When planning where to put your orange tree, be sure to know how tall your tree is going to be. Some trees can reach over 50 feet so you want to be sure to give it space. You don’t want to have to move the things in your yard around because your orange tree grew too tall and wide.

As for the soil, orange trees grow great in well drained sandy soil. The soil should also be deep enough as orange trees need a lot of support from their roots.

There are several good orange trees on the market, but my favorite is the Washington Navel. This tree is also sold as a dwarf, growing to about 8 feet. The fruit is easy to peel, delicious and has no seeds. The orange blossoms are fragrant in the spring and the foliage is lush, making it a beautiful addition to your yard or home.

The orange blossoms always remind me of when I was a kid, and we would drive to Florida for vacations. We could open the windows of the car and just inhale the sweet orange blossom fragrance.

As for light, if you keep the tree outside, be sure it has full sun. If you keep the tree indoors, make sure it has a bright interior light.

Orange trees added to your yard or home are fun because with little care, you are going to enjoy these sweet fruits each year. Just pick an orange when ripe and use it to eat or use the orange zest for cooking. You know you have the freshest orange around.

Don’t forget, to make sure your time and money is well spent, check with your local nursery so you know you have the best orange tree available for your area and situation.

1. Do not mulch around your tree. Mulching can lead to disease and insect damage.

2. Only use fertilizers created specifically for citrus trees. The ordinary plant fertilizer will not give your tree the proper balance.

3. Never fertilize a citrus tree when it is in bloom. This will cause the blossoms to fall off.

4. Prune your tree after your citrus fruit has been harvested and then only remove dead branches.

5. Keep your citrus tree branches off the ground, as this will help defeat disease and fungus.

6. Water your tree about once a week. It should be a deep watering and the soil should drain well.

7. When you by a tree, be sure it has deep green and glossy leaves. Do not buy a tree with yellowing leaves, rotting stems or signs of pests.

8. If planting your tree in the ground, be sure to wait until the last frost has passed. Plant it in a sunny location and in fertile soil.

9. Indoor citrus trees need a lot of humidity, so be sure to mist them daily.

10. If you indoor tree is not blooming, there might not be enough sunlight, or the container might be too large.

The scion contains the genes that you want to be reproduced by the stock plant. Budding, awl, veneer, cleft and stub are all different types of grafting.

The most common citrus tree grafting style is bud grafting or budding. This is also a good type of graft for beginning growers. The first step in bud grafting is to choose your scion and stock trees. Be sure to use sturdy, healthy trees. The basic procedure is to cut a bud and some bark from the scion tree and then insert it beneath the bark of the stock tree.

The best period for collecting the bud wood or donor wood is between April and November. Collect 8-12 in. lengths of budded twigs from the scion tree but be sure not to cut the most recent growth. The bud wood should be grafted as soon as possible but can be stored for up to three months in the freezer if necessary.

There are different bud grafting styles including shield budding, patch, double shield, flute and chip budding. A common choice for citrus tree grafting is the inverted T. If you chose the T-graft style, your next step is to cut an upside down T into the bark of your stock tree a few inches above the soil line. Then take one of your buds and insert it under the cuts in the bark and wrap with bud tape several times. The bud tape should be removed within 30 days.

Be sure to monitor the graft to ensure that the union is successful and that the bud begins to grow.

The Captain crossed the Jamaican sweet orange with the Indonesian pomelo. In fact until the 1800s the fruit was called the Shaddock. The tangy fruit eventually became known as the grapefruit.

Today the grapefruit is counted among the “7 Wonders of Barbados.” For decades the grapefruit was grown mainly as an ornamental fruit. It did not find real commercial success until the creation of the Ruby Red variety in the 1920s.

For mysterious reasons, the pink grapefruit became a popular food in a way the original white grapefruit did not. Today the red grapefruit is one of the state symbols of Texas where the originally Ruby Red was first created. The United States is the number one producer of the grapefruit with production concentrated in Texas, California, Florida and Arizona.

Grapefruit trees thrive in a subtropical climate. Temperatures and humidity levels affect flowering periods; peel thickness and even levels of acidity and juiciness. If you plan to plant a grapefruit tree, ensure that you are in an area where grapefruit trees can thrive, otherwise opt for a potted variety.

Like all citrus trees grapefruit trees need nutrient rich soil and should be fertilized often with potassium and nitrogen rich mixtures if you want them to bear fruit. They need plenty of sunshine, deep watering at least once a week and well draining soil to prevent root rot.

