What Is a Clementine?
A clementine is the smallest of the mandarin oranges, or Citrus reticulata. The fruit is a slightly flattened sphere, about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The glossy, deep orange peel is loose on the fruit, making it exceptionally easy to peel. Unlike its cousin the tangerine, the clementine has no seeds. In fact, a clementine with seeds is evidence that bees have been at work cross-pollinating the trees with other fruit. For this reason, serious efforts are made to segregate the clementine trees, keeping the fruit seedless.
The clementine was given official cultivar status in 1902. It is named for Father Clément Rodier, an Algerian monk. As the story goes, Father Clément made the serendipitous discovery of a unique hybrid in the mandarin garden of his orphanage. Many believe, however, that the clementine originated earlier, in Asia, and eventually found its way to the Mediterranean region.
The clementine was integrated into California commercial citrus agriculture around 1914. By 1925, Spain was growing clementines commercially. Today, Spain is major producer and exporter of clementines. California crops are prolific from late fall through January.
Packed snugly into their characteristic miniature wooden fruit crates, clementines are a popular sight during the winter holidays, earning them the nickname "Christmas oranges." They begin to appear in stores around the middle of November and are generally available through February.
If it is grafted onto dwarf root stock and pruned to maintain a height of about 6 feet (2 m), the clementine can be grown by the home gardener as a container plant. The clementine tree is evergreen, and the fruit are bright and attractive. If sufficient light and space are available, the potted clementine may even be brought indoors.
Because clementines are easy to peel and readily separate into about 10 to 12 sections, they are a wonderful addition to both fruit and green salads. Honey-sweet, loose skinned, and seedless, they are a favorite of adults and children alike, making them excellent lunchbox items.
Clementines are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, thiamin, and niacin. They also contain fiber and are a good natural energy boost. Clementines have almost no fat, and an average clementine has only about 35 calories.
Written by S. N. Smith
