Oranges are one of the simple pleasures of eating in Italy in February. Grown predominately in Sicily’s cradle of citrus, the fabled Conca d’Oro, both blood oranges and, er, orange oranges add a sunny burst of citrus to the often-heavy foods of winter –not to mention vitamin C!

Get a fresh spremuta d’arancia at a café and you’ll learn exactly why Sicily is still considered one of the world’s premier citrus growers.

You’ll also find an abundance of clementines and mandarins during this period, which are especially good in desserts and as gelato flavors.

Tip: Blood oranges from Sicily are widely considered among best in the world due to the very distinct microclimate of the  as well as certain qualities in the soil. When you eat one in season you experience in one of the greatest and most authentic culinary pleasures from southern Italy.