Even in winter, the sun still shines in these 5 citrus recipes

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits provide a bright spot during the dark days of winter.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Winter may be a gloomy time in Pittsburgh, but the abundance of fresh, juicy citrus fruits from California and Florida can provide a much-needed burst of sunshine. From preserved lemons to orange curd and candied grapefruit peels, these five recipes showcase the versatility of citrus in cooking and baking.

Why it matters

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune function and healing. They also contain beneficial flavonoids and carotenoids that have antioxidant properties. Incorporating more citrus into your diet during the winter months can help boost your mood and overall health.

The details

The recipes include quick overnight preserved lemons, a sweet and creamy orange curd, key lime thumbprint cookies, a stir-fry featuring the tart-sweet kumquat, and candied grapefruit peels. These dishes showcase the many ways to use the zest, flesh, and peel of citrus fruits in cooking.

  • Winter is peak season for citrus fruits from California and Florida.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects the country will produce 10.75 million pounds of citrus fruit in 2026, up from 10.04 million pounds in 2025.

The players

Gretchen McKay

The author of the article and the creator of several of the citrus recipes featured.

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What they’re saying

“Winter, if you're someone who loves the sun, can be something of a bummer in Pittsburgh. While snow days can be magical and warming your hands around a firepit after an afternoon of ice skating or sledding is fun, the long stretches of cold, gray weather can take a definite toll on our psyches.”

— Gretchen McKay (detroitnews.com)

The takeaway

Incorporating more citrus fruits into your diet during the winter months can provide a much-needed burst of sunshine and nourishment when the days are dark and dreary. These five recipes offer a variety of ways to enjoy the bright flavors and health benefits of oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and kumquats.