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This time of year in the UK can be bleak and grey, a time to be got through.

But I find that getting through is helped immeasurably

by the arrival of a seasonal fruit that we make too little of, a family of fruit

that raises the spirits with its smell as well as taste, and adds all kinds of zing to winter

cooking. Citrus, which right now are at their peak.

Orange and lemon-colored fruit are everywhere, the kind we take for granted,

but if you know where to look, other marvels are around like

speckled blood oranges and bright yellow powerfully scented burgomots, bitter several

oranges and all kinds of limes. They can bring swagger and freshness to drinks,

transform a stew, lift a rushed home-cooked meal, make a dessert that well sings.

But as I've been finding out they can do so much more, and they tell a remarkable

global story as you'll hear in this program. This week there's a new book out, Citrus, recipes that celebrate the sour and the sweet,

and I'll be cooking with the author shortly.

But first, joining me here in the studio is Helena Attley, who's been on a long citrus journey that resulted in the land where

lemons grow. A remarkable book that's the fruit of years of research and many adventures all over Italy.

Helena, despite the title of the book and the starring role of lemons in it, it's actually

about a lot more, isn't it?

Including that fruit that's sitting beside you with a penknife.

Indeed, Sheila, it's about much more than lemons.

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