It’s citrus
season! Seeing the grapefruit tree in my backyard fill with bright pink globes
is a nice reminder that spring is on its way (and that this cold winter won’t
last forever!). If you have citrus trees in your yard—or if a neighbor, family
member, or coworker does—then you’re familiar with the seasonal citrus overload
that can fill up a kitchen pretty quickly.
Cooking is a
great way to use all this fruit, and we can enjoy citrus in marmalades, salads,
and desserts, and as delicious garnishes to main courses. But if you’ve already
had broiled grapefruit every day this week (like I have), you might be
wondering what else you can do with this beautiful bounty? The bright colors of
citrus fruits have a particular visual appeal that compliments their tangy
flavors, so a citrus centerpiece could make a great seasonal addition to your
table!
Perk Up a Vase with Lemon Slices
A bowl of
pinks, oranges, yellows, and greens can brighten a kitchen countertop, but what
about using your favorite citrus fruit to accent a vase of flowers? Achieving an
elegant fruity presentation is easier than you might think. Impress your
guests—and yourself—by slicing a lemon and tucking the slices along the sides
of a clear vase. Yellow lemon rinds can make a lovely accent for all sorts of flowers,
from daisies to dahlias. The fruit is, of course, perishable, so after dinner,
be sure to put your arrangement in the refrigerator overnight so you can enjoy
it at breakfast, too.
A Bowlful of Orange Delights
If you’d
like to keep your oranges all in one piece (to eat later!), try this fun
idea: tuck a pad of floral foam and moss
in the middle of a bowl of oranges. Insert real or artificial flowers into the
moss, and voila! You have a mini citrus garden. This can be a fun centerpiece
for children to add to—a little toy frog or fairy is a lovely touch. After a dinner
with friends, treat your guests to a unique party favor! Invite them to pluck a
flower and take an orange from the bowl at the end of the night.
Lay It All on the Table
What if your
tangerine tree overfloweth? If you don’t have enough bowls and vases in the
house for all your fruit, just pile it on the table. As they say, if you’ve got
it, flaunt it! This simple, rustic but elegant centerpiece by Annie Campbell of
Après Fête makes the most of an overload of tangerines and a simple
wooden table. Whether you’re helping the kids with homework or having the
neighbors over for mimosas, a pile of tangerines or oranges makes for a healthy
and welcoming snack.
What’s your
favorite, creative way to use citrus this time of year? Please tell us!
