Understanding the Different Types of Citrus
Citrus fruits are a group of juicy and flavorful fruits that are known for their high vitamin C content.
The term “citrus” refers to a specific group of fruits that belong to the genus Citrus, which includes oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and many other varieties.
Think of summer when eating citrus fruits? You might be surprised to learn that citrus fruits make the list of top winter fruits and vegetables! Most of them are at their best during the winter and spring months.
Read on to learn more about the different types of citrus fruit!
21 Citrus to Enjoy
Citrus fruits are popular around the world for their tangy and sweet flavors. They are often enjoyed fresh, juiced, or used in cooking and baking. Each type of citrus fruit has its own unique taste and health benefits.
Let’s go over 21 different types of citrus fruits that you can enjoy!
1) Oranges
Oranges are one of the most well-known types of citrus. They’re prized for their juicy flesh and sweet-tart flavor. There are many different varieties of oranges, including navel, Valencia, and blood oranges.
Taste
Oranges have a balanced sweet and tangy flavor that appeals to many palates. The navel variety, in particular, is known for being sweeter and less acidic compared to other types of oranges. (We’ll share more about navel oranges later on!)
Best Paired With
- Dark chocolate
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Cranberries
- Fennel
- Honey
- Mint
- Avocado
2) Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are a unique citrus fruit known for their deep red flesh. They originate from the Mediterranean region, especially Sicily. These oranges grow on trees like other citrus fruits.
The red color comes from anthocyanins, which develop with cooler night temperatures. Blood oranges have a sweet, slightly tart taste with berry-like notes. They are less common than regular oranges.
Taste
Blood oranges have a rich, sweet flavor with hints of raspberry. They are less acidic than regular oranges. The taste is both sweet and slightly tart—but their unique berry-like notes set them apart.
Best Paired With
- Dark chocolate
- Ricotta cheese
- Arugula
- Pistachios
- Balsamic vinegar
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Red onions
3) Clementines
Clementines are small, seedless citrus fruits with a bright orange peel. They are often available during the winter season, so make sure to add them to your seasonal eating regimen.
Clementines belong to the mandarin orange family. Originating in North Africa, they are now widely grown in Mediterranean regions and parts of North America. Their easy-to-peel skin makes them a favorite snack. Clementines are sweet and juicy, perfect for both kids and adults.
Taste
Clementines have a sweet and juicy flavor, but their taste is mild and less acidic. The sweetness makes them very refreshing. They are perfect for a quick, healthy snack.
Best Paired With
- Chocolate
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Walnuts
- Pomegranate
- Cottage cheese
- Mint
- Blueberries
4) Mandarins
Mandarins are small, sweet citrus fruits. They have a thin, easy-to-peel skin. Mandarins originate from China and are popular worldwide. They belong to the same family as tangerines and clementines.
Taste
Mandarins have a sweet flavor. They are mildly tangy, but also juicy and refreshing. Mandarins have a subtle, fragrant aroma. The taste is less acidic than other citrus fruits.
Best Paired With
- Dark chocolate
- Goat cheese
- Almonds
- Pomegranate
- Ginger
- Arugula
- Honey
- Raspberries
5) Navel Oranges
Navel oranges are a type of seedless citrus fruit. They are named for the small, navel-like formation at one end. Navel oranges originated in Brazil. They are now grown in many parts of the world, including the United States and Spain.
Navel oranges are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Their thick skin makes them ideal for snacking and juicing.
Taste
Navel oranges have a juicy and sweet taste. The flavor is less tangy than other citrus fruits. Each bite is refreshing and bright, so they are perfect for eating fresh!
Best Paired With
- Dark chocolate
- Pistachios
- Blue cheese
- Blackberries
- Basil
- Ginger
- Almond butter
- Figs
6) Valencia Oranges
Valencia oranges are a type of sweet orange. They are named after Valencia, Spain, where they were first grown. These oranges are popular for juicing. Their skin is thin and smooth, making them easy to peel. They grow in warm climates like California and Florida. Valencia oranges are available mostly in summer. They have few seeds and are very juicy.
Taste
Valencia oranges have a bright, sweet taste. The flavor is refreshing and crisp. They are slightly tangy and juicy—ideal for making fresh juice. Their sweetness intensifies in the summer sunlight. You can expect a perfect balance of tart and sweet!
