Citrus Shoppers Should Examine Their Produce

Baby, it's cold outside. Thanks to temperatures teetering below 28 degrees in the San Joaquin Valley, The Los Angeles Times reports citrus shoppers should be alert to cold damage. Damaged fruit develops off-flavors, becomes inedible, and by California regulation, growers must send bad product to juice factories or dump it.

Thicker-skinned oranges hold a higher survival rate over their thinner-skinned lemon and lime associates. Southern California growers promise that their fruit is fine, and night cold that doesn't damage the fruit — it actually toughens the rind and sweetens the fruit. Still, when shopping at farmers markets, it's best to ask where your citrus is coming from, and ask vendors if there's possible damage.

The bottom line: Examine your fruit, or better yet, ask for a taste.

The Daily Byte is a regular column dedicated to covering interesting food news and trends across the country. Click here for previous columns.