That means when all of the Sumo Citrus is harvested for the season, it’s really gone. Thankfully, there are a few hacks to extend the season – so you can savor the flavor for weeks and even months to come.
Read on for our best tips, tricks, and recipes to help you preserve your Sumo Citrus.
How to Store Fresh Sumo Citrus
Sumo Citrus loves to be stored at cooler temperatures with good air circulation. Don’t pile them in a fruit bowl; instead, give them personal space in a single layer on a plate or platter. They’ll keep for a few days on the counter or for up to four weeks in the fridge (if you can resist the temptation for that long).
How to Zest and Juice Sumo Citrus
The easiest way to preserve Sumo Citrus is to break it down into zest and juice. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Zest It
Citrus peels are full of essential oils that are packed with flavor and aromas. You can use the zest to flavor desserts, infuse it into sugar, salt, vinegar, and spirits – or stir it in anywhere you want some extra Sumo Citrus flavor.
Give your Sumo Citrus a good wash and dry them thoroughly. Use the finest side of a box grater or a microplane zester to remove just the bright orange zest from the peel. (The white part, called the pith, is bitter.)
Alternately, use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove thin strips of the peel. Fresh zest should be used immediately, but you can also freeze it for up to three months. Or, you dehydrate it and store it in an air-tight container for up to three months (see details on how to do this below!).
Step 2: Juice It
Once you’ve removed the zest, you have two options to preserve the juice. First, you can peel each fruit, then separate the segments. Place them in a blender and process until smooth. This technique works best for smoothies.
If you want to use only the juice, slice the fruit in half and squeeze out the juice. You can use a juicer or your hands.
Use fresh juice within two days, or freeze for up to six months.
Bonus Tip: Pour your juice or fruit puree into large ice cube trays, allow to freeze, then transfer the frozen cubes to an air-tight container. This allows you to thaw and use as little or as much as you’d like.
5 Creative Ways to Keep the Season Going
1. Fruit leather for incredibly sweet snacking:
Purée Sumo Citrus segments until smooth, then pour into dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper. Smooth out the puree evenly, then dehydrate at 150 F or lower for 6-8 hours, until no longer sticky. Let cool and use scissors to slice the parchment and fruit leather together. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
2. Dehydrated slices to garnish desserts and drinks:
Thinly slice rounds of Sumo Citrus – aim for even thickness all the way across, no thicker than ¼ inch. Place in a dehydrator or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dehydrate at 150 F or lower for 6-8 hours, until crisp. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
3. Enormously delicious Sumo Citrus infusions for cooking and cocktails:
Salt and Sugar Infusions
Add the zest of 1 Sumo Citrus to 1 cup granulated sugar OR table salt. Stir to combine. Place in an airtight container and use within 3 months. The salt is delicious on grilled fish or chicken, and the sugar is tasty in coffee, tea, or desserts.
Vinegar Infusions
Use a vegetable peeler to strip off the zest of one Sumo Citrus, then add to a 16-ounce bottle of white wine, white balsamic, or apple cider vinegar. Store in a cool, dark place for one month, then strain if desired. Enjoy this bright infused vinegar in dressings and marinades. Use within one year.
Vodka/Spirits Infusions
Add the zest of 1 Sumo Citrus (make sure to avoid the bitter pith) per 16 ounces of your favorite 80-proof vodka. Add more zest, as desired, for a stronger flavor. Let sit for at least three days or up to a week, shaking the bottle gently every 1-2 days. Strain the vodka and enjoy in your favorite cocktail. This would also work for gin, rum, or tequila.
Keep This in Mind When Preserving Sumo Citrus
- Don’t try to freeze whole fruit. They’re easy to peel when fresh – not when frozen.
- Choose recipes and dishes that don’t need fresh segments. While the fruit will still taste incredibly sweet and extra juicy, it won’t have quite the same perfect texture after being frozen. However, you can blend and freeze segments for smoothies as described above.
Recipes to Keep Sumo Citrus Season Alive
These are our favorite recipes to keep the season alive a while longer:
Cocktails and Mocktails
Sumo Citrus Golden Hour Mocktail: This mocktail is not just a drink — it’s a celebration in a glass, perfect for toasting good times and new memories.
Sumo Citrus Grapefruit Mocktail: With thyme, grapefruit and lemon, along with Sumo Citrus®, you’ll love this refreshingly delicious mocktail.
Sumo Citrus Margarita: This Sumo Citrus Margarita is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a touch of mint to elevate your cocktail game.
Sumo Citrus Creamsicle Screwdriver: This cocktail is a sweet and creamy twist on the traditional screwdriver made with only vodka and orange juice.
Desserts and Treats
Sumo Citrus Vegan Cheesecake: This recipe was created for Valentine’s Day, but why restrict its goodness to one day a year? Reserve some juice and zest in the freezer to turn any night into a special occasion.
Sumo Citrus Citrus Cookies: These cookies are both rich and buttery and light and citrusy thanks to the Sumo Citrus zest and juice. (And you could freeze them to savor long past the season!)
Sumo Citrus Vegan Muffins: Delight in the fusion of fresh citrus and sweet, crunchy streusel with every bite of these scrumptious muffins!
Sumo Citrus Tart: Easy to make and absolutely delicious, the combination of the sweet and buttery crust with the tangy and zesty citrus filling creates an incredible balance of flavors.
Sumo Citrus Olive Oil Cake: Olive oil adds a rich depth of flavor, while the citrus brightens up this versatile, delicious cake.
Sumo Citrus Mango Nice Cream: This vegan dessert is made from fruit, but it has a rich creaminess. It’s not ice cream – it’s nice cream!
Savory Dishes
Sumo Citrus Mojo-Style Chicken Wings: Made with a tangy Cuban-style mojo sauce using Sumo Citrus juice, these wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Ginger Sumo Citrus Chicken Meatballs: Made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, spices, and bright Sumo Citrus citrus, these meatballs are tender, juicy and bursting with flavor.
Sumo Citrus Sesame Salad Dressing: If you’re looking for a bright and tangy salad dressing, this one is a keeper!
Sumo Citrus Vinaigrette: When your usual vinaigrette flavors are just a little too plain, this recipe packs a punch that’ll have you savoring every last drop.
Sumo Citrus Glazed Tofu: Made with simple ingredients, you can whip this meal up faster than ordering from your favorite take-out spot.