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June 6 - June 13, 2004 |
Oranges, lemons and limes
Citrus fruits that add zest to Italian dishes this summer
By Rita Simonetta
Originally Published: 2004-05-16
Colourful, nutritious and delicious, citrus fruits are the standard fare for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, and freshly squeezed citrus juices are a good way to start off your morning.
Oranges, lemons, and limes are some of the most popular in Italian cuisine. The ancestors of citrus fruits got their start more than 8,000 years ago in India. Columbus discovered that these fruits were a great way to prevent scurvy so he took the seeds to the New World and they soon spread throughout the Caribbean.
Italian orange varieties consist of bionde, the sanguigne (blood oranges) and sanguinelle, whose skins are red. The orange has been cultivated for over a thousand years and it is believed to have originated in southern China.
Oranges are popular in many Italian desserts, such as Ciambella All'Arancia (Orange Rind) and Arance Ripiene, another Sicilian-orange delicacy. To make, you'll need six large, ripe oranges, 3/4 cup and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons peeled blanched almonds, 1 cup whipped cream, 2/3 tablespoon Grand Marnier, and a pastry bag or syringe. The finished product is a wonderful dessert for a party.
For a salad bursting with flavour and colour, try the Sicilian classic known as 'Nzalata D'Aranci, which calls for a variety of oranges called melaranci or pattallu. If you can't find these varieties look for oranges that aren't overly ripe. The oranges are combined with minced parsley, olive oil, and freshly ground pepper. For a second-course meal that will add elegance to the table, try your hand at Filettini all'Arancia, a mouth-watering main course meal that showcases cutlets in an orange sauce.
The lemon is the king of citrus fruits in Italy. Filled with high amounts of vitamin C, lemons are a good way to boost your immune system, which is why lemons are a must for fighting off the common cold. If you want a pick-me-up throughout the day, forego the coffee for an energizing drink made from freshly squeezed lemons, hot or cold water, and a little sugar to taste. With their sharp, tart taste, lemons are welcome addition to many Italian dishes.
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