Citrus Clementina/A clementine (Citrus × clementina) is a tangor, a citrus fruit hybrid between a willow leaf mandarin orange (C. × deliciosa) and a sweet orange (C. × sinensis), named for its late 19th-century discoverer. The exterior is a deep orange color with a smooth, glossy appearance. Clementines can be separated into 7 to 14 segments. Similar to tangerines, they tend to be easy to peel. They are typically juicy and sweet, with less acid than oranges.[rx] Their oils, like other citrus fruits, contain mostly limonene as well as myrcene, linalool, α-pinene, and many complex aromatics.[rx]
Clementine Quick Facts
Name: Clementine
Scientific Name: Citrus Clementina
Colors Deep orange
Shapes Spherical to elliptic, 2 3/8 inches diameter
Taste Sweet
Calories 35 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients Vitamin C (40.11%)
Carbohydrate (6.84%)
Vitamin B1 (5.33%)
Vitamin B9 (4.50%)
Vitamin B6 (4.31%)
Health benefits The high content of Vitamin C, Helps to lose weight, Skin health, Bone health, Digestive health
Clementine is one of the varieties of Citrus reticulate (Mandarin orange) which was named in 1902. It is a hybrid of sweet orange and sweet orange. It has deep orange skin with a glossy and smooth appearance. Clementine contains seven to fourteen segments inside the skin. It is very easy to peel and they are mostly seedless. Due to this reason, sometimes it is called seedless tangerines. Occasionally it is known as Algerian tangerine. Usually, they are sweet and juicy having less acid in comparison to oranges. The oil contains limonene, linalool, myrcene, α-pinene, and various complex aromatics. Usually, Clementine is seedless. The fruit is deeper orange having a rounded shape. It has loose skin which makes it easy to peel. It provides a juicy, sweet taste with a spicy aroma. The plant does well in warmer locations of lower foothills between 400 and 800 feet. It possesses small and narrow leaves that resemble willow leaf mandarins.
Types
Seedless clementine, unpeeled and peeled
Seedless – exists in North Africa. Seedless versions of the clementine are known as the common type (seedless or practically seedless). Common Clementines are very similar to the Monreal type; the two types are virtually identical in terms of tree specifics. The seedless Clementine tree is self-incompatible; which is why the fruit has so few or no seeds. In order to be pollinated, it needs to be cross-pollinated.[rx]
Monreal – exists in North Africa. The Monreal clementine can self-pollinate and has seeds. Monreal clementines are on average larger than the seedless variety, have a more abundant bloom, and are sweeter.[rx]
Varieties
Spanish clementine, possibly the Fina cultivar
Algerian, the original Rodier cultivar.[rx]
Fina, a Spanish cultivar originally grown on a bitter orange rootstock that gave it superb flavor, but due to disease vulnerability is now grown on a broader range of rootstocks, affecting the flavor profile.[rx]
Clemenules or Nules – A popular, seedless, easy-to-peel clementine with a very pleasing sweet flavor. A mutation of the Fina variety, Nules is the most widely planted clementine in Spain, where it matures from mid-November to mid to late-January. Also widely planted in California, where it matures from October to December.[rx] It produces seedless fruit that is larger than the Fina, but less sweet.[rx]
Clementine del Golfo di Taranto, a (practically) seedless Italian cultivar given Protected geographical indication (PGI) status by the European Union, was produced around the Gulf of Taranto. They have a sweet flavor and an intense aroma.[rx]
Clementine di Calabria, another Italian PGI variety, grown in the Calabria region.[rx]
Facts of Clementine
Name Clementine
Scientific Name Citrus Clementina
Common/English Name Mandarin orange
Name in Other Languages Chinese: A er ji li ya ju (阿尔及利亚橘), Li pi ju, Ke li meng ju (克利檬橙), Ke li mai ding hong ju (克力迈丁红橘);
English: Algerian, Loose rind mandarin, Clementine mandarin, Mandarin orange;
Finnish: Klementiini;
French: Clémentinier, Clémentine;
Italian: Clementina, Mandarancio, Clementino, Mandarancia;
Japanese: Kuremenchin (クレメンチン), Kurementin (ク レメンティン), Kurementinna mandarin (ク レメンティンマンダリン);
Nepalese: Suntala;
Spanish: Clementina;
Swedish: Klementin;
Vietnamese: Quít tiếu, Quất vỏ rời;
Plant Growth Habit Broadleaf evergreen
Soil Well-drained
Leaves Ovate to lanceolate, 1 ½ inches long
Flowering Season Seasonal
Flower White, showy, fragrant
Fruit shape & size Spherical to elliptic, 2 3/8 inches diameter
Fruit color Deep orange
Fruit peel Deep orange to red
Fruit Taste Sweet
Major Nutritions Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 36.1 mg (40.11%)
Carbohydrate 8.89 g (6.84%)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.064 mg (5.33%)
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 18 µg (4.50%)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.056 mg (4.31%)
Copper, Cu 0.032 mg (3.56%)
Total dietary Fiber 1.3 g (3.42%)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.471 mg (2.94%)
Potassium, K 131 mg (2.79%)
Phosphorus, P 16 mg (2.29%)
Calories in 1 fruit (74 gm) 35 Kcal.
Clementine Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Citrus clementina
Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Superdivision Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass Rosidae
Order Sapindales
Family Rutaceae (Rue family)
It was introduced in 1914 to California though it was cultivated as early as 1909 at Citrus Research Center at the University of California. Clementine is usually cultivated in Algeria, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Israel, Italy, Turkey, and Lebanon. The market was recently created because the harsh 1997 winter devastated the production of domestic oranges in Florida that increase price and lowered availability.
Clementine provides ample amounts of Vitamin C that assist in fortification of the immune system and eliminate a host of infections as well as fatal diseases. It is a great source of antioxidants such as linalool, limonene, terpineol, pinene, and myrcene which fight with harmful effects of free radicals. It provides favorable effects on the circulatory system and heart health. The potassium content assists in normalizing irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrhythmia and lowers the chances of stroke. Moreover, this fruit is widely known for its ability to prevent cancer. The presence of bioactive molecules such as quercetin and limonoids helps to prevent the chances of cancer. Besides this, Clementine is useful to maintain digestive health. It promotes nutrition absorption of the body and lowers digestive problems such as constipation.
History
According to the sources, Clementine existed due to accidental hybridization. It was discovered by Brother Clement Rodier in the garden of his orphanage in Algeria, Misserghin. It is believed to be originated much earlier in China. A source considers it nearly identical to Canton mandarin which is grown widely in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces in China. Clementine is not easy to differentiate from mandarin oranges varieties. It should not be confused with Satsuma or honey-sweet orange and other popular varieties.
Nutritional value of Clementines, raw
Serving Size:1 fruit, 74 g
Calories 35 Kcal. Calories from Fat 0.99 Kcal.
Proximity Amount % DV
Water 64.07 g N/D
Energy 35 Kcal N/D
Energy 147 kJ N/D
Protein 0.63 g 1.26%
Total Fat (lipid) 0.11 g 0.31%
Ash 0.3 g N/D
Carbohydrate 8.89 g 6.84%
Total dietary Fiber 1.3 g 3.42%
Total Sugars 6.79 g N/D
Sucrose 4.41 g N/D
Glucose (dextrose) 1.18 g N/D
Fructose 1.21 g N/D
Minerals Amount % DV
Calcium, Ca 22 mg 2.20%
Iron, Fe 0.1 mg 1.25%
Magnesium, Mg 7 mg 1.67%
Phosphorus, P 16 mg 2.29%
Potassium, K 131 mg 2.79%
Sodium, Na 1 mg 0.07%
Zinc, Zn 0.04 mg 0.36%
Copper, Cu 0.032 mg 3.56%
Manganese, Mn 0.017 mg 0.74%
Selenium, Se 0.1 µg 0.18%
Vitamins Amount % DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.064 mg 5.33%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.022 mg 1.69%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.471 mg 2.94%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.112 mg 2.24%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.056 mg 4.31%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 18 µg 4.50%
Folate, food 18 µg N/D
Folate, DEF 18 µg N/D
Choline 10.4 mg 1.89%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 36.1 mg 40.11%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Betaine 0.1 mg N/D
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.15 mg 1.00%
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Health benefits of Clementine
Clementine provides relief from digestive problems, strengthen the immune system, better cardiovascular health, and balance electrolytes in the body. It is enriched with nutrients that assist to build strong bones and support the relaxation and contraction of muscles. The presence of bioactive molecules provides anti-cancer properties which contribute to proper brain function. Clementine has a high content of phosphorus and calcium. It contains essential minerals which help to strengthen bones and influence the contraction of muscles. The high content of folate promotes brain function and prevents the commencement of stress and depression. In pregnant women, a diet rich in folate helps to prevent the chances of birth defects in infants.
The high content of Vitamin C
Clementine is a great source of Vitamin C which should be taken externally because the body could not produce it. The daily intake of Clementine provides vitamin C to the body by preventing the chances of various ailments such as hardening of arteries and high blood pressure. Moreover, it helps to promote the immune system and counteract cardiovascular problems. It makes the immune system strong so that body would be able to counteract viruses which are the cause of fatal diseases and promotes a disease-resistant body. An antioxidant found in the fruit protects the body from harmful bodies and assist to release energy during the metabolism process.
Helps to lose weight
Clementine discards extra pounds as it possesses low content of calories and fats. In addition, being succulent, it makes the stomach full and assists to lower excessive weight. Vitamin C in Clementine helps to burn fat as well as calories. Add this acid fruit to the diet to maintain the fat level and obtain a slim and fit body with a normal waist. Obesity results in various health problems such as arthritis, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and others. With the regular consumption of Clementines, one could lose those extra pounds.
Skin health
Clementine is beneficial for skin health due to the high presence of Vitamin C. The studies show that Vitamin C plays a major role in collagen formation which is a structural component essential for maintaining healthy skin. Clementine possesses antioxidant properties which prevent skin damage caused by UV rays. It assists in the revitalization of aging skin. In addition, it lowers the formation of wrinkles, maintains skin healthy and repairs damaged skin. It lowers the appearance of wrinkles by making the skin youthful. Not only from the outside, but it also repairs damaged skin from within.
Stress reliever
Clementine possesses a deep aromatic smell that helps to provoke neurotransmitter within the brain that provides relief from stress. The secretion of substances relaxes the mind and makes it feel refreshed. The smell of the fruit provides the feeling of rejuvenation which makes the mind refreshed and makes the body calm down.
Digestive health
Being a great source of fiber, Clementine adds bulk to stool and simplifies digestion, and prevents the chances of constipation. The content of fiber supports better nutrient absorption from food by slowing down the process of digestion. In addition, the content of potassium found in Clementine helps to normalize relaxation and contraction of muscles that stimulate proper food movement as well as waste from specific routes. Fiber slows the digestion process so the body requires some time to absorb minerals and vitamins from food.
Prevent cardiovascular problems
Clementine is beneficial for heart health due to the presence of mineral potassium. A potassium-rich diet helps to normalize irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrhythmia and also supports healthy blood pressure levels with the prevention of hypertension. It also lowers the chances of fatal problems such as stroke.
Balance electrolyte
Clementine helps to balance electrolytes in the body due to the presence of potassium. Being rich in potassium, it assists to maintain natural water balance between body fluids and cells which is vital for the healthy functioning of the entire system.
Prevent cancer
Clementine helps to counteract cancer which is possible due to the presence of anti-cancer properties such as Vitamin C as well as powerful bioactive molecules such as quercetin and limonoids. It also possesses pectin which helps to protect the body from multiple cancer development. It prevents the disruption of cells caused by free radicals.
Prevent Gestational Diabetic
A pregnant mother suffers from gestational diabetes which is harmful and could threaten health and baby improvement inside the womb. For the prevention of this condition, consume Clementine at the time of pregnancy. Due to the low level of natural sugar, it is recommended for pregnant mothers to consume it.
Supports vision
Eye problems have become a common problem nowadays. Clementine has a high content of beta carotene and ascorbic acid which assist vision health. This assists in the enhancement of vision. The daily consumption of Clementine helps to prevent the chances of loss of vision. Loss of vision and other eye associated problems increase with age. It could be controlled with the consumption of this fruit. It also possesses folic acid which is essential for the body to produce RBC that prevents the chances of anemia.
Precautions
It might cause allergic reactions with mild to severe symptoms.
Allergic reactions such as mouth ulcers, atopic dermatitis, tingling sensation inside the mouth area, inner side of cheeks, and lesions on lips or tongue might be experienced.
Some people might experience swelling or itching in the throat and digestive problems such as cramps and nausea after its consumption.
People who are known to have citrus allergies should avoid it.
How to Eat
Fruits are cooked in cakes, puddings and confectionery.
Consume it plain or add it to fruit salads.
Add Clementine segments to yogurt, oatmeal, and other breakfast cereals.
It could be added to ice creams, creams, sauces, flans, and cocktails.
Prepare a juice from the pulp.
Other Facts
Sometimes it is known as Algerian tangerine.
Spain is considered to be the largest producer of Clementine in the world.
Normally they are seedless but sometimes bees cross-pollinate them with other fruits which results in them having some seeds.
References