15 delicious citrus recipes: Cooking ideas for lemons, limes, mandarins and grapefruit


An abundant citrus tree means it’s time to whip up some treats in the kitchen. 

Candied Citrus

Lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit can be all be transformed into a sweet snack or a pretty cake or cupcake garnish.


Meyer Lemon Ice Cream

The sweetness of Meyer lemons and cardamom spice make this ice cream an absolute winner.


Luscious Limoncello

Originating from the Amalfi and Sorrento regions of Italy, this intensely lemony aperitif makes a lovely gift for friends and family.


Coconut Panna Cotta with Citrus Salad with Passionfruit & Mint

This is a very satisfying dessert and should be enjoyed with a wee glass of late harvest riesling.


Homemade Citrus Curds

All citrus can be turned into curd, which is a delicious addition to cakes, pies and pancakes, or can be swirled in yoghurt or ice cream.


Citrus Prawn Noodle Salad

Toss herbs and garden produce into this zesty salad for a filling, plant-to-plate meal.


Pickled Lemons or Limes

Preserved citrus can be added to marinades, stews and Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes.


Lemony Leeks and Thyme

A zesty side dish to serve with dinner.


Monday Morning Cooking Club’s Lemon Syrup Cake

This moist lemon cake is a crowd favourite at any morning or afternoon tea.


The best marmalade ever

Marmalade is easy to make if you get organised in advance. This is a great recipe which produces a wonderful, bright yellow marmalade.


Lemon Meringue Cake

A cake on a grand scale that tastes as good as it looks. Make it from scratch or buy the best sponge cake, meringues and lemon curd you can and proceed to assembly.

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Kiri’s Lemon Tart

An easy lemon tart from the ladies behind the Tora Coastal Walk in the Wairarapa.


Flourless Mandarin Cake

This gluten-free syrup cake is made with seeds and nuts and is bursting with tangy mandarin flavour.


Easy Orange Chutney

A great way to use up excess oranges — make sure to save the peels for orange wine liqueur.


Mandarin Curd

Transform excess mandarins into a delicious curd.

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