With fresh lemons as close as your kitchen garden pots, you’re always ready to prepare zesty lemon desserts or savory lemon butter sauces to compliment fish or vegetable dishes. Lemon butter, when sweetened, makes a perfect sauce for cake, especially gingerbread, a tangy yet sweet filling for tarts or pies, or a mouth watering pudding all on its own. Very similar to lemon curd, but a lot easier to make, sweet lemon butter sauce has a variety of yummy uses. Here is a holiday favorite:

Gingerbread with Lemon Butter Sauce

1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
1 egg, beaten
1 c. molasses
2 1/2 c. sifted flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. hot water

Cream together sugar and butter then add beaten eggs and molasses. Blend. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and stir. Add hot water and beat by hand until smooth. Grease a 9×13 pan and bake at 325 degrees for about 35 minutes.

Lemon Sauce

½ cup sugar
2 tbsp. Corn starch
Pinch salt
2 cups water
¼ cup margarine or butter
1 tbsp lemon zest
3 tbsp. Lemon juice

Combine all ingredients and cook, stirring constantly until thick. Serve over gingerbread.

Lemon butter is equally tasty as a savory sauce over chicken, fish or vegetables. Here is a recipe for an easy and versatile lemon sauce that you’re sure to use over and over again.

Savory Lemon Butter

Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp grated lemon rind
5 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1.5 tbsp fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter and flour together. Add juice, zest and parsley and cook over low heat until thickened. Add seasonings to taste. Garlic can be added at this point as well if desired. Serve over desired entree.

While it may not be practical to grow full-sized adult trees indoors, there are hundreds of varieties of dwarf citrus trees that are perfectly suited for in home growing.

The Meyer lemon tree is one popular choice. Its sweetly flavored lemons are great for desserts. Another great tree for bakers is the dwarf key lime tree. The tangy lime it produces makes a fabulous key lime pie.

Moving on to other meals, if you love grapefruit for breakfast consider the dwarf ruby red grapefruit tree. But don’t stop there. The dwarf kumquat tree produces beautiful fruit that can be used to make jams and marmalade.

Another lovely indoor citrus tree is the dwarf mandarin orange. There are several seedless varieties of mandarin trees and the fresh fruit is an excellent garnish for salads or can be eaten by itself as a vitamin-C filled snack.

In general potted trees should be kept outdoors during the warmer months and brought inside as the temperatures hit the 30s. Indoor citrus trees should be misted regularly, fertilized several times a year and re-potted about once a year.

Be careful in choosing container size, if the pot is too large for the plant it will not produce fruit right away. If you are looking to bring a little flavor of the warmer latitudes into your home, consider an investment in an indoor citrus tree garden. It will surely bring you years of enjoyment.

The dwarf kumquat tree does not exceed 4 feet in height, though some hybrids can grow to 6 feet. Their foliage is attractive and has few or no thorns. Kumquats have scented white blossoms that will turn into red orange colored fruit.

The fruit resembles a tiny orange, but the kumquat fruit is eaten whole, peel and all. If you have a sweet tooth, you only have to eat the peel. Kumquats can also be made into salads, candy, breads, pie fillings and sauces for duck, lamb, chicken and other meats.

The dwarf kumquat tree is easy to grow in areas where temperatures during the day are high and the nights are cool. The hybrid trees are able to handle a light frost. All types of trees require a small amount of pruning and the smaller varieties make perfect container plants.

In growing zones 9 and 10, the blooms appear in early spring or late spring. These blooms are white and are approximately 1 to 2 inches in size. They are not as fragrant as the orange or lemon trees but their fragrance is noticeable.

Young trees require considerable water to get well established, and then water only when necessary. As for fertilizer, I recommend using one made specifically for citrus trees. The kumquat is not really a citrus tree, but the fertilizer works well on the kumquat trees.

The dwarf Kumquat tree requires moist, well drained soil and needs to be in the full sun though some are able to thrive in just a little partial shade. The trees are also very resistant to disease and pests so there is no need for pesticides. The only pest you might see is the leaf miner. However, the leaf miner really doesn’t hamper the tree in the home garden.

Some common and wonderful varieties are the “‘Nagami, “Meiwa,” “Fukushu,” and “Marumi.” Check your local nursery for the trees, and if you do purchase one from online vendors, be sure to get a guarantee and make sure the tree can be shipped to your state.

Citrus Canker: This fast-spreading bacterial infection unfortunately is quite common and can mean the end of many dwarf fruit trees. This contagious infection often appears as yellow or orangish colored lesions on the fruit, leaves and small branches of the tree and is spread through infected insects, birds and even gardening tools. One of the most effective ways to prevent citrus canker is to spray your tree with a liquid copper fungicide and by staying aware of any reports of the disease in the area.

