Citrus Fruits List

Citrus fruits are edible fruits that belong to the family Rutaceae. The pulp of citrus fruits is juicy. These fruits are either eaten by simply peeling off the skin, or are squeezed to make juice. In early times, countries in the Mediterranean regions were leading producers of citrus fruits. Today, however, the cultivation of citrus fruits is carried out in many countries of the world. Citrus fruits are mostly cultivated in regions with warm climates.

Benefits of Citrus Fruits
All citrus fruits are rich sources of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is primarily essential for the prevention of scurvy. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid in citrus fruits is important for health and maintenance of teeth. Secondly, vitamin C also detoxifies all the chemicals and toxins from the blood stream. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is necessary for proper absorption of iron in the body. Adequate consumption of vitamin C on a regular basis is believed to lower the chances of high blood pressure, cancer and heart diseases. Vitamin C present in citrus fruits is very essential for enhancing our immune system. On the other hand, all citrus fruits have a characteristic fragrance, and they are used to make essential oils for aromatherapy as well as making perfumes.

List of Citrus Fruits
Oranges and lemons are the commonly known citrus fruits in the world. However, there are several different citrus fruits found in the world, which one may not be aware of. Here is the complete list of citrus fruits along with these benefits and uses:
(Click on the image for an enlarged view)

	Orange Orange is considered as the king of citrus fruits. Valencia, Satsuma and Navel orange are popular varieties of oranges. Eating an orange is the best natural method to cleanse and beautify skin. Oranges are also used in several cleansing agents, perfumes and for cooking purposes.
	Lemon Lemon is one citrus fruit that has a myriad health benefits. It is used to disinfect wounds and lesions; it acts as an astringent and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Lemon mixed with water is used to treat sore throat and other anti-bacterial infections. Lemon is used in a variety of food preparations and is also used for cleaning purposes.
	Lime Lime is yellowish-green in color and contains more amount of acid than other citrus fruits. Lime is mostly used as a detoxifying agent for cleaning body. Other benefits of lime include its use in treating constipation, peptic ulcer and other digestive disorders. It is also used for culinary purposes.
	Mandarin This is a seedless orange with loose skin. Mandarin is sweeter than any other varieties of oranges. This fruit contains high fiber, and is fat and cholesterol free. Mandarin essential oil has a tonic effect on the digestive system, and is also used as an anti-spasmodic agent.
	Clementine The seedless variety of mandarin is Clementine. It is also high in fiber, vitamin C and potassium. It is considered as a natural energy booster. Clementine helps in providing antioxidants to the body, aids in weight loss and also improves vision.
	Tangerine Tangerine is an orange-red Mandarin with a citrus or sour taste. The acid content in this variety is relatively less. Tangerine is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2 and B6, calcium, iron and potassium. Tangerines specifically help in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.
	Grapefruit Grapefruit is a larger variety of orange. Grapefruit is rich in fiber, beta carotene, iron, calcium and contains lesser calories. Having grapefruit on a regular basis aids in lowering cholesterol and enhancing the immune system. There are several varieties of grapefruit available in the market.
	Kumquat Kumquat is a citrus fruit that has an edible skin. Kumquat contains vitamins A, B, C, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. It improves healing of wounds, enhances immunity, and also lowers the risk of obesity. It is mostly used for culinary purposes or for making liqueur. Salted kumquats can be used for treating sore throat.
	Minneola Tangelo The Minneola tangelo is a cross between a Dancy tangerine and a Duncan grapefruit. Being a citrus fruit, this hybrid fruit has several properties of other citrus fruits like containing vitamin C, vitamin A, etc. However, this fruit is extensively used for culinary purposes due to its distinct sweet-sour taste.
	Pomelo Pomelo (or Pummelo) is similar to grapefruit, but, somewhat larger in size. Its outer skin is much thicker and the fruit is less sweeter than other varieties of orange. It aids in improving immunity, protecting teeth and gums, and also helps prevent anemia. Pomelo is mostly used as a low-calorie, low-fat snack.
	Sweety Also known as Sweetie or Sweety fruit, this fruit is a cross between pomelo and grapefruit. Sweety fruit is green in color and is very sweet. One of the prominent health benefits of this citrus fruit is its use in reducing diastolic blood pressure.
	Ugli Ugli is a kind of tangelo which looks like a cross between tangerine, grapefruit and orange. Ugli fruit is used to treat various allergies, hives and reactions on skin. It helps in keeping several gastrointestinal diseases at bay, and is also believed to prevent kidney stones.

As you see, all these citrus fruits are loaded with nutrients that are required by our body. Now that you have the citrus fruits list, you can choose any fruit of your choice and include it in your daily diet. Take care!