Winter has a reputation for being a little dull at the produce stand, but citrus tells a very different story. When much of the fruit world is dormant, citrus is hitting its stride, offering some of the most interesting, aromatic, and visually striking varieties of the year. From farmers markets to specialty grocers, winter is the best time to explore citrus.
One of the most eye-catching winter finds is Buddha’s hand, a citrus variety with long, finger-like segments and almost no pulp or juice, prized for its intensely fragrant zest. You’ll most often find it at Asian markets, specialty produce stores, or farmers markets in citrus growing regions like California. Grated zest can transform holiday baked goods.
For pure sweetness, Sumo citrus (also known as Dekopon) is a winter favorite and easy to spot thanks to its distinctive topknot. These large, seedless mandarins are known for their high sugar content balanced with low acidity, making them almost dessert-like. They’re widely available at major grocery chains during their peak, though the season is relatively short.
Blood oranges are another winter standout, valued as much for their dramatic color as for their flavor. Varieties like Moro, Tarocco, and Sanguinello develop their deep red flesh during cool nights, which makes winter the ideal season to find them. Their flavor is often described as citrus with a hint of berry, making them ideal for enjoying fresh, juiced, or added into winter salads.
Mandarins and tangerines dominate winter citrus displays, but not all are the same. Satsuma mandarins arrive early in the season and are prized for their easy-peel skins and mild flavor. Clementines follow closely behind and remain a staple throughout winter, while Tango and Gold Nugget mandarins offer deeper sweetness and more complex flavor later in the season.
For those who like a bit of bitterness, winter is peak season for grapefruit. Ruby Red and Rio Star are widely available, while Oro Blanco and Melogold offer a sweeter, less acidic flavor. These varieties shine in winter when cooler temperatures enhance flavor and reduce sharpness.
Specialty citrus also has its moment this time of year. Yuzu, when available fresh, shows up briefly in winter at specialty markets and is treasured for its intensely aromatic peel. Kumquats, eaten whole (peel and all) are another winter treat, offering a bright, sweet-tart flavor that works as well in marmalades as it does straight from the bowl. Meyer lemons, less acidic and more floral than standard lemons, peak in winter and early spring and are widely available.
The best places to find these varieties depend on where you shop. Farmers markets in citrus-producing states often offer the widest selection and the freshest fruit. International grocers are excellent sources for harder-to-find varieties like Buddha’s hand and yuzu. Even conventional grocery stores tend to expand their citrus offerings during the winter months, making it easier than ever to try something new. When the days are short and cold, these bright, fragrant fruits are at their best, bringing color, flavor, and a little delight to the winter months.