Melanose: This disease though not serious or life threatening for most tree species can affect the appearance of the fruit produced and can lead to marked or scabbed fruit rind. Melanose is most commonly found in older trees which have been planted for more than ten years. It is also quite common, but not exclusive to dwarf grapefruit trees. The best treatment available is an anti-fungal spray.

Greasy Spot: This disease is probably the most common for dwarf fruit trees and can lead to dramatic leaf loss and branch weakening. The easiest way to see if your tree is suffering from Greasy Spot is to check the underside of the leaves for brownish-yellow blisters. To prevent the spread of greasy spot simply remove all of the fallen leaves quickly and use a liquid copper spray twice a year, once in the midsummer months and another in the early fall.

Throw away the old idea that you have to have greens in a salad; instead, enjoy this fantastic and healthy citrus salad.

Get blood oranges if at all possible; pomelos are another good alternative, but they can often be expensive to purchase.

When picking fruits for this salad, you should stick to sweeter fruits, such as clementines, tangerines, navel oranges, and even grapefruit, in order to have a good mix of flavors.

Prepare all of your fruit; you can start by leveling off the fruit. Just chop the ends off, then stand it up for easier access. Following that, cut the peel off, leaving as little of it left on the pulp as you can, getting the pith out of the way as well.

Cut disks of fruit and make it aesthetically pleasing by coming up with a beautiful arrangement for it. Slice or chop shallots or red onions and sprinkle that over the citrus salad, along with some salt.

Top it all off with a salad dressing that will accent the wonderful flavors of the citrus fruit. Here’s my dressing recipe: citrus juice, sherry vinegar, olive oil, and a little bit of honey. Mix it all together and pour it over your salad; voila! When it comes to the citrus juice, use either lemon or lime; if you want to mix it up a bit, try sprinkling black pepper or cayenne into it.

Get that great anise flavor in by including fresh tarragon, and you’ll end up with a great way to wait out the winter in a very delicious salad.

In large orchards, citrus trees are grown as huge shrubs, with their branches being low to the ground. For the home grower living in a sunny area, that is also a good idea as it will produce a large harvest. But, if you live in a humid area, remove the lower branches to fight disease and fungus.

When pruning citrus trees, you do not need any large or special equipment. If you have unwanted new growth, simply snap them off with your fingers. For small stems and large wood, you can use hand pruners or even a pruning saw.

When pruning indoor citrus trees, you should prune when they have finished with their blossoms, and before they produce fruit. You can prune by hand, being sure to trim just a little bit at a time.

Growing any plant from seed is exciting and many gardeners enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with caring for a plant through the whole growing process. But there is something which is especially exhilarating about growing tangerine trees and other citrus plants.

There is a feeling of pride and commitment that comes with watching a tree grow and eventually bear fruit. Many gardening enthusiast relish this fragile procedure and find themselves waiting anxiously to see the first sprout appear above the soil.

However, growing tangerine trees from seed is not easy and can take a lot of time, commitment and most importantly patience.

If you are thinking about growing any citrus plant from seed here is a simple step-by-step guide which may help;

Step one: The most important step when growing tangerine trees is to read all of the information supplied by your seed distributor. These instructions will guide you through the germination process and what kind of time frame you will be looking at before you begin to see any tree growth. Follow the recommended planting suggestions and make sure to take note of any special needs your tree species may need such as soil nutrients, sun exposure and fertilizers.

Step Two: Once you are familiar with your seed’s needs and growing conditions it is time to begin the stratification process. To start soak a handful of peat moss in water until it spreads and becomes engorged. Then once it has absorbed as much water as possible, squeeze the moss and drain it slightly. Once the moss is damp but not dripping place it is a Ziploc baggie. Then drop in a few seeds and cover the moss with loose dry soil. Now, seal your bag and place it in a warm, sunny location. The bag will have a “greenhouse” effect and will trick the seed into thinking it is in a stage of summer dormancy.

Step Three: Now that you have researched and read all of the available information and completed the stratification process, it is time to choose your seed planting location. If you are planting your tangerine tree in a container, then you must make sure that it has enough drainage, soil depth and sun exposure. If you are planting your tree permanently into your lawn then you must make sure that any obstacles such as other trees, house foundations and even sidewalks are far enough away to not pose any problems for root growth.

