We're rolling out the orange carpet for our first-ever Citrus Fest, January 15-17 and 22-24

Oh, the doldrums and darkness of January… what better time is there to enjoy sunshine fruits? From the pith to the peel, citrus fruits – grapefruits, oranges, limes, lemons and beyond – offer powerful flavor and boast some pretty amazing health and mood benefits.  Folate, free radical-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and more pack a healthy punch in every bite or sip – these can improve skin’s elasticity, heart health, even the ability of the body to absorb calcium for healthy bones. Even just the scent of citrus can boost energy and lift your mood.

Fresh-squeezed juices, recipes utilizing citrus both sweet and savory, delicious demos, brand-new products – we even have special citrus Cooking School classes. Visit the Cooking School page for information on how to register.

Austin, North Lamar: Lemon vs. Lime with Vance Ely & Cindy Haenel, Sun., Jan. 17, 11 AM – 1:30 PM, $50
It's the battle for the best citrus recipes as Cindy serves up lemon dishes and Vance dishes out lime recipes. Cindy's lemon menu: Grilled Shrimp over Orzo Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette; Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Lemon Tarragon Aioli; and Luscious Lemon Curd Tartlets. Vance's lime menu: Shrimp Ceviche; Dr. Pepper Marinated Pork with Lime Salsa; Tostada Bites; and Lime Soda Cake.

Dallas: Learn at Lunch: Sensational Citrus with Michelle Rodarte, Fri., Jan 15, 12 noon - 1 PM, $25. Spend an hour exploring a variety of bright citrus flavors. Prepare a filling lobster, avocado and grapefruit salad; learn how to roast game hens in a Citrus Clove Glaze (yum!); discover a Mandarin Semifreddo with Bitter Chocolate as a delightful close. One hour, three recipes and plenty of zing for a Friday afternoon.

Fort Worth: The Essence of Citrus with Chef Sam Gonzales, Wed., Jan. 20, 6:30 – 9 PM, $55
From the tiniest kumquat to the mighty pomelo, citrus fruits add zest to our foods and flavor to our meals. Celebrate these versatile fruits in these refreshing recipes: Fresh Greens with Three Citrus Vinaigrette; Pork Tenderloin with Apricot-Orange Glaze; Steamed Rice with Lime-Jalapeno Sauce; Roasted Broccolini with Lemon Garlic Bath; and Grapefruit Cheesecake.

Plano: Learn @ Lunch: Citrus Asian Style with Dean Liesenfelt, Fri., Jan. 15, NOON – 1:00 PM, $20
Pick up time saving tips for these tangy Asian classics in our one hour, lunchtime class. The menu includes: New York Strip Tataki with Citrus Ponzu over Buckwheat Noodles; Thai Chicken Lime & Coconut Soup; and Sesame Orange Beef with Steamed Rice.

Plano: Learn @ Lunch: Citrus for Breakfast with Dean Liesenfelt, Fri., Jan. 22, NOON – 1:00 PM, $15
Wake up to these delicious and nutritious breakfast items. In our fast-paced, lunch-time class, you’ll learn to make: Central Market Freshly Baked Bagels with Homemade Orange Marmalade; Grilled Grapefruit with Agave Nectar; and Turkey-Egg  Hash with Kumquat-Dried Cranberry Relish.

San Antonio: Learn @ Lunch: Tangerine Dreams with Mary Martini, Thu., Jan. 14, NOON – 1:00 PM, $25
It’s citrus season and we want to share some unique recipes utilizing this sweet and tart sunshine fruit. Menu includes: Cranberry-Tangerine Cooler; Roasted Beets with Tangerines & Mint; Tangerine-Marinated Chicken with Couscous & Tangerine Relish; and Tangerine Curd Tarts.

San Antonio: Learn @ Lunch: Celebrate Citrus with Steve Wegner, Thu., Jan. 21, NOON – 1:00 PM, $25
Citrus fruit, often called the Sunshine Fruit, will brighten up any meal. Awaken your taste buds with: Grapefruit & Hazelnut Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette; Honey Glazed, Roasted Chicken with Kumquats & Tangerines; Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Browned Butter; and Gingerbread Cake with Blood Orange Custard.

Southlake: Learn @ Lunch: Celebrate Citrus, Fri., Jan. 22, NOON – 1:00 PM, $20
Citrus fruit, often called the Sunshine Fruit, will brighten up any meal. Awaken your taste buds with: Grapefruit & Hazelnut Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette; Honey Glazed, Roasted Chicken with Kumquats & Tangerines; and Gingerbread Cake with Blood Orange Custard.

So grab your main squeeze and head to Central Market this January – we’re celebrating citrus by putting it into the LIMElight!