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As summer draws near, the rise in demand for cooling fruits and vegetables has begun with citrus being a powerful ingredient to relieve the summer heat.

What are your favourite citrus fruits? Oranges, grapefruits and lemons are a few of the most popular choices. However, the mainstream varieties are starting to give way to lesser-known citrus fruits, such as the Japanese Yuzu and the Thai Kaffir lime. As they begin to become more popular, they are increasingly being used to make sorbets and sauces.

When the summer months start to kick in, it's important to add citrus to your diet. Citrus fruits not only help detoxify and cool the body, but also treat heat disorders from fevers to hot flashes. They alone contain 58 known cancer fighting agents.

Everything in these fruits can be used. The peels are aromatic and can be used in blending essential oils for energy and vigour. Seeds have their own properties; a well-known anti-fungal and natural antibiotic is GSE (grapefruit seed extract) that can be used externally or topically to treat skin disorders. It can also be ingested to treat body infections. This extract can easily be found in health food stores across town.

When it comes to picking the best fruits, make sure you select thin-skinned varieties that carry more flesh and never buy bruised ones. To enjoy the best taste, you must store the citrus in a cool place to keep the moisture intact.

Last, but not least, always remember that citrus fruits are versatile, so let your imagination run wild. You can juice them, eat them, grill them and use them in sauces for savoury or sweet foods. Have fun exploring citrus this summer!

Text and photo by Lakshmi Harilela

For more articles, check out www.foodiemagazine.com.hk