Step Four: To plant your tangerine trees simply drop the sprouting tree seed as well as the moss and soil into a small hole in your planting location. Make sure not to plant your seed too deep, if there is noticeable sprouts of growth make sure this is visible above the top soil.

Step Five: Now, once your seed is positioned, cover it with loose, dry soil. Do not pat the soil down, simply give your new tangerine tree a light watering and allow for the water to compact the soil. Continue to water your tangerine trees regularly and make sure to provide adequate fertilizer and additional soil if needed.

Knowing how to recognize fruit problems is not easy and it can take quite a bit of time to familiarize yourself with the signs, warnings and characteristics of each type of fruit-related ailment. However, not all citrus tree fruit problems are common in North American regions.

The two most common types of fruit diseases are referred to as fruit drop and citrus scab. Here is a brief description of each:

Fruit Drop: The signs of severe fruit drop are quite obvious. Early in the fruit formation period, small immature fruit will fall from the tree in large quantities. Though it is normal for a fruit tree to drop some of its fruit as a self-thinning process, an abundance of fallen fruit is a much more serious issue. Fruit drop is most commonly caused by stress, late frost, lack of water, too much water or even inadequate fertilization.

To avoid Fruit Drop consider fertilizing your tree annually in the spring growing season. It is also imperative to use a fertilizer which is specifically designed with the needs and requirements of citrus trees in mind.

Citrus Scab: This fruit infection is common, and can lead to wasted fruit as well as premature leaf drop. Citrus scab can be identified by the accumulation of small brown raised marks on the skin of maturing fruit. Citrus scab may also result in brown, dried areas on leaves and delayed growth and development.

Citrus Scab and other similar citrus tree fruit problems are caused by overly-damp conditions and excessive watering during wetter seasons which lead to a build up of aggressive fungus. Controlling citrus scab is not difficult for the most part and all that is needed is a fungicide spray or treatment.

It is also recommended that you refrain from watering your citrus tree with a sprinkler, as a drip hose near the base of the tree is much more effective and will prevent the spread of citrus scab and other citrus tree fruit problems.

The Satsuma orange was very popular as a “Dooryard” tree in the Houston area until 1911 when a very cold November caused a loss of most of the trees. Even though the Satsuma is one of the hardiest citrus tree varieties, even it couldn’t withstand the 8 degree and colder temperatures. To make matters even worse, the area was hit shortly thereafter by a bad hurricane in 1915 causing over 90% loss of crops. It has been a slow road back to production since then.

The Satsuma is what we typically call a mandarin orange, again referring back to its Japanese roots. It is a sweet, juicy fruit with a very loose skin that makes it extremely easy to peel. The sweetness and lack of seeds make it a particular favourite of children who often find regular oranges too tart to eat. Its popularity among the younger set might also come from its common use in a summer favourite… marshmallow fruit salad!

If you enjoy the challenge of growing citrus trees in containers, you’ll be pleased to know that the Satsuma Orange is a very container friendly variety. Growing your Satsuma in a container will keep its growth to a minimum and you will be easily able to move it indoors during the colder months. Here are a few hints to help you succeed:

o A 20 gallon container is a good size to use, and make sure there are adequate drainage holes in the bottom.

o Use a light, well draining potting mix. It should specify on the package that it is suitable for container growing.

o Apply a slow release fertilizer once e early in the spring. Be certain to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully as too much fertilizer may damage the tree.

o Plant your Satsuma orange tree where it will receive lots of direct sunlight and water as necessary.

o Bring your container in when temperatures start to droop in the fall. Even moving your container to the garage is easier than trying to protect it with plastic and shelters outdoors.

o Harvest your fruit when it is starting to turn from green to orange in September or October.

The history of limettas dates back to early Roman times when lemons were used primarily for ornamental purposes. Still grown primarily in the Mediterranean regions, limettas started to make an appearance during the Gold Rush days and to this day California, Arizona and Florida are all popular limetta growing states.

Although a member of the lemon family, limettas have a number of different characteristics that set them apart. Although yellow on the outside like a lemon, the rind is quite bumpy. The flesh has a greenish tinge to it and unlike a lemon that gets your mouth good and puckered, the limetta is quite sweet and not acidic. It has often been described as tasting like homemade lemonade without having to add all that sugar! As its popularity grows, chefs around the world are seeking it out for its wonderfully sweet and juicy flavors.

Some say this fruit is the ultimate one to use for making mouth-watering lemon pie and homemade lemonade. Because it is never bitter, it also makes great sauces to top seafood rice and other dishes. Limettas are also easy to preserve for cooking and baking and once sealed will keep for months, providing zesty lemony flavor whenever you need it. Limettas should be most abundant in produce markets from November to May.

