Strawberries on the brain but I've got grapefruit in my bowl

by Jeannette Ordas of Everybody likes Sandwiches

I know that there's all kinds of bounty just waiting for me at the local markets. Rhubarb is here right now and while I've been tempted by the California strawberries, I'm still resisting the pull until our local berries are in season. The wait is murder especially when spring holds such promise.

Looking ahead is nice, but when my fruit bowl is still populated with winter citrus, I can't be feeling too wistful. I've got oranges and grapefruit lingering so I decided that I'd make a bright and juicy fruit salad to accompany some freshly baked scones for my breakfast. Wanting to punch up the flavours, I went with some fresh ginger along with lime juice and zest. I like things on the tart side, so I took it easy on the sugar, but if you like things sweeter feel free to add more.

I went the lazy route (it was early morning and I hadn't even had my cup of coffee yet) and didn't segment my citrus. But if you've had your caffeine fill and want to spend the time, go ahead and segment your fruit. It does make things a bit easier to eat as grapefruit does have hardy inner pith. CHOW has a great how-to video if you need the help.

This is a tart and satisfying fruit salad and while it probaby won't crush your cravings for the fruit that lies ahead, it does help to quell those winter fruit blahs. This salad is also delicious and much more zingy the next day.

Ginger-Laced Citrus Salad
2 large pink grapefruit, skins removed with a knife & segments diced
5 blood oranges, skins removed with a knife & segments diced
juice & zest of 1 lime
1 teaspoon of finely diced fresh ginger
1 - 3 heaping tablespoons of sugar or agave syrup (depending on your sweet tooth)

Prepare the grapefruit and orange by removing the skin, seeds and pith with a knife. Chop into bite-sized pieces and along with any juice, add to a medium-sized bowl. Add in lime zest and juice, along with the ginger and give everything a toss. Sprinkle with sugar or agave and toss again. Let sit for 15 minutes to let the flavours meld and then serve.