The winter is definitely the time the majority of citrus fruits tend to be their sweetest as well as juiciest. Check for these types of cold weather fruits at farmers' markets and in your local grocery store to get the finest flavor and the best fruit for your dollar:

• Clementines tend to be smaller but a little sweeter of the oranges – showing up in markets December through the winter.
• Grapefruits grow in the warmest states but during the colder months – staying juicy usually from winter to the early part of summer
• Kiwis grow on vines and are picked the winter season throughout spring.
• Kumquats are the hardiest of citrus and the smallest – able to withstand freezing temperatures
• Lemons have a tendency to be at their finest during winter and springtime.
• Mandarins really are nice and succulent in winter.
• Meyer Lemons tend to be more seasonal compared to its counterpart. December or January through May. One thing to be aware of when looking to buy these lemons from far away locations…their very thin skins make it more difficult to transport and store.
• Oranges are in season during the winter as well…just in time for cold and flu season…Mother Nature knew what she was doing when it came down to citrus!
• Pears have a season which extends through mid-summer well into winter, based upon the actual variety and region.
• Persimmons tend to be accessible for a brief window in the fall and early winter
• Pommelos possess really thick skins that protect a sweet grapefruit-like yellow-colored citrus that can easily be so light it’s almost white.
• Satsumas have loose skins along with a super-sweet tangerine taste. Start looking for them beginning in November and into January.
• Tangerines of all kinds are in season during some point over the winter – from November through March.

A three course seasonal meal might go something like this: Brie cheese and freshly sliced pears with litely toasted artisan bread for starters. Pork tenderloin marinated in a thick citrus sauce with rosemary. And finish it all up with a kiwi fruit tart! For the wine try a Pinot Blanc or even a champagne ! There's a combo of winter and summer within this menu. Bon Appétit!