With the first of regular shiploads of South African summer citrus (clementines, navel oranges and Star Ruby grapefruit) now reaching US shores, the industry is for the first time rolling out a selection of recipes to promote its offer.
“South African summer citrus is known for its nutritious and delicious flavour,” said Joretha Geldenhuys, CEO of the Western Cape Citrus Forum (WCCPF), which represents the more than 350 growers of South African citrus bound for the US.
“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,” explained Ms Geldenhuys in a press release.
The recipes include a number of meal suggestions from starters to desserts, and feature high-resolution photos, which can be viewed on the industry’s website and on the Summer Citrus Facebook page.
“The traditional form of hospitality in South Africa is a braai (pronounced bry) or barbecue and many of these recipes are grill-friendly,” Ms Geldenhuys added.
“The recipes’ ingredients include some of the favourite flavours 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.”
Ms Geldenhuys said that US consumers who try the recipes are invited to share their stories, braai photos and personal recipes and comments on the Summer Citrus Facebook page.
To heighten awareness, full colour leaflets featuring some of the recipes will be made available to shoppers who taste South African citrus during in-store demos at US retailers, which will be held throughout the country this summer.
South Africa is the second largest exporter of citrus in the world and produces 60 per cent of all citrus grown in the Southern Hemisphere.
Other than the US, export markets include the European Union, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and Africa.
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