of dishes;
  • providing a beneficial effect on the liver, stomach and intestines.

Lemons are the most popular citrus in the world.

Mandarin

The symbol of the New Year, familiar to everyone since childhood, is divided into many varieties: the color of some can be pale yellow, while others can be bright orange.

Mandarin participated in the "birth" of many hybrids. Among them are natsumikan, tangelo and calamondin.

The fruit is able to increase the overall tone of the body. For many gardeners, the fact that tangerine trees are more frost-resistant than other citrus plants is important, but along with all the pluses, there is one minus: excessive use of it can cause allergies.

Red orange, or "kinglet"

The result of a mutation of an ordinary orange in natural conditions. The people called it "bloody" because of its deep red flesh. There are also specimens with light red flesh. The fruits of this plant have a bright taste, do not have seeds, and are easy to clean. Red orange is an ingredient in various fine dining and included in many diets. For the first time, the "kinglet" was found in Sicily.

A genus of evergreens. It was obtained by crossing citron and orange. The tree is distinguished by a lush crown and the presence of leathery oblong-ovate leaves. Bergamot has low taste qualities: the fruits of the plant are sour and bitter. But it, like all types of citrus fruits, has an exquisite aroma, so the fruit is widely used in perfumery. Bergamot was brought from Southeast Asia.

Bergamot is similar to lime, but has a specific smell.

Gayanima

The fruit is a hybrid of citron and lemon. The tree is hardy and requires little maintenance, and its branches are covered with long thorns (2–4 cm). The leaves are large and shiny. Gayanima fruit has a smooth lemon-yellow skin. The pulp of the fruit has a pleasant smell, but is very sour in taste, so it is often used for marinades. Inside the fruit is a large number of small seeds. Gayanima grows only in India.

Grapefruit

It is a descendant of orange and pomelo. The name of this citrus fruit was composed of two English words "grape" (grape) and "fruit". It is explained by the fact that citrus fruits are often collected in bunches similar to grapes. A ripe grapefruit weighs 300–500 g.

Not everyone likes a fruit that has a bitter taste, but real gourmets often prefer this type of tart citrus fruit. The grains of the fruit can be either yellow or red.. The saturation of the color of the pulp indicates the ripeness of the grapefruit. This fruit was first discovered in Barbados, and then in Jamaica.

The smallest representative of the Rutov family. The tree is also small - 1.5 m in height. The fruit is oval with rounded edges. Its peel is dense, but chewed easily and has a sweet taste. Kumquat is consumed fresh, and can also be included in various sauces. Its homeland is southeast Asia.

Kumquat can be eaten with peel

pomelo

Refers to citrus. The fruit comes from China. Compared to other representatives of this group - it is very large. The maximum weight of a pomelo is 10 kg, but on the shelves of Russian supermarkets, there are mostly specimens weighing no more than 1.5 kg. The light yellow flesh has a sweet taste. Pomelo zest is yellow and green.

Lime

The green "brother" of the lemon. Its main purpose is to spice up the taste of desserts and cocktails. Small round fruits are superior in quality to large ones. Lime was first spotted on the island of Malacca. The leaves of this plant are valued in cooking because of their aroma. Like all citrus fruits, lime is rich in various vitamins.

Pomeranian

A bitter variety of orange. A hybrid of mandarin and pomelo. Fresh citrus is not consumed, it is used in cooking for making jams and marmalade. Pomeranian is grown as an ornamental plant. Its fruits exude a pleasant smell; in appearance they are round with a wrinkled yellow-orange skin with spots of light red. Essential oils of orange are often used in medicine, perfumery and cosmetology. Citrus is native to Asia.

Yemeni Citron (Estrog)

A special sweet variety of citron with a very thick skin. It has little pulp. Its peculiarity is the absence of a sign that unites all other citrus fruits - a pronounced pleasant aroma.

Ugly looks like a suite

Karna

It is a hybrid of lemon and orange. The fruit has an unpleasant sour and at the same time bitter taste. There is practically no smell. The pulp of citrus is used to make marmalade and candied fruits. Karna is used in medicine as a cure for diseases of many internal organs. This fruit is grown in India and China.

A complete list of citrus species contains many varieties that are native to Japan.

Dekopon

According to some experts, it is a hybrid of two types of tangerines. The fruit is larger than a normal tangerine and has an elongated top. The pulp is juicy and sweet. A striking advantage of dekopon is the absence of seeds. The peel of the fruit is orange, thick and bumpy. Citrus is low calorie.

