Mandarin orange
| Mandarin orange | |
|---|---|
| File:Mandarina.jpg | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
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| Species: | C. reticulata
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| Binomial name | |
| Citrus reticulata | |
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The Mandarin orange, also known as the mandarin or mandarine (both lower-case), is a small citrus tree (Citrus reticulata) with fruit that looks like other oranges. Mandarin oranges are usually eaten plain or in fruit salads. The mandarin is tender, and is damaged easily by cold. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas.
Mandarin oranges contain many nutrients but is highest in vitamin C and calcium. A medium mandarin contains approximately 22 grams of vitamin C and 31 grams of calcium.
The mandarin is easily peeled with the fingers, and can be easily split into even segments without squirting juice. This makes it more convenient to eat, as utensils are not required to peel or cut the fruit. Mandarin segments are also sold in cans.
During Chinese New Year, Mandarin oranges and tangerines are considered traditional symbols of good fortune. During the two-week celebration, they are frequently displayed as decoration and presented as gifts to friends, relatives, and business partners.
Production volume[change]
| Tangerines, mandarins, clementines Top ten producers in 2007 (1000 tonnes) | |
|---|---|
| File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg People's Republic of China | 15,185 |
| File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain | 1,974 |
| File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil | 1,206 |
| File:Flag of Japan.svg Japan | 1,066 |
| File:Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco | 1,042 |
| File:Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea | 778 |
| File:Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt | 748 |
| File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey | 744 |
| File:Flag of Iran.svg Iran | 702 |
| File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand | 670 |
| File:Flag of Pakistan.svg Pakistan | 640 |
| All other | 4,156 |
| World total | 27,869 |
| Source: UN Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO), [1] Archived 2016-10-16 at the Wayback Machine | |
