Citrus fruits are staples in kitchens around the world, but beyond the familiar oranges, lemons, and limes, there’s a whole world of unusual varieties waiting to be discovered. These lesser-known fruits can add exciting flavours and textures to your cooking, baking, and even cocktails. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing citrus fruits you might not have tried yet!
Yuzu
Hailing from Japan, yuzu is a small, round fruit with a bright yellow-green skin and a fragrant, floral aroma. It’s often used in Japanese cuisine to add a unique tanginess to dishes like soups, marinades, and desserts and becoming popular in Australian kitchens. The juice of a yuzu has a complex flavour. It’s sweet, sour, and slightly herbal, making it a favourite among chefs who love to experiment with flavours.
Yuzu is also popular in cocktails and RTDs, where its zest or juice can elevate drinks like the Yuzu Spritz or Yuzu Gin Fizz. If you’re feeling adventurous, try infusing olive oil with yuzu zest for a delicious finishing touch to roasted meats or salads.
Pomelo
Often confused with grapefruit, pomelo is actually a larger, sweeter cousin of the same family. It has a thick, pinkish-red rind and a juicy, less bitter interior. Pomelo is widely used in Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisines, where it’s enjoyed fresh or used in salads, stir-fries, and even desserts like pomelo tarts.
The segments of pomelo are larger and sweeter than grapefruit, with a mild citrus flavour that pairs well with both sweet and savoury dishes. It’s also a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Calamondin
This small, round fruit is native to Southeast Asia and has a bright orange skin and a tangy, slightly bitter flavour. Calamondin is often used in marinades, jams, and sauces due to its intense citrus aroma and zest. It’s also popular in cocktails, where the zest or juice can add a unique twist to drinks like Calamondin Margaritas or Citrus Spritzes.
The leaves of the calamondin tree are also edible and can be used to infuse teas or garnish dishes. If you love the taste of lime but want something with more complexity, this is a great fruit to try.
Kaffir Lime
Kaffir limes are small, green, and bumpy, with a strong, aromatic flavour that’s used extensively in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines. They’re typically used whole or in their leaves, which have a distinctive citrusy scent. The zest and juice of kaffir lime add depth to curries, soups, and stir-fries, balancing rich flavours with their bright acidity.
Unlike other citrus fruits, kaffir limes are not usually eaten raw due to their strong bitterness. Instead, they’re used to infuse oils, broths, and marinades. A simple way to try them is by adding a few leaves to your next curry or salad dressing.
Finger Lime
This unique Australian native fruit looks like a small, green finger with segments inside that resemble caviar. It has a crisp texture and a mild, tangy flavour similar to lime but with a more delicate taste. Finger limes are often used in salads, seafood dishes, and cocktails to add a pop of colour and texture.
They’re also great for garnishing drinks or using as a fresh topping on avocado toast or ceviche. If you’re looking to showcase your local produce, finger limes are a fantastic choice for both home cooks and chefs. It’s also becoming popular among perfumers, too!
How to Use These Unusual Citrus Fruits
If you’re new to these fruits, start by experimenting with their zest or juice in simple dishes like salads, dressings, or cocktails. You can also try preserving them as jams, marmalades, or infusions. Here are a few quick ideas:
- Yuzu Zest on roasted chicken or fish.
- Pomelo Segments in a fresh summer salad with avocado and mint.
- Calamondin Juice in a vinaigrette for grilled vegetables.
- Kaffir Lime Leaves in a Thai-style curry or soup.
- Finger Lime Caviar on top of sushi, tacos, or ceviche.
Unusual citrus fruits can bring a whole new level of flavour and creativity to your cooking. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a unique dish or simply want to explore new tastes, these fruits are worth trying. Start with one that appeals to you and gradually experiment with the others. You can get most of these super citrus fruits at 12 Chester St., Oakleigh. If we don’t have it on the shelf, ask Dave or Danny to get it in for you! Happy cooking!