How to Cut Citrus

What’s a sure way to brighten up winter? With citrus!

If gray, cold winter days are getting to you, take heart – from the short-season Honeybell to the tried-and-true Navel Orange, some of the best and brightest citrus fruits experience their peak season during the winter months. This is why sending a citrus gift basket has become synonymous with the holidays!

If you’ve received a delightful orange gift basket from Pittman & Davis and are worried that there’s more fruit in there than you can eat, take heart – while enjoying Tangerines, juicy oranges, Sugar Belles, and Rio™ Ruby Red Grapefruits fresh out of hand is always a delightful snack, using them to garnish and enhance your favorite drinks, salads, and main dishes is also a great way to use them up. But what’s the best way to slice your citrus for these purposes?

Any Way You Slice It: How to Make Citrus Slices Look Supreme

It’s easy to snatch a fruit out of your citrus fruit basket, cut it in half, slice it up and spoon out the juicy parts, but you can make it look even prettier by supreming it.

“Supreming” citrus refers to removing the rind, pith and membrane of the fruit so that the slices are more attractive and easier to eat. It’s a bit more work than just slicing it, but definitely worth it – particularly if you’re having company over.

Here’s how to do it like a pro:

Step 1. Slice the Rind

Starting with a very sharp knife, trim the ends off the top and bottom of the fruit. Be sure to cut just underneath the pith so the fruit’s flesh is exposed. Set the fruit flat/cut side down on a cutting board.

Step 2. Remove the Pith

Next, stand the citrus fruit upright on the cutting board and carefully pare off the rind and the pith below in sections, working from the top downward and rotating as you go to follow the shape of the fruit.

Step 3. Slice the Segments

Set the fruit on its side. Cut toward the center, along a membrane. Then slice along the adjacent membrane until the cuts meet, releasing the segment. Transfer the segment to a bowl. Repeat.

Step 4. Squeeze the Juice

You can skip this step, but if you want to juice your segments, hold the membranes over the bowl and squeeze.

Other Articles You May Find Interesting:

Are Navel Oranges Good for Juicing?
How to Make Preserves With Your Citrus
Best Citrus Fruits for Weight Loss
Do Oranges Boost Your Immune System?