Mandarin orange

species of plant

The Mandarin orange, also known as the mandarin or mandarine (both lower-case), is a small citrus tree (Citrus reticulata) with fruit that looks like other oranges. Mandarin oranges are usually eaten plain or in fruit salads. The mandarin is tender, and is damaged easily by cold. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas.

Mandarin orange
Scientific classification
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C. reticulata
Binomial name
Citrus reticulata
Mandarin orange seeds

Mandarin oranges contain many nutrients but is highest in vitamin C and calcium. A medium mandarin contains approximately 22 grams of vitamin C and 31 grams of calcium.

The mandarin is easily peeled with the fingers, and can be easily split into even segments without squirting juice. This makes it more convenient to eat, as utensils are not required to peel or cut the fruit. Mandarin segments are also sold in cans.

During Chinese New Year, Mandarin oranges and tangerines are considered traditional symbols of good fortune. During the two-week celebration, they are frequently displayed as decoration and presented as gifts to friends, relatives, and business partners.

Production volume

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Milgam hwachae, a Korean fruit dish made with mandarin oranges and honey
Tangerines, mandarins, clementines
Top ten producers in 2007 (1000 tonnes)
  People's Republic of China 15,185
  Spain 1,974
  Brazil 1,206
  Japan 1,066
  Morocco 1,042
  South Korea 778
  Egypt 748
  Turkey 744
  Iran 702
  Thailand 670
  Pakistan 640
All other 4,156
World total 27,869
Source:
UN Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
, [1] Archived 2016-10-16 at the Wayback Machine

References

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Other websites

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