Farmers' Market Report: Citrus Everywhere Los Angeles

One of each! It's high citrus season at the Hollywood farmers' market, and this weekend we visited every single grower, breathing in the citrus-infused air and discovering the bounty of standard and heirloom varieties. We found lemons (Eureka, Meyer, Persian), limes (Bearss, Mexican, Persian), oranges (Cara Cara navel, Moro blood, Valencia), tangerines and mandarins (Algerian clementine, Dancy, Fremont, Honey, Page, Satsuma), tangelos, grapefruits (Marsh, Ruby Red), Chandler pomelos, Oroblancos, Nagami kumquats, Buddha's hand citrons, and more. Click through for more pictures and to learn what we plan to do with all of these.

While some varieties are quite familiar, there are others we're tasting for the first time. We're enjoying many of them just as they are, sliced or peeled and savored for their different – and sometimes surprising – balances of sweet, sour, and occasionally bitter flavors.

The rest of our farmers' market shopping was also done with citrus in mind – avocados to slice with grapefruit; fennel, mizuna, and arugula for an orange salad; radishes to marinate in citrus dressing; and beets to pair with tangerines. We'll also be making a citrus marinade for baked tofu and are rather smitten with the idea of tangerine curd. No danger of getting scurvy this week!

More citrus ideas from the Kitchn:
• Eating Light: Citrus Recipe Roundup
• 5 Good Uses for Your Citrus Peels
• Cocktail Basics: Citrus Garnishes 6 Ways
• Tip from Gourmet: Slice Citrus Lengthwise, Get More Juice
• How Do You Grate a Lemon? (with recipes)

• For more information on the Hollywood farmers' market and other Los Angeles-area markets, visit Farmernet.com

(Images: Emily Ho and Gregory Han)

What is that huge pink one? I don't recognize it. I need to make it to my farmer's market this week. Oranges and other citrus sound divine. I also need to go knock on my bus-buddy's door. It seems she has an abundance of lemons! My fave. She asked for recipe so I'll have to dig up my best ones.

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on January 26th 2009 at 1:22pm
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Oh to live somewhere warm, all that citrus looks awesome!

@Tiamat, I'm gonna guess that's the pomelo, they're the biggest citrus I know of.

posted by Kalinda on January 26th 2009 at 1:58pm
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Tiamat_the_Red, it's a pink Chandler pomelo. And neighbors with citrus trees are the best! :)

posted by Emily Ho on January 26th 2009 at 2:15pm
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I love all the gorgeous photos.

posted by goodLife{eats} on January 26th 2009 at 2:26pm
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Cara Caras might be the best thing I've ever tasted.

posted by spiralcma on January 26th 2009 at 4:43pm
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OMG time for marmalade! someone put me on a flight to LA quick.

posted by pedalpowered on January 26th 2009 at 4:50pm
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OK. See, it's times like these that I really wonder WHY AM I LIVING IN CHICAGO? This citrus produce looks dreamy. Wish I were there.

posted by Shannalee on January 27th 2009 at 11:30am
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