Yekan

It arose as a result of crossing a mandarin and a pomelo. In terms of size, weight and color of the fruit, this type of citrus fruit resembles a grapefruit, but there is a significant difference: the pulp of the yekan has a more pleasant taste.

This variety includes both tangerines and oranges. These are very sweet-tasting, seedless fruits. They are added to various desserts and consumed fresh. Mikan is often canned and made into juice.

Mikan - Japanese tangerines

Kikudaidai

Appeared as a result of crossing orange and grapefruit. Kikudadai belongs to the types of inedible citrus fruits: its fruits have a bitter-sour taste, so a beautiful plant usually performs only a decorative function.

Natsudaidai

Natural hybrid of pomelo and orange. The peel is dense, yellow. Natsudaidai is sour in taste, but it is consumed fresh. A distinctive feature of this fruit is its high content of folic acid.

Mandarin, kumquat, and then? In this article we will talk about the most famous citrus varieties that are sold with us, how they differ from each other and what useful properties they have. By the way, citrus fruits have been crossed with each other many times over the past 200 years, and among their many species it is already difficult to say "where the beginning and the end are." Interesting fact : In Costa Rica, citrus fruits are excellently used by capuchin monkeys as a balm against insect bites and as an antifungal agent.

. One of the most acidic citrus varieties. The fetus is usually big size, rounded, slightly elongated, bright yellow color (often confused with lime, which has a green color). The pulp is most often squeezed for juice, which has a sour taste, but is extremely healthy and is used as a medicine in many cultures. The zest is more often rubbed and used as part of various medicines. There are several subspecies of lemon, the main difference between which is taste (lemons are more sour and less sour).

Another favorite type of citrus fruit. Orange is a round fruit of bright orange (rarely reddish) color, slightly larger than a lemon. Orange is one of the most commonly consumed citrus fruits in the world, along with lemon, lime and grapefruit. Oranges are eaten on their own or added to variety of dishes and drinks. Oranges are an excellent way to cleanse the body and remove toxins and other harmful substances from it. Oranges also have an extremely beneficial effect on human blood, making it less viscous. The orange also has several subspecies, the best known of which is "blood orange" those. orange with reddish flesh. It tastes sweeter than an ordinary orange, but otherwise it is not much different from its counterpart.

Grapefruit. Grapefruit is much larger than lemon and orange and has a slightly bitter taste. The peel of this type of citrus fruit is usually pale yellow with a reddish or green tint, the flesh is red, white or pink, depending on the variety, but the color of the pulp is only a “decoration”, it does not affect the taste of grapefruit. Grapefruit is an excellent way to “throw off” everything superfluous, including kilograms and toxins, the main thing is not to abuse it. It is not recommended to eat more than one grapefruit per day.

Mandarin. Everyone's favorite "New Year's" citrus. Mandarin looks like an orange, only a little smaller and its shape is more “flattened”, and the taste is sweeter. This citrus variety has a very pleasant aroma, but its biggest plus is that it is very easy to peel. Mandarin and tangerine juice- an excellent remedy for SARS and flu. Varieties include mandarin, juicy honey tangerine, satsuma, sweet and tiny clementines, and orange-scented tangerines.

Lime. This variety of citrus fruits is often confused with lemon, but their tastes are very different. Green lime fruits do resemble lemons in shape, but they have a more pungent, sour taste and a special unique aroma. Lime, like lemon, is rarely eaten raw, most often juice is made from lime, which is then seasoned with salad or added to drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Few people know about it, but lime is extremely good for teeth! The variety of lime varieties includes Mexican lime, kaffir lime (used in Thai cuisine, as a condiment), musky lime and some other varieties.

Pomelo. Pomelo is a type of citrus fruit, very similar to grapefruit, both in appearance and in taste (slightly sweeter than grapefruit). This citrus has a very thick skin, so you will have to work hard to peel it. Pomelo is an excellent source of energy for the whole day, a pomelo eaten in the morning will more than replace the most hearty breakfast and help you stay in good shape until the evening. Also, this citrus, along with tangerines, perfectly helps to cure various colds and strengthen the immune system.

Kumquat. A kumquat can be described as an orange the size of a grape. Unlike most citrus fruits, kumquats are eaten whole, including the skin. Slightly sour in taste, but very aromatic. In China, this citrus variety is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.


