Winter is when citrus truly shines! Thanks to the perfect temperatures in sunny spots like California, Florida, Texas, and Arizona, these zesty fruits hit their peak flavor and juiciness from winter through early spring. And as a bonus, they’re packed with vitamin C to give your immune system a boost just when you need it most. It’s the ultimate seasonal win—delicious and good for you!

What are citrus fruits?

Citrus fruits originate from Southeast Asia. During the fifth and fourth centuries BC, the citron fruit began to spread west through Persia, near Jerusalem. It later made its way to the western Mediterranean in the third and second centuries BC. The earliest lemon botanical remains were found in Rome, dating back to the late first century BC, according to Datna Langutt. Other citrus varieties like limes, pummelos, and mandarins slowly made their way to the Mediterranean up through the early 19^th centuries. This became known as “The Citrus Route.”

Keany offers many different types of citruses throughout the year when available!

Oranges: Varieties and flavors

Oranges are one of the most popular citrus fruits, and for good reason. Mainly growing in California and Florida, they come in various varieties, each with their own unique flavor profile. From the sweet and juicy Navel oranges to the tangy and aromatic Valencia oranges, there’s an orange for every preference. Navel oranges peak in winter and early spring, while Valencia oranges thrive in late spring and summer, giving orange lovers two distinct seasons to enjoy. Blood oranges have a striking crimson hue, and a sweet, tangy flavor kissed with hints of berry. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, in salads, or as fresh-squeezed juice, oranges are a staple during citrus season.

• Oranges – 80352 – dozen
• Choice Oranges – 15105 – 88 ct
• Fancy Oranges – 15115 – 138 ct
• Fancy Oranges – 15150 – 113 ct
• Fancy Oranges – 15145 – 88 ct
• Fancy Oranges – 15140 – 72 ct
• Fancy Oranges – 15135 – 56 ct
• Blood Oranges – 15090 – case

Lemons: Tart and tangy goodness

Lemons are known for their bright yellow color and their tart, tangy taste. Mainly growing in California, Argentina, Italy and Mexico, they add a burst of acidity to both sweet and savory dishes, making them incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making a refreshing glass of lemonade, squeezing them over grilled fish, or using their zest to add flavor to baked goods, lemons are a must-have during citrus season.

• Lemons – 80251 – dozen
• Choice Lemons – 12050 – 200 ct
• Choice Lemons – 12045 – 165 ct
• Choice Lemons – 12040 – 140 ct
• Choice Lemons – 12035 – 115 ct
• Meyer Sweet Lemons – 12026 – case
• Sunkist/Fancy Lemons – 12070 – 165 ct
• Sunkist Lemons – 12055 – 95 ct

Grapefruits: Sweet and refreshing options

Grapefruits come in different varieties, ranging from white to pink and red. Mainly growing in Florida, Texas, and California, they offer a unique balance of sweetness and tanginess, making them a refreshing choice. Enjoy them as a standalone snack, in salads, or even as a component in cocktails. Grapefruits are a delicious way to brighten up your citrus season.

• Red Grapefruit – 7080 – 40 ct
• Red Grapefruit – 7065 – 27 ct
• Red Grapefruit – 7070 – 32 ct
• Red Grapefruit – 80785 – 3 ct

Limes: Lively and zesty

Limes are small, round citrus fruits with a bright green color. Mainly growing in Mexico and Peru, they are well-known for their acidic and tangy taste, which adds a zesty flavor to many dishes and drinks. Limes are essential for making margaritas, adding a tangy twist to guacamole, or squeezing over seafood. Make sure to include limes in your citrus season lineup.

• Limes – 12221 – 200/230 ct
• Limes – 12215 – 150/175 ct
• Limes – 12210 – 54 ct
• Limes – 12205 – 48 ct
• Limes – 80287 – dozen
• Key Limes – 12211 – 10 lb

Mandarins: Sweet and seedless

Satsuma mandarins are another favorite during citrus season. What are satsumas? Grown in California, these seedless mandarins are known for their sweetness and are incredibly easy to peel, making them a convenient and healthy snack. Gold Nugget mandarins, known for their bumpy rind and exceptionally sweet, seedless flesh, are easy-to-peel and are often described as rich and honey-like with a mild tartness. Mandarins’ benefits, like Satsumas, include their high vitamin C content and their ability to boost the immune system during the winter months.

• Mandarin Oranges – 15131 – ½ bushel

Kumquats: Tiny but mighty

Kumquats are tiny, oval-shaped citrus delights that flip the flavor script—sweet on the outside with a zesty, tangy punch inside! Grown in California and Florida, they are perfect for snacking whole or adding a burst of sunshine to salads, desserts, and drinks, these little powerhouses are as fun to eat as they are to say.

• Kumquats – 11020 – case

Clementines: Sunny and snackable

Clementines are like little balls of sunshine, each one a burst of sweet and tangy delight. These small citrus fruits are typically small, round, and bright orange, with a thin, smooth skin that peels away effortlessly, revealing their juicy, segmented interior.

• Clementines – 3180 – 10-3 lb