Many online sellers of citrus trees offer limettas in containers for either use as houseplants or for outdoor gardening. It is recommended that limetta trees growing outdoors be brought inside during the colder months to prevent damage.

Related articles by Zemanta

• The Minimalist: Allowing Citrus to Add Sunshine (nytimes.com)

Here is a quick reference guide to some of the most common citrus tree pests:

Aphids: Though it is next to impossible to not have any aphids present while growing trees, they can grow in numbers rapidly and can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. The marks left by aphids are often confused with other citrus diseases because of the dark marks which appear on the leaves. Aphids can damage a tree’s growth by sucking the sap from their leaves and causing leaves to drop and dry.

Citrus White fly: A common pest to appear on all types of citrus trees, Whiteflies are a winged insect close in size to a common fruit fly. Whiteflies will often hide on the underside of a tree’s leaves and suck the honeydew sap from the leaves veins. Similar to aphids the damage left by whiteflies is often confused with leaf rot and is similar in appearance to mould.

Orange-dog caterpillars: A large insect, orange-dog caterpillars will eat and rip the edges of a trees leaves. Though this type of caterpillar is most common in Florida it can be found on plants which have been imported and sold in other regions. The best way to rid your tree of orange-dog caterpillars is to remove them by hand. But be warned, when disturbed this species will spring two red “horns” from its head and spray a foil smelling odor.

Citrus Thrips: One of the most damaging of all citrus diseases and pests, the citrus thrip will ruin a young tree’s leaves, fruit, blossoms and roots. These persistent pests are yellow and orange in color and can usually be found on the underside of the tree’s lower leaves. The marks left by citrus thrips will be quite evident as most of the fruit, blossoms and leaves which are attacked will shrivel up and dry out completely.

Citrus Bud mite: Though bud mites can attack any type of citrus tree, they are most commonly found on lemon trees. Bud mites will appear only in hot and humid climates and will enjoy feeding on the lemon blossoms and fruit buds. To rid your plant of bud mites consider using the same all natural sprays that you would to eliminate any citrus diseases.

But grapefruit can also be a fantastic addition to our personal bath and body care regime. Grapefruit aromatherapy has been gaining in popularity over the past decade or two and has become a favorite of many for its bright citrusy scent.

The essential oil of the grapefruit provides the base for this invigorating scent and as an oil, it provides many other healing and health improving benefits. The oil is normally produced through a cold pressing process of the rind of the fruit.

Once only grown in the tropics, today, grapefruit is a widely grown citrus tree in the United States and other parts of the world. If you are an aromatherapy lover, here are a few of the ways you can incorporate grapefruit aromatherapy into your goals of maintaining a healthy, happy body and mind.

o A good long soak in a warm tub with small amounts of grapefruit essential oil is said to help alleviate migraines, reduce tension and calm the nervous system.

o The acidic properties make this essential oil a great toner and it is also a fantastic oil to rub into your skin to relieve oily congestion, tone and even reduce the appearance of cellulite.

o By opening clogged oily skin, it can be a great way to detox the liver and kidneys.

o Its relaxing aroma is said to work wonders at overcoming the effects of jet lag. Simply add to a warm bath or relax in a quiet room with an essential oil of grapefruit aromatherapy candle or warm oil burner. Many online stores even offer a grapefruit aromatherapy candle in a small travel tin that packs easily into your luggage so you can relax and unwind once you’ve reached your destination.

o The pore opening properties also help improve circulation which can in turn help with maintain healthy shiny hair and even promote hair growth.

o Inhaling the stimulating scent is also believed to reduce the craving for sweets and control appetite. It is a flavored aromatherapy choice for those wanting to lose weight and in some cases as part of natural treatments of eating disorders.

Here is a short description of four of the most popular styles of citrus juice press and how they are used.

Hand held Press

This gadget consists of two half circle cups that hold a halved lemon, lime or orange, and two long handles that you squeeze together to extract the juice. The long handles mean that it takes very little effort to extract the juice. This type of press is perfect for the smaller amounts of juice often required in cooking and baking.

Standing Hand Press

Another manually operated juicer, this works under basically the same principal as the hand held press except that the juice is gathered in a container that is part of the press. Instead of squeezing two handles together, the standing citrus juice press is operated by pulling down a small arm to squeeze the fruit that has been placed in the top part of the press. This method is great for producing single servings of juice for drinking.

