Mandarins
Satsuma Mandarin/Manarini
Availability
Satsuma mandarins are available from May to August.
Storage and Handling
Store at room temperature. Handle all fresh produce with care and wash before eating.
History
Mandarins originated in China. Visitors to China took the mandarin trees to Japan, the Phillipines, India, Arabia and North Africa. They were introduced to Europe through Tangiers in Morroco which explains why the Europeans began to call mandarins “tangerines”.
Facts
- Mandarins got their name as they were so highly regarded in their native China that they were named after the officials of the Imperial Court
- Mandarins are crossed with grapefruit to produce tangelos
Growing Facts
- Mandarins are picked by hand when ripe to avoid damage or bruising
- In New Zealand mandarins are grown mainly in Northland and Gisborne
Nutrition Information
Mandarins are a good source of vitamin C and a source folate and vitamin B6.
You will find the full Nutrition Information Panel on the New Zealand Food Composition Data website. This website is owned jointly by Plant & Food Research and the Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health. This website holds the most comprehensive collection of high-quality nutrient data for New Zealand foods. The Database is managed and maintained by dedicated Plant & Food Research staff.
