Clementines
Clementine Mandarins are prized for their complex flavor and perfect balance between tartness and sweetness. They are a cross between a sweet orange and a Chinese mandarin, small in size, very sweet, and usually seedless. Their exterior is deep orange with a smooth glossy skin, and they are an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber.
Availability:
Domestic – Mid-October through January from California; Imports – Mid-October through June from Morocco, Israel, Spain, and Mid-May through October from Chile, Peru, Uruguay, South Africa.
Shipping Points:
Domestic – Central and Southern California; Imports – California, Texas, Philadelphia.
Murcotts
W. Murcott Mandarins have a flattened appearance and a very smooth, deep-orange, thin skin that is easy to peel. They are very nutrient dense. The fruit is juicy with a rich sweet flavor, and generally have few seeds.
Availability:
Domestic – Mid-January through May from California, Morocco, Spain, Israel; Imports – August through October from Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Australia, South Africa.
Shipping Points:
Domestic – Central and Southern California; Imports – California, Texas, Philadelphia
Satsumas
Satsuma Mandarins have a pebbly textured skin, and known for their easy peeling and segmentation. It is a favorite during the holiday season as it is the first mandarin variety of the season available from the Western groves. Satsumas are full of juice and virtually seedless. They can be perfectly round or have a necked appearance.
Availability:
Domestic – Mid-October through mid-January from Central California; Imports – April through May from Peru.
Shipping Points:
Domestic – Central California; Imports – Philadelphia.
Minneolas
Minneola Tangelos are a cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine. Minneolas are very unique in flavor, full of juice, deep orange in color, few in seeds, and very easy to peel. They are round in shape with a neck at the stem end.
Availability:
Domestic – Mid-February to April from Central California, mid-December through March from Southern California and Arizona; Imports – Mid-July through October from South Africa, Uruguay, Peru, Australia.
Shipping Points:
Domestic – Central/Southern California and Arizona; Imports – California and Texas
