How to use and store the freshness of citrus fruits

Here are a few methods of storing citrus fruits and the best way to use the entire fruit. The smaller, heavier for their size; thin-skinned fruits offer the best flavours. When you are next buying your oranges, grapefruit, lemons, mandarins or limes, it is good to plan ahead and consider how long you wish store them.

Citrus fruits are similar to tomatoes. They prefer very low humidity and will last longer if stored in dark, cool places. Citrus fruits will last for about a week if stored at room temperature. However, they will keep longer if stored in the refrigerator. They often do better stored in the main part of the refrigerator in a breathable container.

When the citrus fruits are organically grown you can use the entire fruit to spice up many types of savoury dishes, desserts and dressings. The beauty of the citrus fruits skin is the oils within them. The citrus oils deliver the full flavour of the fruit without the tart liquid.

Citrus fruits also freeze well as a whole fruit or squeeze them and freeze the juice in an ice-cube tray. You can also remove the citrus rind with a citrus zester or microplane grater and freeze the rind to use later.