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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!
Im getting conflicting information regarding whether or not Mandarin have seeds. Can you please advise. Thank you.
Some do and some don’t! For instance, clementines usually do not have seeds š
When is the best time to buy mandarins and when is a terribe time. Bought some in June that were good.. Bought some in July that sucked.
Usually they’re in season in the winter, though available all year. Sounds like it could have been a different source?
I stored canned mandarin oranges in a very hot attic. Are they usable?
It’s hard to say! I would think they’d be okay?
In the Spring, I bought a mandarin or a satsuma orange tree in a pot from Loweās or HomeDepot. I transferred it to a much larger pot and put it in my screen room and then outside, still in the pot it has produced 20 oranges so far. The oranges were small but very heavy and actually broke a couple of the delicate branches. So I picked them. I now had 20 green oranges. I peeled a couple of them exposing orange flesh and so I tasted them and they were delicious! Why? Are they supposed to be picked green? Or if they could have lasted longer on the little orange tree without breaking all its delicate branches would they have been super sweet instead of mildly sweet?
I’m honestly not sure! My guess is that they would have continued to become more and more sweet!
Thanks that was informative
This is the first year our tree has fruit. I didn’t know when they would be ripe. Thank you
It’s supposed to be 30 degrees tonight. Should I pick our remaining mandarins
?
I think so!
Why is the mandarin PULP white-ish, NOT orange? Has it been frozen? Should I return it to grocer? Can I eat it safely?
White is normal, I believe!
FYI – Mandarins are the original ancestors of the common orange, not jus “a variety of orange.” Mandarines, Pomelos and Citrons are the ancestors of all of the citrus fruits, including grapefruits, lemons, and limes.
Sodium citrate is found in citrus juices; however, is sodium citrate found in fresh mandarins and oranges.
I’m not sure actually! Sorry about that.