Manual Reamer

This handy juicer involves more of a pushing and turning motion than a squeezing one. The reamer sits atop a container and you place a half piece of fruit on it and push and turn it until the juice has been extracted and collected in the container.

Electric Press

If you want to extract larger amounts of juice at one time, an eclectic citrus juice press may be just what you need. There are many varieties available online and in home department stores in a wide range of prices to suit every need and budget.

They function in the same manner as the manual press except that an electric motor does the work instead of you! Many of the electric presses also have a selection of filter baskets that you can use to allow you to select the amount of pulp you want in your juice.

Whichever type of citrus juice press you choose, you are sure to enjoy cooking with and drinking all that fresh and healthy vitamin C!

When caring for citrus trees it is important to have all of the appropriate tools and products. One of the best ways to stay organized is to make up your own citrus health care kits which include all of the necessary tree essentials.

If you are one of the many people who love to grow their own citrus fruit and enjoy the time, patience and commitment it takes to care for fruit bearing plants then continue reading and find out how to make your own citrus health kits.

Pruning shears: This is of course one of the most important tools to include in your citrus health kit. Proper pruning and trimming is necessary to ensure health, steady growth as well as root structure and fruit development. When preparing your kit make sure to have a pair of sharp and reliable sheers which are capable of trimming all sizes and thicknesses of branch.

Mycorrhizal Treatment: Most mycorrhizal sprays contain living fungi which when applied to soil will assist both new and mature trees to colonize their root systems and will provide excellent soil conditions. These busy little fungi will in exchange for food bring nutrients and water to the tree’s roots.

Misting hose attachment: Water is essential for citrus health and can mean the difference between fresh, unspoiled fruit and dried, useless blossoms. When building your kit consider purchasing a misting attachment for your hose which will allow for you to gently water the upper branches and leaves of your tree.

Fertilizer tablets: All citrus tree varieties will thrive when given the appropriate amount of fertilizer. The most convenient way to ensure your tree is getting enough nutrients is to use commercial fertilizer tablets. These essential citrus products are easy to use and one tablet is often enough to nourish a tree for an entire year.

And finally, the last product to include in your citrus health kit is a Biostimulant. This dry, water soluble product contains everything needed to stimulate root growth and tree strength. Most citrus tree biostimulants will include humic acid extracts, amino acids, yucca plant extracts as well as sea kelp, beneficial bacteria and living fungi.

Choosing between the many varieties of citrus trees can be confusing. There seems to be an endless selection of orange trees, grapefruit trees, dwarf lemon bushes and even limetta shrubs. But one of the most unusual and captivating tree species is without a doubt the citron citrus tree.

The citron is a slow growing and small tree with the maximum height of only 8 to 12 feet. It has stiff branches, willowy twigs and oval shaped leaves. The leaves are quite often lemon scented and are evergreen in nature. What many gardeners love most about the citron citrus tree are its large white and purple blossoms which display a brightly colored center.

The fruit of the citron tree is oblong and rather unusual in shape compared to other citrus fruits. Though there are some tree varieties which are more common than others almost all citron fruits are covered with a rough rind with a soft, sweet and watery flesh.

Some varieties of citron citrus tree include the fascinating and unique “fingered citron”, the “Corsican” variety which was introduced to the US by explorers in 1891 and etrog, diamante and Bajoura.

Though the origin of the citron citrus tree is not known for certain, it has been found to have a long and fascinating history. The earliest signs of citron harvesting were found to be in 4000 BC when excavations discovered citron seeds among other food stores and harvesting tools.

Other signs of the citron history include a Jewish coin from 136 BC which depicts a citron-like fruit on one side, a reference made by a Chinese writer in 300AD and records of the fruit being imported into Greece from Persia were it was then cultivated and enjoyed by the privileged in 200 BC.

Today citron citrus trees are found in regions around the world which have steady year-round temperatures with little chance of sudden frost or cold nights. Citrons are used quite often in cooking in places such as Guatemala, Indonesia, India and Porto Rico.

Citron citrus trees require sufficient aeration and need proper and consistent pruning to produce adequate fruit. They will also need regular fertilization, room to produce a large roots and a monitored watering system.

One of the easiest and most natural ways to accomplish this is to eat well and supplement our daily diet with immune boosting products like grapefruit extract. This healthy herbal remedy is produced by grinding the pulp and seeds of grapefruit into a usable form for ingesting either as a liquid or capsule. Grapefruit extract is very bitter and is not meant to be used as a beverage.

Most of the diseases our body encounters are caused by a poor PH environment that allows bacteria and viruses to take hold and flourish. If we can create a more alkaline environment inside our system, we can have a head start on keeping these nasty bugs under control. Grapefruit seed extract helps to maintain this chemical balance and create a healthy immune system.