Best Paired With
- Dark chocolate
- Goat cheese
- Pistachios
- Spinach
- Basil
- Almond butter
- Honey
7) Tangerines
Tangerines are small, sweet-tart citrus fruits that are easy to peel, are often eaten as a snack, and can be used for salads and pastry toppers as well.
Taste
Tangerines have a vibrant, sweet flavor. They are slightly tangy. The taste is refreshing and juicy. They are less acidic than some other citrus fruits. Each bite is a burst of sweetness!
Best Paired With
- Dark chocolate
- Ricotta cheese
- Almonds
- Arugula
- Honey
- Walnuts
- Pomegranate
8) Kumquats
Kumquats are small, bite-sized citrus fruits with a tangy-sweet flavor that can be eaten on their own, or used in salads. They are native to Asia, but now grown in many parts of the world. Kumquats have a thin, edible skin and small seeds.
Taste
Kumquats have a unique taste. The skin is sweet and edible—providing a burst of flavor. The mix of sweet and sour is refreshing, perfect for a quick, vibrant snack!
Best Paired With
- Dark chocolate
- Ginger
- Vanilla
- Honey
- Mint
- Basil
- Blue cheese
- Pistachios
9) Lemons
Lemons are tart, acidic fruits that are often used for their juice in cooking and baking. They’re also often used in drinks and cocktails. They are native to Asia and belong to the same family as oranges and grapefruits.
Taste
Lemons have a strong, acidic taste—very sour! The flavor is bright and zesty, leaving a tangy sensation on the palate. Lemons are great for adding a citrus punch to your dishes!
Best Paired With
- Fish
- Chicken
- Blueberries
- Ricotta cheese
- Honey
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Berries
10) Limes
Limes are similar to lemons in flavor but are slightly sweeter and less acidic. Limes are a popular choice for cocktails, marinades, and dressings. They are native to Asia and also widely grown in Mexico and South America.
Taste
Limes have a tangy and bright flavor, but slightly less sour than lemons. Each bite is sharp and refreshing, crisp and clean.
Best Paired With
- Fish
- Chicken
- Coconut
- Mango
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Rum
11) Buddha’s Hand (Fingered Cintron)
Buddha’s Hand, also known as Fingered Citron, is a unique type of citrus fruit. It has a bright yellow color and finger-like segments. The fruit originates from regions in China and India. It is very fragrant and often used for its zest. Unlike other citrus fruits, it has minimal pulp and no juice.
Taste
Buddha’s Hand has a mild taste that is less sour than lemons. The flavor is slightly sweet. It has a subtle citrus hint, and the zest adds a fragrant aroma. It’s perfect for infusing dishes!
Best Paired With
- Fish
- Chicken
- Basil
- Ginger
- Vanilla
- Lemongrass
- Tea
- Saffron
12) Calamansi
Calamansi, also known as calamondin, is a small, round citrus fruit. It is native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. This fruit has a thin, green to orange skin. Calamansi is often used in Filipino cuisine. It is a popular ingredient for sauces and marinades. The fruit is very aromatic and flavorful.
Taste
Calamansi has a tangy, sour taste. The flavor is bright and citrusy with a hint of sweetness. Its taste is very refreshing! This fruit leaves a tart sensation on the palate.
Best Paired With
- Fish
- Chicken
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Chilli peppers
13) Key Limes
Key lime pie, anyone?
Key limes are small, spherical citrus fruits. They are green when picked, but turn yellow as they ripen. Key limes originate from Southeast Asia. They are now widely grown in the Florida Keys and Mexico. The fruit has a thin, smooth skin and small seeds. Key limes are highly aromatic and flavorful.
Taste
Key limes have a sharp, tangy flavor. They are intensely zesty. The taste is tart and citrusy. Each bite is bright and refreshing. Perfect for adding a strong lime taste to dishes.
Best Paired With
- Fish
- Chicken
- Avocado
- Coconut
- Coconut cream
- Mint
- Ginger
- Rum
14) Persian Limes
Persian limes are oval-shaped citrus fruits. They are larger than key limes. The skin is thick and green. They are often seedless. Persian limes originate from the Middle East. They are now widely grown in Mexico and the United States. These limes are popular for their juice.
