The term “mandarin” refers to Citrus reticulate, sometimes called “kid-glove oranges,” and is characterized by deep orange skin with easy peeling and separation of sections.
Mandarin is the group name given to several classes of small oranges that includes mandarins, satsumas, clementines and tangerines which all belong to the species Citrus reticulata and the satsuma mandarin Citrus unshiu.
Usage and potential
Food
A good source of vitamins and minerals, the fruit is often consumed fresh. It can also be canned in syrup or made into juice. The fruit and rind are used to flavour cakes, pastries, gelatines, puddings, chewing gum, bakery products, and tea. Mandarin oil is used to flavour carbonated beverages.
Medicine
Essential oil obtained by cold compression of the peel is used in aromatherapy and traditional medicine for the treatment of insomnia, as well as skin and digestive problems. Different varieties of the fruit and parts of the plant, such as the seeds, roots, leaves and flowers, are used in Chinese, Malay and Indian traditional medicine. Petitgrain mandarin oil is obtained from distilling leaves, twigs and unripe fruits of the plant. The fruit, being high in Vitamin C, is considered good for the immune system. It is supposed to help combat phlegm and keep colds at bay. Some varieties of the fruit contain a decongestant called synephrine.
SUMMARY
Mandarins are small, easy-to-peel members of the Citrus genus. They are a separate species from oranges. There are many kinds and hybrids of mandarins, including tangerines and clementines.
Nutritional profile
Mandarins boast an impressive nutritional profile.
One medium mandarin (88 grams) packs the following nutrients:
Calories: 47
Carbs: 12 grams
Protein: 0.7 grams
Fat: 0.3 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 26% of the Daily Value (DV)
Magnesium: 2.5% of the DV
Potassium: 3% of the DV
Copper: 4% of the DV
Iron: nearly 1% of the DV
This potent little fruit delivers over a quarter of the DV for vitamin C, which is important for skin health, wound healing, and proper immune function
Benefits
Like most citrus fruits, mandarins are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds. Consuming them regularly may provide many health benefits.
What’s more, they’re easy to pack as a snack, toss into smoothies, or peel into salads or gelatin desserts.
Rich in antioxidants
Mandarins are rich in health-boosting plant compounds like flavonoids.
Flavonoids are readily found in foods. They’re a type of antioxidant that helps defend your body against an imbalance of free radicals, which could otherwise lead to oxidation. Oxidation can promote aging and the onset of diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Another way that flavonoids may help protect against cancer is by suppressing genes that support cancer growth and inactivating cancer-promoting compounds
Powers your immune system
Given their high content of vitamin C, mandarins may strengthen your immune system.