What Is Citrus Fruit? A Complete Guide

Citrus fruits are the bright, tangy powerhouses that bring a burst of flavor and vitamin C to our kitchens year-round.

But what exactly is citrus fruit? And how can you tell the difference between a pomelo and a grapefruit, or a mandarin and an orange? This guide covers everything you need to know, from definitions and comparisons to a full citrus fruit list.

What Are Citrus Fruits?

Citrus fruits are a group of flowering plants in the Rutaceae family, known for their thick rinds, juicy segments, and tangy-sweet flavor. Native to Southeast Asia, citrus fruits are now grown all over the world and come in a variety of sizes, colors, and flavor profiles.

Some common traits of citrus fruits:

• Juicy, segmented flesh
• Aromatic, oil-rich peels
• Tart to sweet flavor range
• High vitamin C content

Citrus Fruit List

Here are some of the most common—and delicious—types of citrus fruits, including how they taste, how to use them, and how to tell them apart.

What Is a Pomelo (Pummelo)?

The largest citrus fruit around. Green-skinned with thick pith and pale pink segments. Similar in flavor to grapefruit but sweeter and less bitter.

Pomelo vs. Grapefruit: Pomelos are larger and sweeter, while grapefruits are smaller with a more pronounced tartness.

What Is a Lemon?

Bright yellow with a tart, acidic flavor and floral undertones. Use lemon juice and zest in dressings, desserts, or savory dishes. Heavier lemons are typically juicier.

What Is a Lime?

Smaller than lemons, with bright green skin and a bitter-tart flavor. Use limes in pies, curds, marinades, and cocktails.

What Is a Blood Orange?

Named for its deep red flesh, this orange has a raspberry-like sweetness. Great for juicing, snacking, or baking.

What Is a Mandarin?

A small, sweet, easy-to-peel citrus that includes many varieties. Great for snacking and segmenting into salads or desserts.

Mandarin vs. Orange: Mandarins are generally smaller, sweeter, and easier to peel than standard oranges.

What Is a Minneola Tangelo?

A bell-shaped cross between a tangerine and a pomelo. Bold, tangy-sweet flavor that’s ideal for juice or eating fresh.

What Is Grapefruit?

Large and round with pink to ruby red flesh. Tart and tangy—try broiling with sugar or adding a sprinkle of salt to balance the bitterness.

What Is a Valencia Orange?

A juicy, sweet-tart orange with few seeds, ideal for juicing. Named after the oranges in Valencia, Spain.

What Is a Cara Cara Orange?

A cousin to the blood orange with deep orange skin and pink interior. Sweet, low-acid flavor makes it great in savory dishes or salads.

What Is a Navel Orange?

Seedless, sweet, and easy to peel. Named for the belly button-like dimple at its base. Perfect for snacking or juicing.

What Is a Meyer Lemon?

A sweeter, less acidic hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin. Thin-skinned and floral, perfect for desserts and salad dressings.

Lemons vs. Meyer Lemons: Lemon’s are bold and tangy, Meyer’s are sweet and floral.

What Is Sumo Citrus?

An oversized, easy-to-peel mandarin hybrid. Exceptionally sweet and juicy, it’s perfect for snacking or adding to salads.

What Is a Satsuma Mandarin?

Small, ultra-juicy, and very sweet with loose skin that’s easy to peel. Ideal for snacking or adding to both sweet and savory dishes.

How to Store Citrus

Citrus keeps best in the fridge, where it can last several weeks. At room temp, it will stay fresh for just a few days. Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or pears, which can cause citrus to overripen more quickly.

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