About Clementines
Clementines are a type of orange. They have been a notable fruit in Asia and Europe for centuries. During the 20th century, they increased in popularity in the United States as well. They are enjoyed as snacks or as ingredients in some foods, such as salads. According to Paramount Citrus, clementines are the most popular type of orande in the United States, due to their size and ease of consumption.
-
Identification
-
Clementines are the smallest fruit of the orange family. Unlike a regular orange, they are usually seedless, and are not used for making juice. Clementines are the easiest to peel of the oranges, and have been dubbed "zipper oranges" (Paramount Citrus). The fruit is in season from November through May. Another nickname for the clementine is "Christmas Orange," as they are often available around that popular holiday (Paramount Citrus).
History
-
Although clementines have been popular in Europe for centuries, it is believed that they originated in China. Early American settlers brought clementines with them from Europe, but the fruit was not introduced agriculturally in the United States until 1909 (according to Paramount Citrus). In Europe, they are grown primarily in Spain (they also are grown in nearby Morocco).
-
Features
-
When selecting a clementine, its smell should be distinct, and not have any foul odor . A ripe clementine is also firm in texture. Clementines can stay ripe for about a week at room temperature, or can be refrigerated for about two weeks. A clementine has a loose skin that peels easily from the edible segments within.
Function
-
Clementines are very sweet and juicy, but the peels also have several uses around the house. Clementine peels are often used in potpourri mixtures around the holidays, when the fruit is at peak season. The peels can be placed in mesh bags and stored in various drawers and crevices as a natural deodorizer. During the winter, clementine peels are useful for starting and maintaining fires, as they contain flammable oils (according to Hale Groves).
Benefits
-
Besides having several household uses, clementines offer an array of health benefits. They are heart-healthy, since they do not contain any fat and contain only about 40 calories apiece. Each clementine provides about 16 percent of one's daily fiber needs. As are all types of oranges, clementines are a good source of vitamin C: Each clementine packs in about 300 percent of one's daily need. Clementines also contain potassium, which helps keep blood pressure low and aids in muscle function, according to Paramount Citrus.
-