Buddha fingers. The last type of citrus - Buddha Fingers or finger citron - is a very fragrant fruit of the original form, reminiscent of fingers. This citron has practically no flesh, but consists only of the skin. It is most often used to make candied fruit or marmalade, and is also used as a condiment in some cuisines around the world.

Here, perhaps, are the main types of citrus that can be found on sale. There are many more varieties, but all of them are either subspecies of those already listed above (for example, bergamot, he is also a bergamot orange), or their own hybrids. Among the common hybrids, for example, tangelo- a hybrid between a mandarin and any other citrus, or coalfruit- a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit. BUT mineola, which is often brought into stores, is a type of tangelo.

All of them differ from each other in appearance and in their taste, but the "set" useful properties All citrus fruits are about the same. All varieties of citrus fruits are a valuable source of vitamin C, as well as other beneficial trace elements and nutrients. In cooking, citruses are used in their entirety, from juice, pulp and ending with zest and peel.

From fruit peel fragrant oil is obtained, a variety of dishes are seasoned with zest and juice, and the pulp of some citrus fruits is eaten as an independent dessert. When choosing a particular citrus, you should first of all focus on how you will use it (as an independent dish or as a seasoning), since the taste of some citrus varieties may not be very pleasant. However, there is a simple rule, if citrus cannot be eaten, then juice can be squeezed out of it, which will be almost more useful than the fruit itself. Enjoy your meal!

Svetlana Shakhova

Kira Stoletova

Citrus fruits are available in every store in Russia, but not everyone knows their varieties. Fruits are rich in vitamins, prevent a number of diseases. A common feature of citrus fruits is a pleasant aroma, high content of vitamins.

Characteristics of citrus

Citrus fruit families:

  • pomelo;
  • tangerines;
  • grapefruits;
  • oranges.

There is also a separate class - common sour varieties, which include lemon, lime and citron.

This type of fruit, due to the composition of vitamins, is used for colds. The fruits are eaten whole useful decoctions even made from the skin. Fruits have a positive effect on the human body:

  • speed up metabolism;
  • contribute to the appearance of appetite;
  • remove toxic substances;
  • strengthen the immune system;
  • used as an anti-stress drug;
  • reduce blood glucose levels;
  • normalize the work of the heart;
  • improve vascular function.

List of citrus fruits

There are over 60 types of citrus, including hybrids. Some are obtained naturally, while others are bred by breeders. The very first citrus fruits are lime, pomelo, citron and mandarin.

Lime

Lime is characterized by a sour taste, green skin color, small size. There are several types of this fruit:

  • Indian;
  • Calamansi;
  • Kaffir lime;
  • Australian, or round;
  • Sweet (limetta);
  • limequat;
  • ordinary;
  • Persian;
  • Finger;
  • Papeda.

The origin story of the Indian lime begins in India. Its second name is Colombian. This hybrid was obtained by crossing a citron and a Mexican lime. Scientists wanted to breed this species on their own, but to no avail. The fruit has the shape of a sphere, yellow color. The skin is thin, with a slight aroma. The pulp is light yellow, non-acidic, sweetish.

Kaffir lime is called Kombava. The fruit belongs to inedible products due to its sharp sour taste. For cooking traditional cuisine, especially salads, use only the leaves.

The blood lime has red skin and rind. He is much sweeter than other representatives.

The Australian is so named because of the location of its cultivation. The fruits are round in shape, the peel is dense and thick, the flesh is light. It is used to prepare candied fruits and to obtain essential oils.

Limettu belongs to both limes and lemons. This citrus is orange in color (sometimes with a hint of pink), round. The zest is delicious, sweet and sour.

Lamquat is a hybrid with kumquat, bred back in the 1900s. The fruits are small, green in color, have a bitter taste.

Finger lime (finger) lime got its name due to the similarity of the fruit with a human finger. The fruit is oblong, its length is up to 10 cm. The skin is colored, thin. The taste is sour. Usually the fruits are used to decorate dishes.

Papeda is a cross with kumquat. The fruit is green with wrinkled skin. Let's reveal the secret: the fruits are not eaten, the plant is used as a graft and for decoration.

Persian lime has a second name - Tahiti. It has the shape of an oval, green color, light green flesh. Almost never eaten fresh, used as a flavoring agent.

Orange

Oranges are divided into subspecies: bitter varieties and sweet varieties.

Species definition:

  • sweet (general, bloody, sugary, with a navel);
  • bitter (bittersweet, common, others).

