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Facts about mandarines

15 mandarines facts

Citrus reticulata

Mandarin orange, commonly known as mandarin or mandarine, originates from China. It owes its name to the Chinese, as China is where the clerical profession of mandarins - bureaucrat scholars of Imperial China - originated. Although they have been cultivated in China for over 3,000 years, mandarins did not arrive in Europe and North America until the 19th century. At first, they were adopted by the Italians and the British and, eventually, by Americans living in the southern states of the United States.

1
Mandarin orange is a citrus plant belonging to the family Rutaceae.

This family contains over 2070 plant species classified in 160 genera. The most common Rutaceae are Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Lemon, and Lime.

2
Mandarins are native to Asia.

They evolved in southern China, Vietnam, and Japan. Mandarins arrived in Europe in the early 19th century and reached North America a few decades later.

3
There are wide varieties of crossbreeds with other citrus fruits.

Depending on the variety, the mandarin can grow as a shrub or a tree, reaching up to 8 meters.

4
Mandarines, usually eaten raw or blended into juice, are a common addition to various dishes in oriental cuisine.

They are also used to make jams, marmalades and sauces. In addition, mandarine skin is used in the production of tinctures.

5
The energy value of mandarine is 53 kcal per 100g.

It consists of 85.6% water, 13.3% carbohydrates, 0.8% protein, and 0.3% fat.

6
It is a good source of vitamin C, with as much as 32% of the recommended daily allowance (26.7 mg) in 100 g.

It also contains a lot of vitamin B6 (6%), B1 (5%), and B9 (4%). It is also a good source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.

7
It is a rich source of soluble fiber.

Eating mandarines provides a more prolonged feeling of satiety and positively reduces "bad" cholesterol (LDL), lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke.

8
Mandarins are rich in health-promoting plant compounds such as flavonoids.

They have antioxidant effects, reducing free radicals, which accelerate aging and increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

9
Chen Pi is a sun-dried mandarine peel that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

The history of Chen Pi dates back to the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). The dried mandarine peel contains about 140 health-promoting compounds in its composition. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Chen Pi improves spleen function, reduces bloating, aids digestion and regulates the circulatory system.

10
Mandarine peel is used in the production of mandarine oil, which has a wide range of therapeutic uses.

It has a calming effect and reduces stress and anxiety. It also aids with sleeping disorders. The oil can also be obtained from the plant's leaves. Although it is primarily used in the food industry, it is also used as an addition to cosmetics and perfumes.

11
Mandarines and oranges are essential during Chinese New Year celebrations.

They are considered a symbol of prosperity and happiness. During the two-week celebration period, mandarines often appear as decorations and are given as gifts to friends, family and co-workers.

12
Clementine is a crossbreed of mandarin orange and sweet orange.

It is one of the tastiest varieties of mandarine, with a characteristic reddish color. They peel easily, and their flesh is juicy and often seedless. It was bred in the early 20th century in Africa.

13
Tangelo, also called tangerine, is a hybrid between mandarine and grapefruit.

They have a distinctive appearance, with a spear on their tip that makes the fruit resemble a military grenade. Tangerines are very juicy and distinctive in flavor, yet sweet. They are about 8 cm in diameter, and their skin is loosely connected to the flesh, making them easy to peel.

14
More than 35 million tons of mandarine fruits are produced annually worldwide.

56% of global production belongs to China, about 5% of production goes to Spain, 4% to Turkey and Morocco and 3% to Egypt.

15
Transportation and storage of mandarins are problematic because the fruit spoils quickly.

Before shipping, they are often covered with special waxes or wrapped in food wrap soaked with fungicides. It is vital to pay attention when purchasing mandarines, as those stored too long can absorb some fungicides. Therefore, it is best to choose those with BIO or ORGANIC labels. Even though thorough wash before consumption is highly recommended since the peel absorbs most chemicals.

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