Exploring 5 Popular Mandarin Orange Varieties: A Comprehensive Guide
If you celebrate Chinese New Year, you’d probably be stocking up on mandarin oranges by now. Even if you don’t, it’s still pretty hard to miss boxes of them in supermarket aisles, such as FairPrice’s, and sitting in pairs next to the cash register in Chinese shops and restaurants.
Mandarin oranges are not only auspicious but also a sweet, healthy treat that can make you feel more virtuous after indulging in festive treats like bak kwa and pineapple tarts. But just how healthy are mandarin oranges? According to Jaclyn Reutens, a clinical and sports dietitian with Aptima Nutrition and Sports Consultants, every 100g of the citrus fruit has about 53 calories, 13g carbohydrates, and 1.8g fiber.
However, if you’re looking to boost your Vitamin C intake, you might want to consider other orange varieties like valencia and navel oranges instead. Reutens explained that to reach your recommended Vitamin C intake, you would need to consume about three mandarin oranges, as they contain only 27mg of Vitamin C compared to valencia orange’s 48mg and navel orange’s 59mg per 100g of fruit.
### Why Are They Called Mandarin Oranges?
The fruit likely got its name because it was introduced to the West by China in the early 19th century. Most of the commercial mandarin orange varieties we have today are the result of hybridizing with pomelo to create a sweeter fruit.
Mandarins are packed with nutrients such as bone-boosting calcium and potassium for maintaining blood pressure, heart rhythm, and fluid balance, similar to other orange varieties.
### How to Enjoy Mandarin Oranges
When peeling mandarins, it’s recommended to retain some of the white, fibrous threads or pith to eat, as they contain fiber, potassium, and flavonoids. To avoid any digestive issues, limit your mandarin orange intake to two or three per day and chew well when consuming the pith.
For storage, the best place for whole mandarin oranges is the refrigerator, where they can last up to two weeks. If you have an airtight container, you can extend their shelf life up to a month by placing the unpeeled oranges inside.
With numerous mandarin orange varieties to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect one. From the very juicy and tangy Red Beauty to the sweet and seedless Papagan, each variety offers a unique flavor profile and texture.
### Exploring Mandarin Orange Varieties
1. **Red Beauty**: A fragrant and juicy pomelo-like variety with thin skin and minimal pith.
2. **Papagan**: A mild-tasting orange with juicy pulp and a thinner membrane.
3. **Ponkan**: A sweet and citrusy variety with glossy, easy-to-peel skin.
4. **Lukan**: A slightly less tangy option with a smooth, easy-to-peel skin.
5. **Kinno**: A sharp-sweet variety with many seeds and a glossy skin.
So, whether you prefer a tangy kick or a sweet citrus flavor, there’s a mandarin orange variety for everyone to enjoy.
### Clementines and Tangerines
Clementines and tangerines are smaller varieties within the mandarin orange family, with clementines being sweeter, seedless, and easier to peel compared to tangerines.
Next time you reach for a mandarin orange, consider the variety that best suits your taste preferences and enjoy the delightful flavors and health benefits they offer.