Sweet with a kick
Mandarins are of the most-produced fruit in the world. They are native to southeast Asia, where citrus originated 20 million years ago. This fruit, which is smaller in size than an orange, is distributed in bunches and its pulp is filled with vesicles full of aromatic juice. The skin is easily separated from the pulp, which, in addition to its aroma and good taste, makes it a highly sought fruit. There are several varieties including ‘clementines’ (highly prized because they are seedless), ‘clemenvilla’, hybrids and ‘satsumas’.
Clementines, a cross between mandarins and sweet oranges, have smooth glossy skin, and consist of very sweet, juicy, almost seedless segments.
Satsumas are considered the juiciest of the family and have a delicious balanced, yet tart, flavour.
Nutritional Benefits
Mandarins have a high content of Vitamin C, flavonoids, essential oils and antioxidants, which help prevent cancer. They provide antioxidant protection against free radicals that cause cancer. It also helps improve the immune system function.
They also contain a number of essential nutrients including high levels of Vitamin C and significant amounts of fibre, beta-carotene and folic acid.
Clementines contain vital nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a good source of essential Vitamin C and folate. They are great for skin care and may even improve brain function.
