Region of Origin
Commodity:
Mandarin Oranges
Description & Origin
Mandarins are a class of small oranges from Asia with thin, loose, easy-to-peel skin that includes tangerines and satsumas. They are often somewhat squat, rather than perfectly round like an orange. As the fruit matures, the peel pulls away from the flesh, leaving segments that cleanly pull away from the skin. Mandarins are all sweet, but each variety has it’s own distinct flavor characteristics, ...
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Mandarin oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, as well as vitamin A and folic acid. Like all citrus fruits, they contain flavonoids with antioxidant effects.
Our Varieties
Mandarin Orange Clementine
AKA: Algerian Tangerine
Description
Clementines are a mandarin hybrid first developed in Algeria, although some evidence suggests it may be Chinese in origin. They quickly became the dominant variety of the Mediterranean, particularly Morocco and Spain. The clementine was introduced to the US in the early 1900s, but did not see commercial success until the 1980s and 1990s. Clementines are grown as an early season mandarin in California. They are small with a glossy, very easy-to-peel skin and are known for their bright, sweet flavor. Most cultivars grown commercially are seedless, but they can have some seeds.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Many common brands that are commonly referred to as “clementines” actually use a variety of mandarin types that ripen at different points through the winter season, including clementines but also w. mucotts and tangos. Clementines are one of the US’s most popular snacks.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Mandarin Orange W. Murcott
AKA: Afourer
Description
An improved version of the Murcott (aka honey) mandarin, the W. Murcott was developed in Morocco and shared with the University of California in the 1980s. The W. Murcott is a late season mandarin with bright color, excellent flavor, loose skin, and less seediness than the Murcott. The original W. Murcott is seeded, although there are some cultivars that have been irradiated and are seedless.
Variety Tips & Tricks
W. Murcotts are excellent for juicing, as their seediness can make them less appealing for eating out of hand. Their delicious juice can be used in drinks, desserts, dressings, and marinades.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Mandarin Orange Orri
AKA: Jaffa Orri
Description
Orri mandarins were developed in Israel and are sold under the label Jaffa. They are known for their excellent color, balanced flavor, and ability to withstand long journeys by sea. They are a delicious, juicy mandarin with the added benefit of a long shelf life. Orri’s juicy, seedless segments offer the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Orri mandarins are an excellent all-purpose mandarin. Their balanced flavor makes them particularly well suited to juicing.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Mandarin Orange Satsuma
AKA: Unshu Mikan (Japan)
Example Cultivars
Owari
Description
Satsuma mandarins are native to China and have been grown extensively in Japan for hundreds of years. They are one of the most common and popular citrus fruits found in Japan. They were first brought to the US from Japan in the 1800s and have since become one of the most popular mandarin varieties here during their short domestic season. They are one of the first mandarins to ripen during the fall citrus season in California. They are typically of medium size with a squat shape. They are known for their vivid orange skin, deeply colored segments, and exceptional flavor. Satsumas are virtually seedless and have extremely tender segments.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Satsumas are an exceptional mandarin that can be used in any application. Their excellent color and flavor make them a favorite for processing. They are often shipped with leaves on, making for a particularly attractive appearance.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Mandarin Orange Tango
Description
Tango mandarins were originally developed at the University of California by irradiating budwood of a W. Murcott mandarin, a variety from Morocco. Tangoes maintain the best traits form the W. Murcott mandarin (including deep orange color, easy-to-peel skin, and good flavor), but with added benefit of seedlessness. A late-season mandarin extending the season into late winter, they are exceptionally sweet and full-bodied in flavor with a pleasant tang.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Tangoes are completely seedless, making them an excellent choice for children. Many major mandarin labels including Cuties™ and Haloes™ utilize tango mandarins when they are in season.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Mandarins are most commonly eaten out of hand as a snack or juiced, but have also become staples ingredients in several Asian-American dishes such as mandarin orange chicken and ramen salad with mandarin. They are a common addition to fruit salads, spinach salads, and grain-based salads. Their pulp or juice can be used in cakes, tarts, gelatins, or sorbets. Segments can be dipped in chocolate. In China and Japan, mandarins are often candied. Mandarin peels are also dried and use as aromatic flavorings when cooking meats like beef or chicken.
Flavor Pairings
Spinach, Lemon, Strawberry, Pomegranate, Cranberry, Ginger, Scallion, Red Cabbage, Avocado, Mint, Rosemary, Almond, Pistachio, Walnut, Honey, Chicken, Beef, Fish
How to Prepare
Mandarin should be washed before use. They can be peeled or left whole, as desired. Some varieties have seeds so be cautious when consuming.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Whole mandarins should be stored at room temperature. Once peeled, segments should be stored refrigerated and used as soon as possible.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Mandarin peels can be candied or dried for use in additional dishes.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
40-44°F
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
40-54°F
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
85-90%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes – Very low
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes – Medium
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Do not store with ethylene producing items
Quality Assessment
Mandarins should have good color, aroma, and juiciness. The size and shape should be relatively uniform within the case. They should be free from pitting, decay, or excessive scarring. The stem end should be free of dryness, which can indicate excessive time in storage.
Important Handling
Mandarins are very delicate, thin-skinned citrus fruits and should be handled with care. Do not toss or drop cartons. Ensure good air ventilation in the storage area to prevent moisture build-up.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, mandarins may last up to 2-6 weeks.
