Cookwork Perspective: The third in our series from the Florida Department of Citrus. Nothing keeps a menu fresher than seasonal dishes. See how Florida Citrus can help keep your menu great at any time of the year.

Seasonality Reigns Supreme for Specialty Menus

Any season is the right season to update your menu. Seasonal menus allow you to showcase products and ingredients in their best light while they are readily available.

Seasonality is not the only factor in creating limited time dishes that will be a hit with guests. It is important to regularly spruce up traditional dishes to offer a fresh flair. Florida orange juice is a multifaceted ingredient that can be used to add an edge to any seasonal menu item. The subtle sweetness and acidity of citrus allow you to highlight quality and flavor without overpowering a dish.

Let’s think about winter flavors– hearty, soul-warming dishes that include flavorful stews and braises. Incorporate Florida orange juice for a portion of braising liquid to give dishes an extra tang. Try recipes like Florida Citrus and Stout Braised Beef Short Rib Croquettes or incorporate citrus into your own seasonal favorites.

Spring brings April showers and fresh greens! Give your menu a makeover with crisp greens and spring vegetables. Incorporate Florida orange juice into salad vinaigrettes and beverages; the freshness of orange juice perfectly complements the refreshment of spring. Experiment with recipes like Florida Citrus-Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad; then try your hand at an energizing, bright beverage like a Palm Beach Spritzer.

As summer heats up, guests look for cool menu items. Pair fresh berries and custard like inFlorida Orange and Raspberry Custard Tartlets. Summer should also be light and flavorful, so use seasonal items like rhubarb in drinks like the Flamingo Fizz.

Finally, autumn is filled with soothing spices. Think apple cider and butternut squash soup. Orange juice is a great was to brighten up dishes rich in cinnamon and cloves. Menu a beverage like the Tampa Bay Toddy or create your own to bring guests warmth as temperatures drop.

Florida orange juice, the next best thing to freshly squeezed, is available across all seasons. Its versatility can be used across all day parts and throughout the year. Get inspired and create your own seasonal specialty.

Recipes for FDOC

 Florida Citrus and stout based Beef Short Rib Croquettes with Florida Citrus Aioli

 Florida Citrus and Vodka–Cured Salmon with Florida Orange and Beet Vinaigrette

 Florida Citrus Cured Pork Belly with Maple-Bourbon Glaze and Florida Grapefruit Slaw

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