If you've ever gone to the store looking for tangerines, you'll have noticed that there is a seemingly endless variety to choose from. It is a very popular fruit throughout the world, although China is the country that produces the most mandarins in the world.
It has a sweet and spicy flavor, they can be of various sizes, small or somewhat larger and slightly rounded compared to standard oranges. But they contain less sugar, when the tangerine fruit ripens the skin becomes firm or slightly soft which makes it very easy to peel.
They are generally peeled and eaten with the hands and used for salads, main menus, desserts and other recipes. The peel is also used as spices and baking ingredients.
The taste is sweeter and less acidic compared to orange juice and has many health benefits.
Although tangerines come in many shapes, sizes, colors and flavors, There is a great variety of them, but in general they are classified into three main groups: hybrids, clementines and satsumas. This article will discuss the different types of mandarin oranges, their benefits, and when they are available for harvest.
Origin and culinary history of mandarins
The origin of the word mandarin is in China, and its name comes from the mandarins, one of the largest ethnic groups in China. These fiery, sweet fruits were unknown in its history and were among the first to be exported eastward, to other parts of the world.
No wonder tangerines are China's national fruit and a symbol of happiness and long life. When the fruit finally arrived in Europe in the 19th century, true culinary knowledge about the fruit began to develop, with many different versions crossing over until a plurality of mandarins emerged.
Types of tangerines
There are several types of mandarins and each of them has certain characteristics that we are going to explore below.
Hybrids
Hybrid mandarin oranges are developed by crossing two or more mandarin varieties. to create a new fruit with unique characteristics.
Among the hybrids, the murcott or honey mandarin, the nardocott, and the the clemenvilla, the latter has an intense color, is very sweet and It is generally used to make juice. The first two are very sweet and juicy, but they have seeds.
Clementines
Clementine mandarins are the result of a natural mutation of the mandarin variety known as the Algerian mandarin. They are originally from Morocco, but they are widely cultivated in Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and the United States.
They are characterized by a distinctive orange color, their shape is wider than tall, it is very easy to peel which It makes it an excellent snack with many nutrients for any time of the day.
They are known for their sweet flavor and less acidic than other types of tangerines, making them a favorite among children and adults.
It has no seeds, so you don't have to worry and you can enjoy them without problems.
They are usually harvested in late October and early November and sold in supermarkets until February.
Satsuma
Satsuma mandarins are native to Japan and are known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor., and they have no seeds. Its juicy and tender texture.
It is the smallest of the mandarin varieties and has a sweeter flavor than the classic one. This variety has flavor notes of honey and cardamom, and its skin is smooth and shiny with a satin sheen when mature.
They are usually seedless, with a thin skin that is easily separated from the fruit. The aroma is much stronger than the other varieties. Satsuma mandarins are harvested in early fall, and are usually available from November to late January.
Benefits of mandarins
- Regardless of the variety, tangerines are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body against free radical damage.
- Therefore, enjoying tangerines is a great way to increase your nutrient intake. These fruits are full of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium.
- Vitamin C helps promote healthy bones, wound healing, bacterial obstruction, relief of inflammation and therefore reducing the risk of chronic diseases and illnesses.
- Contains vitamin E It helps improve the body's ability to stay fit for longer.
- Folic acid, magnesium and potassium They are basic nutrients to reduce the risk of heart disease, increase defenses and boost blood circulation.
- It also contains a moderate amount of vitamin A,
Therefore, 100 g of tangerine provides you with 14% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
Tangerines are also packed with fiber, which can help improve digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
In addition, Tangerines have few calories and do not contain fat or cholesterol, which makes them an ideal snack for weight control. Tangerines are also very low in calories, making them a good snack for those concerned about maintaining weight.
It is ideal to incorporate these mini-fruits into your daily diet to combat anemia naturally. since they contain a lot of iron, in addition to obtaining all the benefits mentioned above.
Experts recommend eating 5 servings of fruit a day, and tangerines are a great way to achieve that goal.
Harvest
The harvest time for mandarins depends on the variety. Clementines are usually ready for harvest in late October and November, while Satsuma mandarins are harvested in early fall.
Hybrid mandarins They can be harvested together with their mother varieties, which are usually ready for harvest in late autumn.
These citrus They are more cold hardy than oranges and require full sun, constant watering and well-drained soil. It is important to know that they ripen before other citrus fruits, so they often manage to escape the damage caused by frost. which can damage citrus fruits such as grapefruits and sweet oranges.
Generally, almost all varieties of mandarins can be grown during the winter and early spring, but sometimes it depends a little on the variety and the region.
Finally, tangerines are a delicious and nutritious fruit that comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors.
They can be classified into three main groups: hybrid mandarins, clementine mandarins and satsuma mandarins. Regardless of the variety, Tangerines are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, and They have few calories and many nutrients to delight you and take care of your health.