In addition to this ph balancing, grapefruit extract has many additional benefits. If you have been considering starting a grapefruit extract regimen, here is a list of its 5 most common health benefits.

1. It is very high in antioxidants which can help control the free radicals that are indicated in many types of cancer.

2. It can be very helpful in the treatment of acne and scars.

3. Due to its alkaline boosting properties, it can be very beneficial in the treatment of yeast infections as well as other fungal infections such as thrush and athletes foot.

4. The fantastic immune boosting properties make it a great help in increases one’s ability to fight off the common cold and seasonal flu.

5. The pH balancing properties make it an excellent choice for treating digestive upsets such as nausea, diarrhea and indigestion.

Very small amounts of grapefruit extract taken daily can provide long lasting health benefits. Another positive thing that should be mentioned is that there are no known side effects.

It is available at most health food stores and often in the natural herbal supplement section of your pharmacy.

The premise here is that grapefruit, unlike any other fruit contains a supposedly proven ingredient which leads to rapid weight loss and boosted metabolism. The problem is, the weight loss is primarily body fluids, and as soon as the dieter returns to their regular eating patterns, the weight will return as well.

When compared to other diet plans, the grapefruit weight loss diet is based on the same approach as many high protein/ low carb diets. The main rule being to enjoy only lean proteins while avoiding empty carbohydrates and simple sugars. These dietary practices will of course lead to weight loss, but in truth will have the same effects whether the dieter is eating large quantities of grapefruit or not.

If you are considering trying the grapefruit weight loss diet, here is what you can expect as far as meal plans;

Breakfast:
A serving of egg white substitutes

A couple slices of turkey or chicken bacon (products with reduced sodium are ideal)

Half of a large, fresh grapefruit and a tall glass of grapefruit juice or milk

Lunch:

A large salad of mixed greens with a little olive oil based dressing

A single serving of grilled chicken breast or turkey cutlet

Half of a large grapefruit and again, a tall glass of grapefruit juice.

Dinner:

A large serving of lean meat, fish or poultry.

A garden salad with dressing and one half of a large grapefruit.

To drink you can enjoy a glass of grapefruit juice and a half pint of light beer.

Bedtime snack:

A tall glass of milk

And half of a whole grain piece of toast.

Other grapefruit weight loss diet suggestions include:

• Drinking as much water as possible, preferable more than 8 glasses a day

• Kick the soda habit and choose black tea, grapefruit juice or other citrus drinks

• Exercise and physical activity for thirty minutes, three times a week

• Only consume unsweetened grapefruit juice

• Avoid adding sugar to your grapefruit halves

• And finally, all dieters should consult their family doctor before committing to this or any other dietary plan.

Whether you use the juice for an effective and safe repellent or the lemon zest as a natural deodorizer, you will soon find yourself plucking fruit from your tree a lot more often.

Here are 7 ways to get the most from your lemon zest, juice and peel.

All purpose cleaner

Begin by mixing equal parts lemon juice and water. Warm the mixture for a few minutes in the microwave and leave to cool. Once your mixture is back to room temperature, pour it into a spray bottle and use to clean any of your household surfaces. This all natural lemon cleaner is great on windows, floors, kitchen counters and even bathroom tiles! And best of all, it’s completely safe for children and pets!

Ant deterrent

Spraying Lemon juice in an area where ants seem to gather will act as a deterrent and can help to prevent reoccurring invasions!

Refrigerator deodorizer

A small container of lemon zest placed inside the fridge will help to absorb and eliminate unpleasant food odors!

Microwave miracle

Do you scrub for hours to remove tough cooked-on food from the tray and walls of your microwave? Try microwaving some slices of fruit from your tree first. The evaporated juice will help to soften harden food and you will be able to wipe the interior clean in half the time!

Toilet bowl deodorizer

To give your toilet bowl a clean, but pleasant smell add a small amount of lemon juice to the bowl water after using your preferred bowl cleaner. The juice will help to lift the chemical smells which heavier strength cleaners leave behind!

Laundry uses

Adding lemon juice to your wash can help to remove grass stains and can also help to give clothes a fresh, energizing scent!

Hand scrub

Cooking is enjoyable, but the smell left on hands isn’t. To remove the lingering scent of garlic, fish or onions from your hands rub them with a small amount of lemon zest and rinse! This is an old wives tip that really works!

