Hidden Treasures: The Sweet World of Clementines

Once a winter classic, clementines and nuts were a must-have in Santa's sack. Today, clementines are no longer exclusively available in winter. And that's a good thing. These small citrus fruits are simply delicious. They're perfect for juicing, smoothies, and, above all, as a healthy snack between meals.

What you should know about clementines

Clementines are smaller than mandarins and, in most cases, seedless. They are sweet and have a very thin but robust skin. Clementines are often treated with pesticides.

Even though clementines are peeled before eating, you should still wash them thoroughly beforehand. It's best to soak them in vinegar or baking soda water immediately after purchasing. Let the fruit soak for a while, then rinse them thoroughly under running water. This will remove any residue. Dry the clementines thoroughly and store them loosely and without pressure in a fruit bowl. If you wash the clementines beforehand, you can grab them anytime without having to worry about any pesticide residue sticking to your fingers.

The origin of clementines

The clementine is said to have originated in 1902 in the garden of an orphanage in Algeria. A monk named Clement who worked there discovered this new fruit and gave it its name. What is certain, however, is that the clementine is likely a spontaneous hybrid.

It originated from bitter orange and mandarin orange. It's possible, of course, that clementines already grew before or at the same time in other parts of the world. There's a good chance that hybrids of these citrus fruits were also cultivated in Asia. After all, the citrus fruits owe their name to the Algerian monk.

The Clementine Season

In our latitudes, clementines are very popular, especially during the cold season.

This is because there are hardly any local fruits coming onto the market anymore and clementines are a great alternative to apples and pears.

In Asia, Africa, as well as the Americas and South America, clementines grow year-round. They could therefore reach our markets year-round, but they are not as popular during the summer months. Those traveling to Asia in the summer will find an enormous selection of clementines, mandarins, and oranges of all varieties in the markets. In Asia, clementines come in a wide variety of sizes, with mini clementines, with a diameter of 3 cm, being particularly popular.

The taste of clementines

Clementines are juicy and taste wonderfully sweet. Some fruits can also have a slightly sour note. In any case, they are refreshing and conjure up a bit of summer on cold winter days.

Ingredients & Effects - Properties of Clementines

Clementines are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin strengthens your defenses, supports your immune system, and protects your cells. The provitamin A contained in these citrus fruits has a positive effect on your eyesight.

Clementines are also good for your figure. If you're craving something sweet, reach for clementines. They're sweet and banish cravings for chocolate and the like. They also keep your fructose levels steady, meaning you won't get hungry again as quickly. Clementines are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. They're a great anti-aging fruit that's good for connective tissue, cells, and the cardiovascular system.

Clementines vs. Mandarins - What's the Difference?

Clementines are usually somewhat smaller and flatter than mandarins. Clementines have a slightly lighter skin than mandarins. Clementines are also somewhat harder to peel than their relative, the mandarin orange. However, clementines are usually seedless or have few seeds.

How healthy are clementines?

Clementines are very healthy and generally well-tolerated. Of course, it's possible that someone might develop a citrus allergy, in which case, eating them is also not recommended. However, these small, sweet, and bright orange fruits are very digestible, and even their low acidity is well-tolerated.

However, if you take statin-based heart medication, you should consult your doctor about whether and how many clementines you can eat. Clementines contain furanocoumarins, which are not well-compatible with some medications. Therefore, a consultation is highly recommended.

Clementines are a great snack. They're perfect for taking to work, the gym, or school or university, as they're naturally packaged. However, make sure you always wash the peel beforehand. Otherwise, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after peeling and before eating.

Nutritional values ​​of clementines per 100 grams

Clementines are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and more. Here's a list of the benefits of these delicious, sweet citrus fruits.

100 grams of clementines contain:

46 kcal 0.7 g protein 0.3 g fat 9 g carbohydrates 86.1 g water 0 cholesterol 0.3 mg vitamin E 0.07 mg vitamin B1

15 µg folic acid 0.02 mg vitamin B2 30 mg vitamin C 0.05 mg vitamin B6 0.3 mg α-tocopherol 3 µg vitamin K 0.5 µg biotin

Special: Clementine juice

Clementine juice isn't as popular in our part of the world; in Asia, for example, you'll find a clementine juice stand on every street. This delicious juice has a lot to say about it, as it's packed with good nutrients. It also has a pleasant sweetness with a light, delicate acidity. Clementine juice is also particularly aromatic. Especially in December, clementines are available in many supermarkets for a reasonable price. For a change, buy clementines and squeeze yourself a delicious juice from these citrus fruits.

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