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These sweet little juice bombs are a gift from nature, and weāre about to give them the appreciation they deserve. Read on for all the juicy deets you need to know about mandarin oranges!
So what are mandarin oranges?
Mandarin oranges are a small, loose-skinned variety of the common orange, typically sweeter and less acidic than the larger oranges.
Mandarine oranges are thought to have originated in India, but when they travelled across China where they picked up the name āmandarinā. They made their way to England and Euro-tripped it down to Italy, eventually making it to the Moroccan port of Tangier, where they garnered another name, ātangerineā.
How to Peel a Mandarin Orange Video
While peeling mandarine oranges is an easy way to enjoy them, you can cut them as you would any orange!
Mandarin Orange Varieties
Are mandarins and clementines the same thing? In short, sort of! Mandarin oranges are a smaller descendent of the common orange. Because mandarins are easily crossed with other varieties of citrus and can grow in a number of climates, many varieties of mandarins have been created…around 200! Here are the most popular varieties of mandarin oranges (learn more about types of oranges here):
- Clementines: This sweet variety is usually seedless and easy to peel, making it great for kids. Brands like āCutiesā or āSweetiesā commonly use clementines (but…fun fact! As different varieties go in and out of season, these brands will swap which kinds of mandarins they include in the packs)
- Tangerines: Though ātangerineā was originally just another word for the fruit āmandarinā, the term “tangerine” has begun to take on another meaning. What we call tangerines in the U.S. are commonly more tart and have a deeper orange/red color than the common mandarin. Varieties of tangerine include Darby and Fairchild.
- Satsuma: This is a seedless variety originating in Japan. The tree is more tolerant to cold, so youāll find these in colder climates. This variety has a thick but delicate skin, meaning itās quick to peel but bruises easily, making it great for either eating locally or canning for shipment.
Are canned mandarin oranges good for you?
Canned mandarin oranges can be a great way of getting more fruit into your diet, especially when mandarin oranges aren’t in peak season. You’ll need to make sure they’re not canned in sugar. Look for a label on the can that says “no added sugar”.
How to select mandarin oranges
Youāll find a variety of mandarins are in season from November to April. Choose fruits that are heavy for their size and unblemished.
How to store mandarin oranges
Store mandarin oranges in a cool, dark place (like the fridge). At room temperature theyāll last about 1 week. Refrigerated in a bag they should last 2 weeks to 1 month.
Mandarin Orange Recipes
Mandarin oranges can be used in place of oranges in most recipes, but they are especially great in salads and breakfast bowls! Here are my favorite mandarin orange recipes:
Mandarin Orange Nutrition Information
Mandarin oranges are loaded with nutrients! Iāll put on my nutritionist brain and break it down. (This information is per 1 large (120 g) mandarin orange).
Mandarin Orange Calories: 64
Mandarin oranges are relatively low in calories, making them a healthy snack.
Carbohydrates: 16 g
As with most fruits, mandarin oranges are mostly made up of carbs because of their natural sugars.
Fiber: 2 g
Oranges contain some fiber, and have 9% of your Daily Value (DV).
Protein: 1 g
As with most fruits, oranges are not high in protein.
Fat: 0 g
As with most fruits, mandarine oranges are fat-free.
53% Daily Value of Vitamin C
1 large mandarin orange contains over half of the vitamin C that you need in a day! This antioxidant helps maintain your immune system as well as helps to create collagen.
16% Daily Value of Vitamin A
Mandarin oranges are also a good source of Vitamin A, which is essential in many components of healthy vision, as well as immunity!
I bought 5Ib from Costco. I peeled one and it was white. I have never seen this before. Usually I purchase from Aldi. How do I know manderine is spoil and to throw out?
Strange, I haven’t seen this before! It’s probably just a lot of pith.
I love mandarin oranges in my salad. I prefer not to buy food from China. Do you know of any brands or stores that sell canned mandarin oranges that are not from China?
Hi Dave! I’m actually not sure, this is a great question! Many southern states, along with Mexican, commercially grow mandarin oranges. You could try focusing there (or your local farmer’s market). I’m guessing even just buying them fresh in the store (rather than canned) will increase your likelihood of them being local.
Lately the mandarins or cuties have had a lot of veins on the orange. Why is this happening now? I never had this problem before and it’s annoying because they get stuck on your tongue if you don’t pull all of them off before you eat them?
Hmm this is a great question, Mary! And I’m not sure on the answer. It could be the season, or perhaps a slightly different breed of mandarin?
Are these grown and/or canned in China? I prefer not to trust their prosesses or standards of cleanliness
I’m not sure, you may need to check the label for different brands š
Is sugar from Mandarin orange natural and does it count in 25 grams a day allowance.
Yes it is natural (as long as it is not canned with syrup), but this does count towards the daily allowance.
What are the strings on mandarin segments called?
That’s called the pith! š
My kids were eating some mandarins and notice on their hands what looked like glitter. I washed them and had my kids wash their hands and they were still glittery. It was even inside on the fruit. Is the normal?
So strange, I’ve never heard of that!
I purchased some today- they are light orange in color. Will these get more orange as they sit?
I don’t believe so!
I purchased a 5lb bag from Walmart. Seemed like all the bags had small mandarin oranges in them. Smaller than usual,, could this mean its not a good season for them?
It’s possible! They’re usually in season in the winter.
How do I get my mature mandarin tree to flower and set fruit , as so far it’s produced only 3 fruit and yet others the same age at my father’s house are producing heaps?
I don’t have information of the growing of mandarins – sorry about that!