From orange chocolate cheesecake to candied chocolate orange peel, the opportunities for creating chocolate orange delights are only limited by your imagination. To get your creative cooking juices flowing, here are two really tasty ways to satisfy any chocolate orange craving.

Chocolate Orange Cocoa

Everyone loves a hot cup of steaming cocoa after some time out in the cold and snow! Next time make it an extra special treat with this recipe for chocolate orange cocoa. This recipe makes a mixture that you can keep for some time in an airtight jar ready to add to some hot water whenever the mood strikes you!

3 Tbsp. Coffee whitener
1 Tbsp. Orange drink crystals
2 Tbsp. Sugar
2 Tbsp. Powdered hot chocolate

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight jar. To make orange chocolate cocoa, add 2 Tbsp. of the mixture to 8 ounces of boiling water. Add a scoop of whipped cream and grate a bit of orange zest on top.

Chocolate Orange Truffles

With holidays just around the corner, these confectionery delights are sure to become a family favorite. They also make a wonderful gift for teachers, friends and co workers when packaged in a festive gift tin or cookie box.

3 Tbsp. Whipping cream
4 Tbsp. Butter
4 squares semi sweet chocolate grated or finely chopped
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 Tsp. Orange zest

Bring butter and cream to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Stir until smooth. Pour into small loaf pan and chill for about two hours.

Once chilled remove dough from fridge and shape into one inch balls. Return balls to fridge for about half an hour. Meanwhile melt 4 ounces of semi sweet chocolate in the top of a double boiler with one Tbsp. vegetable oil. Dip balls in melted chocolate and chill again on waxed paper. Store in fridge.

Here are five helpful and handy citrus oil remedies:

Acid Reflux: In recent studies, citrus oil and juice has been shown to alleviate a great deal of the discomfort associated with acid reflux. It is believed that the acids in the citrus remedies counteract the body’s own acidity and as a result decreases the amount of reflux and calm any burning sensations.

Fatigue: Citrus oil can have an extremely rejuvenating and energizing effect when used as aromatherapy. When essential oils are added to warm bath water, anyone can take advantage of this and can successfully decrease the symptoms associated with fatigue, sleep deprivation or low energy.

Hair Growth: When combined with other essential oils such as cedar wood, rosemary and lavender, citrus oil is said to rejuvenate damaged hair follicles and increase the amount of new hair growth. Though this remedy is not scientifically proven, studies done recently in Scotland showed a 44% increase in hair growth for all participants!

Common Cold: Though citrus oils may be too strong for these remedies, lemon juice has often been used to cure the common every day cold. Whether added to tea, steeped with whiskey or used in humidifier mists, citrus juice and oils are known worldwide to alleviate many cold symptoms such as congestion, chest cough and sore, scratchy throats.

Bacteria and Germs: Need an all-natural antibacterial hand soap to help combat bacteria and seasonal germs? Consider using citrus oils and juices. When rubbed on hands, lemon and lime oils can help to kill any bacteria that regular soap leaves behind. This is the perfect remedy for anyone who finds themselves working in germ-infested conditions such as school classrooms, public washrooms or even pet care!

2. Blood Lime: Similar to the lime trees mentioned above the blood lime is also found in Australia. This rare fruit has reddish flesh and is believed to be a hybrid of the native finger lime and Ellendale mandarin. Planted mostly as an ornamental tree, this species is only suitable for experienced citrus growers.

3. Calamondin Lime: Sometimes called a musk lime, these lime trees are found mostly in China and the Philippines. Used to prepare many delicacies, this sweet and watery fruit is common in many chutney recipes as well as cranberry sauces, marmalade and papaya juices. Those who use this fruit for culinary purposes often stew the rind and add it to meat and poultry dishes.

4. Key Lime trees: Commonly referred to as “the bartender’s lime” this is quite possibly the most popular and easily assessable type of lime. These small and ornamental lime trees are grown in areas of Mexico, the Florida Keys and West Indies. This tree is unique from other citrus baring plants because the fruit can range in color from yellow to bright green regardless of the time of year. Yellow key limes are common and can be easily mistaken for a lemon.

5. Limetta: Where the Limetta originates from is not known for sure. However, most cultivating experts agree that these lime trees are more than likely a hybrid of the Mexican Lime and a sweet Lemon which was grown originally in India.

6. Mandarin Lime: The history behind the Mandarin Lime is an interesting one. Found in Tahiti in 1813, these sweet but sometimes bitter fruit were presented to the Queens and Kings of England and France by explorers. Though these lime trees are only cultivated by a handful of commercial companies, they can be found growing wild on the Caroline Islands.