

They don’t have much of that white pith stuff, also known known as mesocarp or albedo. Their skins are loose and almost leathery looking and they are insanely easy to peel, almost like they come pre-peeled from the inside. They’re sweet like honey, with just the tiniest bit of acid, and the flesh of the fruit itself-those pulp things are called JUICE VESICLES-is incredibly tender. Satsumas are mandarins, but they are not to be confused with clementines, oranges, or even tangerines (more on that later). They come into season in November, hit the grocery shelves just after Thanksgiving and they are the best citrus by about a mile and a half.

My family moved around a lot, but one constant at Christmastime at my parents’ house is Satsuma mandarins-in a fruit bowl in the kitchen, or in the toe of my stocking. If they feel light, they’re likely to be disappointingly dry and juiceless.Hybrids be quiet, a species is talking. If you can, try and feel how heavy the fruit are. And shops have been known to mis-label the various varieties, so you may believe you’re eating a Satsuma, when actually it’s a Clementine!Īs with most fruits, choose carefully and go for the ones that look shiny and healthy, without any bruising or discoloured skin.

To make things even more confusing, different countries use different terms for defining the fruit. It’s not easy to tell the difference between the two, although the Clementines are meant to have a slightly tighter skin.

Tangerines are a variety of Mandarin, and usually have seeds in them.Ĭlementines and Satsumas are similar to tangerines, but are cultivated to be seedless (although you’ll occasionally find seeds in them due to uninvited bees getting in on the breeding process) and are usually sweeter.Ĭlementines are traditionally from North Africa, whereas Satsumas originate from Japan. Mandarin is the collective name for all small orangey-type fruit (but not the bigger oranges). Lets first talk about mandarins and tangerines. They’re also a bright and sunny addition to the fruit bowl on dull, grey winter days (and you may find a few jumbled up with nuts and chocolate coins at the bottom of your Christmas stocking…but only if you’ve been good!)īut Is There Any Difference Between Them? They’re loaded with vitamin C, so can help prevent colds and flu at a time when our bodies have to battle hard to ward off infections. At this time of year, there are so many pleasurably calorific foods and drinks around, and these sweet fruits, which come in their own convenient and natural packaging, are one of the few Christmassy things that can be enjoyed guilt-free.Ĭlementines and Satsumas are in season just when we need them. Citrus Celebration - The Ultimate Guilt Free Snacks with Health Benefitsįor me, the deliciously tangy aroma of a Clementine or Satsuma being peeled and eaten goes hand-in-hand with the festive season.
