Give Your Summer Cooking a Lift with South African Summer Citrus Recipes

PHILADELPHIA, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- While South Africa will continue to bask in the glow of the Soccer World Cup, a South African product similar in shape to the soccer ball kicks off its season in the U.S. this month. The first of regular shiploads of South African summer citrus (www.summercitrus.com) have reached our shores. Clementines, navel oranges and ruby grapefruit are available in supermarkets across the U.S. from now through November. For the first time, a selection of popular summer recipes has been developed featuring summer citrus from South Africa.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100706/PH31062 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100706/PH31062 )

"South African Summer Citrus is known for its nutritious and delicious flavor," said Ms. Joretha Geldenhuys, CEO of the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum (WCCPF), which represents the more than 350 growers of South African citrus bound for the U.S. "With increasing consumer demand here for our products, we want to offer South African recipes so the American consumer can experience a taste of Africa using our oranges as a main or accompanying ingredient."

The recipes include everything from starters to desserts, and incorporate the goodness of South African navel oranges throughout. Recipes, including high resolution photos, can be found at www.summercitrus.com/recipes.php and on Facebook. Included are:

• South African Sundowner Vodka Martini
• South African Sangria
• South African Bruschetta
• South African Orange & Spinach Salad
• South African Summer Salad
• Planked Halibut with Orange & Avocado Salsa
• South African Spiced Lamb Chops with Orange Bearnaise
• Bone in Breast of Chicken with Orange Salsa
• Roasted Asparagus with Orange Vinaigrette
• Summer Squash Orange Galettes with Red Pepper Coulis
• South African Orange Tart
• Orange Chocolate Mousse
• South African Orange Creme Caramel

"The traditional form of hospitality in South Africa is a braai (pronounced bry) or barbecue and many of these recipes are grill-friendly," says Geldenhuys. "The recipes' ingredients include some of the favorite flavors of all South Africans. Each offers a taste not only of the goodness of South Africa but also of the genuine friendliness of the South African people."

Start with the Sundowners or Sangria skemerkelkies, Afrikaans for cocktails, and serve with the Bruschetta while the main courses are cooked over an open fire or gas grill. "A South African braai usually offers two main courses so it is not uncommon to have lamb and steak or fish and chicken," says Geldenhuys. "The freshness of salads and vegetables round out braai meals which conclude with light, fresh and not overly sweet desserts."

Consumers who try the recipes are invited to share their stories, braai photos and personal recipes and comments on the Summer Citrus Facebook page. Do so by becoming a friend of South African Summer Citrus on Facebook at (www.facebook.com/summercitrus).

South Africa is the second largest exporter of citrus in the world and produces 60 percent of all citrus grown in the Southern Hemisphere. Other than the United States, export markets include the European Union, Far East, Middle East, Russia, and the rest of Africa.

SOURCE Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum