Description
The clementine features a bright, easy-to-peel skin and seedless, sweet-tart flesh, perfect for snacking, salads, or adding a citrusy touch to dishes. Available in our Local Farm Shop in Bellaghy, Mid Ulster Area.
🍊 Clementines are small, sweet citrus fruits that are beloved for their convenience and flavor. Here’s a juicy breakdown:
🌱 Origins & History
- Hybrid of mandarin orange and sweet orange
- First cultivated in Algeria in the late 19th century by Father Clément Rodier, a French missionary—hence the name “clementine”
- Introduced to the U.S. in the early 1900s and now widely grown in Spain, Morocco, and California
🍊 Appearance & Taste
- Bright orange skin with a smooth, glossy texture
- Typically seedless and easy to peel, making them perfect for snacking
- Flavor is sweet and juicy, with less acidity than regular oranges
🧃 Nutrition Highlights
- Rich in vitamin C (boosts immunity and skin health)
- Contains dietary fiber, folate, and antioxidants like beta carotene and hesperidin
- Low in calories—about 35 calories per fruit
🧠 Fun Facts
- Sometimes called “zipper oranges” because of their peelability
- Popular in winter and often associated with Christmas traditions
- Clementine trees can produce fruit for up to 50 years
🥗 Culinary Uses
- Eaten fresh, added to salads, desserts, or used in smoothies
- Zest and juice are great for marinades and dressings