Varieties of oranges:

  • African, it is also called cherry (Citropsis). The fruit is small in size, orange in color, has a strong aroma. It is used for food as well as medicinal purposes in Africa.
  • Seville is a bitter type, it is not consumed fresh, only cooked. Grows in Seville, small size.
  • A common orange, also called a Chinese apple, is available in any store.
  • Kinglet (red) has a difference in the zest of a bright red color, without seeds. Taste like an orange.
  • Wild. Grow in India, it is large in size, has a relief. Endangered variety, more often used as a folk medicine.

Popular hybrids:

  • Citrange. His parents are poncirus and orange. The skin is smooth, the taste is low, so it is eaten only cooked.
  • Tankan. His parents are an orange and a tangerine, his homeland is Taiwan. The peel is red, loose, the aroma is pronounced, the taste is high.
  • Tangor is a hybrid of orange and tangerine, has a dense thick skin, a large number of seeds in the center, is consumed fresh.
  • Chinotto is a bitter fruit formed by the natural combination of mandarin and pomelo. It has a sharp, sour taste, inedible fresh; suitable only for the preparation of desserts and as a flavoring.
  • Orangelo. Its parents are orange and grapefruit, the citrus itself is orange in color, large. The zest is similar to an orange.
  • Nadsudaydai is a hybrid of pomelo and bitter orange, bred by breeders in the 17th century. The skin is yellow, easy to peel, the flesh is sour.
  • Murcott - a combination of tangerine and orange, the culture was bred a century ago. The pulp is sweet, with a lot of seeds.
  • Ugli was obtained by crossing orange, grapefruit and tangerine. The fruits are large, heavy, they are eaten fresh.
  • Grapefruit - a natural cross between pomelo and orange, it is eaten fresh, it has a bitter taste.
  • Kabosu was obtained by crossing citrus with papedas. The fruit has a green color, outwardly the fruit resembles a lemon. Vinegar, seasonings, desserts are prepared from citrus.

Mandarin

List of mandarin varieties:

  • General. Includes the largest number of species.
  • Royal. This group includes several species, they are valued in Asian countries.
  • Mediterranean. Valuable in the Mediterranean.
  • Small-fruited. Valuable in Eastern countries.
  • Satsuma. Their origin story begins in Japan.

Mandarins have many hybrids, such as Dekopon. They are a crossing of mandarin varieties. According to the description, the size of the fruit is large, the color when cut is orange, the peel is pitted, sweet.

  • Yekan was obtained by crossing with a pomelo. This is a new variety, it was bred in the 90s. Outwardly and in taste, it is similar to grapefruit, but sweeter.
  • Yuzu is a combination of Ichan lemon and Sunki (sour tangerine). It is prepared from National dishes Tibet and China. Sour, with a strong pleasant smell.
  • Calamandin is a hybrid with kumquat. It is valued for its resistance to diseases and climatic conditions. The fruit is eaten completely, including the skin.
  • The parents of citrandarine are lemon and mandarin. It has an unusual sweet and sour taste. According to external characteristics, it looks like a lemon, it is used in any form.
  • Sunki - Among all the varieties, this is the most sour variety, it comes from China. It has a thin yellow-orange skin. The peel is sour. Eat fruit only cooked.

Lemon

Lemon is also divided into types: sour and sweet. The usual variety has a yellow color, light sour zest. The acidity of the fruit depends on the growing conditions and varieties.

Bergamot is considered a hybrid of lemon and orange, its homeland is Asia. The shape of the fruit is similar to a pear, the color is green, the taste is sour-bitter. This citrus is used for cooking and extracting essential oils.

Gayanima is the result of crossing with citron. The shape is round, the foliage has a pleasant aroma. The skin is pale, yellow, the peel is sour, there are seeds.

The Karna variety was obtained by crossing with an orange. The skin is wrinkled, thick, pale yellow. The pulp is sour, bitter, orange. Dishes are prepared from citrus, they are not consumed unprepared.

According to the origin story, the Yichang species is named after a city in China - Yichang. In the kitchen, it is used as a substitute for lemon, and also as an ornamental plant.

Meyer is a hybrid of orange and lemon. The fruits are large, yellow in color, have an unusual taste.

Rangeron is a new variety popular in Uzbekistan. It has a smooth, orange skin. The zest has a pleasant smell with hints of pine needles. The fruit is eaten whole.

Conclusion

There are more than 50 types of citrus fruits, including ancient and new varieties. The fruits are used in cooking, perfumery, cosmetology and medicine. There are varieties that are not eaten: essential oils and essences are extracted from them, some use such plants for decoration.