Taste
Persian limes have a mild, sweet-tart flavor that is less sharp than key limes. They are tangy but not overly sour. The flavor feels smooth on the palate.
Best Paired With
- Fish
- Chicken
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Tequila
15) Meyer Lemons
Meyer lemons are a type of citrus fruit. They are thought to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. The skin is thin and smooth, and the color is deep yellow to orange.
Meyer lemons are sweeter than regular lemons. They have a bright, fragrant aroma. These fruits originate from China, but they were introduced to the United States in the early 20th century.
Taste
Meyer lemons are sweet and tangy. The flavor is less acidic than regular lemons. They have a hint of spiciness. Slight notes of orange are present. You can use Meyer lemons in both sweet and savory dishes!
Best Paired With
- Salmon
- Blueberries
- Thyme
- Vanilla
- Basil
- Goat cheese
- Honey
- Chocolate
16) Finger Limes
Finger limes are small, elongated citrus fruits. They come from Australia. The skin is thin and bumpy. Inside, they have tiny, juice-filled vesicles/ Finger limes are known for their unique texture. They are used in gourmet dishes, and the fruit has gained popularity worldwide.
Taste
Finger limes have a tangy, citrus flavor that is slightly sour. But don’t worry, their taste is refreshing and zesty with a subtle hint of bitterness.
Best Paired With
- Oysters
- Caviar
- Smoked salmon
- Avocado
- Fresh herbs
- Sushi
- Cocktails
- Salads
17) Ruby Red Grapefruits
Grapefruits are large, juicy fruits that are known for their bitter taste. They are often used as a topping for salads, breakfast cereals, and parfaits.
However, there is a special type of grapefruit known as the Ruby Red Grapefruit that stands out for its unique flavor and appearance. Let’s look at this one first!
Taste
Ruby Red grapefruits have a sweet and tangy taste. The flavor is less bitter than other grapefruits—each bite is juicy and refreshing with a hint of floral notes! Use these grapefruits to add a bright touch to your dishes.
Best Paired With
- Shrimp
- Avocado
- Mint
- Honey
- Yogurt
- Walnuts
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Spinach
18) White Grapefruits
White grapefruits are a type of large, round citrus fruit. They have a thick, yellow skin and pale flesh. These grapefruits are grown primarily in the United States and Israel. They are known for their light, tangy flavor.
Taste
White grapefruits have a mildly bitter taste. They are not overly sweet. The flavor is clean and crisp. Each bite is juicy and refreshing with slight hints of sourness.
Best Paired With
- Prawns
- Fennel
- Arugula
- Avocado
- Mint
- Sea salt
- Olive oil
- Berries
19) Pink Grapefruits
Pink grapefruits are a fun type of citrus fruit. They have a pink to reddish interior with a thick and yellow outer skin.
Pink grapefruits are larger in size than other grapefruits. Fun fact: they are originally from Barbados! These fruits are now widely grown in the United States and other subtropical regions. Pink grapefruits are known for their vibrant color and juicy segments.
Taste
Pink grapefruits are sweet and tart. They offer a pleasant balance, although the taste is mildly bitter. The flavor is vibrant and lively—ideal for a fresh start to the day!
Best Paired With
- Grilled chicken
- Avocado
- Sea salt
- Honey
- Yogurt
- Almonds
- Blackberries
- Spinach
- Lemongrass
20) Pomelos
Pomelos are a large citrus fruit that is the least acidic and sour of any citrus but is typically less juicy than oranges, tangerines, or grapefruits. Pomelos are the largest citrus fruit, and can weigh up to 10 pounds!
Taste
Pomelos have a mild, sweet flavor. They are less tart than other citrus fruits. The taste is light and refreshing. Each bite is slightly crisp with a hint of floral notes. The flavor is not overly sour, which makes it enjoyable for those who prefer a gentle citrus taste.
Best Paired With
- Shrimp
- Coconut
- Arugula
- Pomegranate seeds
- Mint
- Honey
- Cashews
- Cucumber
- Fresh herbs
21) Yuzu
Yuzu is a small citrus fruit. It is originally from East Asia. The fruit is widely grown in Japan, Korea, and China. Yuzu has a yellow or green skin. It is rough and aromatic.
