Fresh California Oranges Are Back

After weathering a harsh frost in 2007, delicious California Navel Oranges are back in season and bursting with sweet solutions to "citrus-ize" the New Year. Trucks loaded with overflowing crates of juicy California navel oranges are rolling up to grocery stores across the country, a tribute to Mother Nature's goodness and the hard work of California Orange Growers. Primed to perfection by this season's warm, California sunshine, rich soil and ideal growing conditions, this season's crop is plentiful and especially sweet.

Peak season is a great time to experiment with California Navel Oranges and learn to incorporate them into your new year. Although most people think of citrus in sliced and wedged form, they are versatile fruits that provide a plethora of health benefits however you choose to use them.

Chef Jill Davie, Food Network The Next Iron Chef finalist and Chef de Cuisine of Josie in Santa Monica, CA notes, "As a chef, understanding the seasons brings a sense of structure, rhythm and rightness to my cooking. I love infusing fresh ingredients into my menu, in particular, seasonal ingredients that make sense for the palate. California Navel Oranges offer a unique versatility, from their sweet and tangy taste and vibrant color to their wonderful nutritional benefits -- each orange providing 130% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C. I stock my pantry full with fresh oranges always sure to use them when creating sweet and savory pairings and they are natural addition to my fresh citrus marinades."

In addition, Chef Davie offers the following tips to help "citrus-ize" the New Year.

1. Whittle Your Waistline -- If losing weight or adopting a healthier lifestyle is one of your New Year's resolutions, try citrus-izing your diet! California Navel Oranges are helpful to dieters as they are low in calories and contain cholesterol-fighting fiber. Studies show that people who eat fruit such as lemons, tangerines, oranges and other whole foods, tend to eat less at subsequent meals, compared to people who eat "lighter, more calorie-dense foods" such as chips, snack crackers, desserts or candy. Start substituting an orange for your breakfast doughnut or bag of chips at lunch, and simply watch the pounds drop.

2. Defend Yourself -- from colds, that is! As the old saying goes, "mother knows best." And coincidentally, Mother Nature has timed peak season for California Navel Oranges to coincide with cold and flu season. The juicy fruits are chock-full of Vitamin C, an excellent immunity booster. One California Navel provides 130% of your daily value of Vitamin C. And because Vitamin C can't be stored in the body, it is important to constantly replenish yourself regularly. Try an orange a day to keep pesky colds away.

3. "Scentsational" Citrus-izing -- Let the energizing scent of oranges carry you through the sluggish winter months. Save and dry your orange peels and add them to your favorite potpourri. The citrus scent is subtle, yet effective enough to freshen up any room.

4. Pretty In ... Orange? -- Try using oranges in your homemade beauty remedies. As reported by getacnetreatment.net, oranges have been known to prevent acne, so mix a tablespoon of fresh-squeezed California orange juice with a cup of plain yogurt for an effective face mask. Add a few more drops of juice to one cup of mineral water for a purifying facial astringent.

5. Sweet Tooth Satisfaction -- Oranges for dessert? It's more sensible than you think. Now that so many fruits are out of season, substitute California Navel Oranges in your chocolate fondue. Use orange section wedges to decorate a cake. Or, for a lighter, guilt-free indulgence, simply top your orange wedges with a dollop of low-fat whipped topping.

6. Citrus-ize Your Spa -- Look to citrus to create your own inexpensive, yet wholly relaxing home spa. Drop fresh orange peels or orange slices and a cup of oatmeal into your bathwater for a revitalizing, aromatic, citrus spa experience.

7. Table Toppers -- Put away your flower vase and brighten your home with an eye-popping seasonal fruit bowl. Oranges make fantastic accents against the yellows and greens of grapefruits, lemons, and pears. The color palate is naturally warming and invigorating -- a perfect defense against a cold, gray winter. And the best part? Your decor tastes as good as it looks!

8. Make Your Home Citrus Clean -- Orange-incorporated cleaning products are a rising trend because they clean your home without the overpowering, chemical scent. For a chemical-free way to freshen your kitchen, run a few orange quarters and half a cup of baking soda down your garbage disposal to neutralize unwanted odors. Microwave smelly sponges for 30 seconds in a bowl of water with the juice of one orange slice, and dispel unwanted odors and bacteria from your dishes and countertops.

9. Don't Forget the Kids -- California Navel Oranges are sturdy, portable and easy to peel, making them a perfect addition to your kids' lunch bags. With child obesity rates on the rise, it is more important than ever to encourage a balanced diet at an early age. Infants and toddlers can also reap the benefits of oranges. Feed them orange slices or freshly squeezed orange juice to prevent infant scurvy.

10. Citrus-ize Your Cookbook -- Adding the juice or zest from a California Navel Orange can add a refreshing and healthy kick to traditional recipes. Chef Jill Davie says, "This time of year, I love to be creative with navel oranges in my cooking. The robust flavor of this versatile fruit pairs wonderfully with rich seasonal dishes, while adding a dose of wellness with every bite. I enjoy mixing orange juice into my favorite marinades or vinaigrettes for a refreshingly sweet burst of citrus flavor."