The fruit is very fragrant, but it is not eaten raw. The juice and zest are often used in cooking. Yuzu is a key ingredient in Asian cuisine.
Taste
Yuzu has a unique flavor. It is a mix of lemon, lime, and grapefruit. The taste is tart and slightly sweet. There are floral notes in the flavor, and the taste is intense and bright. Ideal for adding a citrus punch to your food!
Best Paired With
- Fish
- Soy sauce
- Chili
- Ginger
- Ponzu
- Seaweed
- Sesame
- Miso
- Duck
Now that you’ve learned about many common types of citrus fruit, let’s go over some frequently asked questions (and answers!)
What fruits are considered citrus?
Fruit is considered to be a citrus fruit if it is produced from a flowering plant in the citrus family, Rutaceae. There are many different types of citrus fruit.
To be considered a citrus fruit, the fruit must have certain characteristic features, including pulpy flesh that is surrounded by a segmented, leathery rind. The rind contains an essential oil that gives citrus fruits their characteristic zesty aroma.
Additionally, citrus fruits are typically acidic, juicy, and high in Vitamin C. These characteristics, along with the presence of the specific family of plants, define a fruit as citrus fruit.
When is citrus season?
Most types of citrus fruits reach their peak freshness in the winter months, with different types of citrus fruits becoming ripe at different times. For example, oranges are typically at their best from December to April, while lemons are often their sweetest from February to May.
Luckily, nowadays many types of citrus are available year-round, so you can almost always get these tangy-sweet fruits without wondering when is citrus season.
How many types of citrus fruits are there?
There are many different types of citrus fruits, but some of the most common include oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, mandarins, tangerines, pomelos, and kumquats.
Each type of citrus fruit has its own unique flavor, texture, and nutritional profile, and can be used in a variety of different cuisines and culinary applications.
Additionally, there are also many hybrids and cultivars of these types of fruits, which can further add to the diversity of the citrus family.
What are the different types of citrus fruits?
While most citrus fruits share many similar characteristics, each type of citrus fruit varies slightly from fruit to fruit. We listed many of the most popular citrus fruits in this article!
How to store citrus fruits
Storing fruits properly is key to maintaining their freshness, flavor, and texture for all types of citrus. Here are some tips on how to store citrus fruits to keep them at their best:
- If you plan to consume the citrus fruits within a few days, it’s best to store them at room temperature in a cool, dry place. This will prevent them from getting too soft or moldy.
- If you want to extend the shelf life of your citrus fruits, storing them in the refrigerator is a good option. Make sure to keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits such as apples or bananas.
- If you have an abundance of citrus fruits and don’t think you’ll be able to eat them all before they go bad, you can juice them and freeze the juice to save for later.
You can read our produce storage guide to learn about how to store citrus fruits properly.
What are the health benefits of citrus?
Citrus fruits are not only delicious, but they also offer many health benefits. Some of the key nutritional benefits of citrus fruits include:
- High in Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, especially oranges and grapefruits, are excellent sources of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost immune function and fight off free radicals.
- Rich in fiber: Most citrus fruits are high in fiber, which can help aid digestion and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
- Contains beneficial plant compounds: Citrus fruits contain various plant compounds such as flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine.
- Good source of potassium: Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and heart health, and many citrus fruits are good sources of this nutrient.
Incorporating a variety of citrus fruits into your diet can provide you with many important vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds to support overall health and wellness.
Get More Citrus in Your Diet Every Week
Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and offer a wide range of health benefits. Whether you prefer sweet oranges, tart lemons, or juicy grapefruits, incorporating citrus into your diet can help support a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to get fresh citrus fruits every week, consider using Gobble, a meal delivery service that offers delicious and nutritious meals made with fresh ingredients, including citrus fruits.
With Gobble, you can enjoy the taste and health benefits of citrus without the hassle of shopping and meal prep. Gobble sends you chef-inspired meals every week that are specially designed to be ready in 15 minutes or less!
Whether you are looking for a Lean & Clean Plan, or simply want to get more citrus in your diet, Gobble has a plan for you. You’ll also love our Classic Plan if you enjoy homestyle meals!
So, why not give it a try today and see how it can improve your health and wellbeing!
